Careers start here.

Your Study Options

  • 10 reasons to study a HND
  • hnc hnd header slider 02
  • hnc hnd header slider 03

Higher National Certificate & Diploma

HNCs and HNDs focus on 'learning  by doing' and give skills that you can use in a particular job. They are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.

HNCs take one year to complete and HNDs take two years to complete.

• Flexibility of one or two years
• Only £6185 per year – lower cost than university
• The qualification provides students with a clear line-of-sight to employment and to progression to a degree

HNC/D FAQs

What is a Higher National Certificate/Diploma?

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a Level 4 vocational qualification that takes one year to complete full-time, or two years part-time. They're practical-based courses that can prepare you for either work after completion or studies at degree level.

A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 5 vocational qualification that takes two years to complete full-time, or three to four years if you study part-time. HNDs are practical-based courses, ideal for those wanting to enter the workforce or study towards a bachelor’s degree.

What is an HNC and HND equivalent to?

An HNC is equivalent to the first year at university. You can generally enter a bachelor’s degree at year 2 once you complete an HNC. 

An HND is equivalent to two years at university, meaning you can enter a bachelor’s degree at year 3 upon completion.

How much do these courses cost?

£5995 for HNCs

£5995 for HNDs (£4995 if you have already completed the HNC course elsewhere).

You may access a student loan for the fees and maintenance.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover your fees and maintenance. This loan is available from the Government via Student Finance England. The Student Finance England website has full details and you can use their calculator to see what help you may be entitled to.

If you have any questions our Admissions Advisers are on hand to offer financial advice and guidance. Please email: or call 01279 868100

What are the benefits of an HNC/HND?

10 reasons why you should study a Higher National Diploma

Both are practical-based qualifications, which is perfect if you want to head straight into work. You’ll learn the skills needed to move into your chosen career and may even get to work with local employers. They are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. 

Studying an HNC or HND is also a good option if you don’t feel ready for a bachelor’s degree once you finish your school sixth form or college course. They let you study at a manageable pace and when you’re ready to switch to a bachelor’s degree, you’ll already have the foundations of the degree in place.

Both an HNC and HND also allow for career progression. You might undertake an HNC or HND related to a field of work you already have experience in to gain more professional status. 

HNCs and HNDs cost significantly less than university fees. 

Studying an HNC or HND at your local college also means you don’t have to leave family and friends if that’s not for you, unlike university where you may end up hundreds of miles away. Both HNCs and HNDs are great alternatives to university.

Read our Access and Participation Statement here

Aeronautical Engineering for England HNC Level 4

Launch your career in the aerospace industry with our HNC Aeronautical Engineering for England. This Level 4 Higher Technical Qualification is designed to equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge needed for roles such as Aircraft Flight Control Technician, Aeronautical Systems Engineer and Aerospace Engineer.

You'll gain a strong foundation in both practical and theoretical aspects of aeronautical engineering, focusing on real-world applications and industry-relevant skills. Key modules include Aircraft Aerodynamics, Aircraft Electrical Power and Distribution Systems and Airframe Mechanical Systems, alongside core engineering principles like mathematics, materials and project work.

Learning is delivered in our modern engineering workshops and labs at Stansted Airport College, supported by expert tutors with extensive industry experience. The course is ideal for those looking to enter the aerospace sector or progress to further study, such as a Level 5 HND or a degree in engineering.

Whether you're starting your career or upskilling for advancement, this course offers a direct route into the high-tech, high-demand world of aeronautical engineering.

Aeronautical Engineering for England HND Level 5

Advance your engineering career with our HND in Aeronautical Engineering – a higher technical qualification equivalent to the second year of university. Building on the foundations of the HNC, this course dives deeper into key aeronautical topics such as Avionic Systems and Aircraft Flight Control Systems, while continuing to strengthen your maths and analytical skills.

Delivered through hands-on learning in our modern workshop and labs at Stansted Airport College, you'll be supported by expert tutors with real-world aerospace industry experience. This practical, career-focused course is designed to prepare you for roles within the high-demand aerospace sector or to progress to further study, including a full degree in engineering.

