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Higher Education: What are HNDs?
𝐇𝐍𝐃𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮
There are many paths which can lead you to choosing to study an Higher National Diploma (HND).Maybe you've just finished school and feel university isn't right for you, or maybe you’re not ready to enter the world of work just yet? Studying an HNC/HND at Belfast Met could be the perfect path for you!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐍𝐃𝐬?
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are Level 5 qualifications that are designed for you to help you specialise in a certain career or move on into either second or third year in university.
As Level 5 qualifications (equivalent to a foundation degree) with the focus on ‘learning by doing’, these practical diplomas are highly valued by employers. It will offer you a more relaxed setting focusing on teaching you practical skills, and providing you with real-life work experience. And if in the future, you want to step on to a degree or any other higher education qualification, an HND is a great starting point.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬?HNDs will have considerably lower fees than a university, and you will also be entitled to a student loan while studying.
The best part of studying an HND is that, on completion, there will be so many options available to you. They include continuing Higher Education through a degree or a professional qualification or going into full-time work.
Although, an HND is itself a great qualification to earn, graduates who want to complete additional Higher Education can use their HND as an excellent steppingstone to progress onto a full degree programme, as they will help you gain entry into the second year of a related degree course.