Whether you're starting out or looking to upskill, the HND Aeronautical Engineering course offers a clear path into a high-tech, fast-growing field. Prepare for take-off with a qualification that opens doors.

Computing for England (Cyber Security) HNC Level 4

Develop the specialist skills you need for a career in cyber security with our HNC Computing for England – Cyber Security course. This Level 4 Higher Technical Qualification focuses on building the practical and theoretical knowledge essential for roles in areas such as network security, ethical hacking and data protection. You’ll gain hands-on experience and real-world understanding to help protect organisations and individuals from digital threats.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore a range of core computing modules, including programming, networking, and professional practice, alongside a specialist cyber security unit that deepens your expertise.

Learning takes place in our purpose-built computing labs, supported by expert tutors with extensive experience in the computing and cyber security sectors.

Whether you’re aiming for an entry-level role in IT or cyber security, or planning to progress to an HND or degree-level qualification, this course offers the ideal foundation for a successful and rewarding career in this fast-growing field.

Computing for England (Cyber Security) HND Level 5

The Higher Nation Diploma in Computing for England (Cyber Security) is a two-year qualification building on the knowledge gained in the Level 4 HNC, deepening your understanding and preparing you for advanced study or a professional career in the computing and cyber security sectors.

Equivalent to the second year of a university degree, the HND explores more specialised and applied areas of cyber security. You’ll study key topics such as Applied Cryptography in the Cloud, Digital Forensics and Information Security Management, developing both your technical expertise and your ability to apply it in real-world contexts.

Learning takes place in our purpose-built computing labs, where you’ll have access to industry-standard software and equipment. You’ll be supported by experienced tutors who bring extensive knowledge from across the computing and cyber security industries, helping you build the confidence and practical skills needed for a successful career.

Whether you plan to move straight into employment within the IT and cyber security sector or continue to a Bachelor’s degree (BSc Hons), this qualification provides a strong platform for your next step.

Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor) HNC Level 4

Take the next step in your construction career with our Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction Management (Site Supervisor) - a nationally recognised Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) designed to help you develop the specialist skills and knowledge needed to manage people, processes and projects on site.

This course provides a strong balance of theoretical understanding and hands on experience, giving you the confidence to plan, monitor and deliver construction work safely, efficiently and to a high standard. You’ll explore key areas such as health, safety and welfare on construction sites, construction technology, surveying, measuring and setting out and finance management, all essential to the effective supervision of modern construction projects.

Taught by industry-experienced tutors, you’ll gain valuable insight into the latest methods and standards shaping today’s construction industry.

Whether you’re already working in the sector or looking to progress into management, the HNC provides a solid foundation for roles such as Site Supervisor or Assistant Site Manager, and can also lead to further study at HND or degree level.

Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor) HND Level 5

Build on your HNC and take your construction career to the next level with our Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction Management (Site Supervisor). Designed to deepen your knowledge and skills, this Level 5 Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) is equivalent to the second year of a university degree.

You’ll study advanced topics such as Construction Technology for Complex Building Projects, Project Management, and Maintenance & Operations, while also developing a strong understanding of the major impact that new digital technologies have on the construction environment. This ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate effectively in a modern, technology-driven industry.

This HND opens the door to a variety of rewarding careers in construction, including Site Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Building Surveyor, Site Engineer, and Health & Safety Manager.

Whether your goal is to move straight into employment or progress to a Bachelor’s degree (BSc Hons), the HND provides a strong foundation for your next step.

Counselling and Applied Psychology HNC Level 4

If you're passionate about supporting others and understanding human behaviour, the Level 4 HNC in Counselling and Applied Psychology is your gateway to a meaningful career in roles like mental health coach, trainee counsellor or wellbeing advisor.

This two-year course provides a solid introduction to counselling and psychology, helping you develop core professional and personal skills through a blend of academic learning and real-world experience. You'll explore key topics such as Developing Empathic Communication, Digital Approaches in Caring Professions, and Self-Awareness and Reflective Practice, all designed to deepen your understanding of the field and prepare you for future study or employment.

A key part of the course is a 100-hour work placement, giving you the opportunity to apply theory to practice, gain hands-on experience, and grow in confidence in a professional setting. You'll also build valuable transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and reflective thinking - highly sought after in both the workplace and further education.

Whether you're continuing to Level 5 or stepping into a career that makes a difference, this course equips you with the knowledge, behaviours and experience needed to succeed.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England HNC Level 4

Take the next step in your engineering career with our Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering – a nationally recognised Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) designed to help you develop specialist skills and knowledge in areas such as Engineering Maths, Design, and Automation, Robotic and Programmable Logic Controllers. This course prepares you for more advanced study at Level 5 HND or progression into employment.

Through real-world projects and practical learning, you'll build both technical expertise and essential transferable skills including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Ideal for those starting out or advancing in the field, this qualification opens pathways to roles such as Engineering Technician, Integration and Test Technician, and Project Manager, equipping you for success in today’s engineering industry.

Taught by industry-experienced tutors, you’ll gain valuable insight into the latest methods and standards shaping today’s Engineering industry.

Leadership and Management for England HNC Level 4

Take the first step toward a successful management career with our HNC Level 4 in Leadership and Management. Designed to build a strong foundation in business, this Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) introduces key functions such as human resources, marketing, operations and finance.

Through a blend of research, guided study, and real-world simulations, you’ll develop essential leadership skills, workplace competence, and the professional behaviours employers demand. Topics include the management of human resources, marketing processes and planning and core accounting principles equipping you with both subject-specific and transferable skills.

Whether you're aiming to become a Marketing Manager, Operations Manage or HR Consultant, this course prepares you for roles that require decision-making, responsibility, and initiative.

By the end of the course, you'll have a well-rounded understanding of leadership and management, ready for direct entry into employment or progression to the Level 5 HND.

Leadership and Management for England HND Level 5

Take your leadership skills to the next level with the HND Level 5 in Leadership and Management, a two-year higher technical qualification equivalent to the second year of university. Building on the foundations laid in the HNC, this course dives deeper into strategic and operational aspects of business management.

Explore specialist topics such as Business Strategy, Managing and Leading Change and Developing Teams and Individuals, all designed to prepare you for dynamic leadership roles. You’ll develop the knowledge, behaviours and decision-making skills ensuring your learning directly connects with what employers are looking for.

This qualification is ideal for those aiming for influential roles such as Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Divisional Manager, Department Manager, or Specialist Manager or looking to ‘top up’ their HND to a degree. Through applied learning and practical development, you'll gain the tools and confidence to take on increased responsibility and drive business success.

Marketing Management for England - HNC Level 4

The HNC in Marketing Management is a career-focused Higher Technical Qualification designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to thrive in today’s dynamic marketing environment.

This course equips you with the tools to plan and deliver high-performing marketing campaigns across digital, offline, and social media platforms. You’ll gain insight into how modern marketing operations function, and explore the key challenges and opportunities in today’s competitive landscape.

Through a blend of practical learning and strategic thinking, you'll study core topics such as Product, Content and Multi-channels, Marketing Strategy and Planning, and Managing Marketing and Digital Communications. This knowledge will empower you to create, manage, and optimise effective marketing channels that deliver real business impact.

Upon successful completion, you’ll be well-prepared to launch or advance your career in roles such as a Marketing Executive, Marketing & Communications Officer or Digital Marketing Executive

Whether you're starting out or upskilling, this HNC provides the foundation for success in the fast-moving world of marketing.

Expression of Interest – Higher Education Courses (HNC/Ds)

Please fill out the form below and a team member will contact you soon.

First Name(*)
Please let us know your name.

Last Name(*)
Invalid Input

Email(*)
Invalid Input

Mobile(*)
Invalid Input

Which course are you interested in?(*)
Invalid Input

*You can select more than one course

Date of Birth(*)
/ / Invalid Input

captcha(*)
captcha RefreshInvalid Input