Higher Education
Higher National Certificates
If you want to go on to higher education and gain a recognised qualification to do a specific job, a BTEC HNC or HND could be for you. HNCs and HNDs focus on 'learning by doing' and can lead into a new career, or help you progress in your current line of work.
HNCs (Higher National Certificates) and HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) are work-related (vocational) higher education qualifications. While bachelors degrees tend to focus on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are designed to give you the skills to put that knowledge to effective use in a particular job.
They are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.
HNCs and HNDs are provided by over 400 universities and further education colleges. HNCs can take one year to complete full time and two years part time (or in other situations such as distance learning). HNDs take two years full time and can also be taken part time (which takes longer).
Diploma
The Diploma qualification offers 14 to 19 year olds practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom learning. It’s designed to help young people develop the knowledge and skills employers and universities want. Diplomas in fourteen subject areas are currently available in selected schools and colleges.
The Diploma is a qualification for 14 to 19 year-olds, offering them a more practical, hands-on way of gaining the essential skills employers and universities look for. It’s aimed at increasing the choices available to young people and encouraging them to stay in education for longer.
Diplomas combine academic learning with practical, hands-on skills
Designed in partnership with employers and universities, the Diploma can lead on to further study - or to work.
The Diploma involves practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom learning. It’s a combination aimed at encouraging students to develop work-relevant skills - along with their abilities in English, maths and ICT - in a creative and enjoyable way.
Another option for those over 16 is the Progression Diploma (also a level 3 qualification). This will suit students who don’t want to do a whole Diploma.
Foundation and Higher Diploma students can continue with education or take their new skills into a job that offers further training. Those who choose to stay in education can move on to the next level of Diploma, or take a different type of qualification - such as GCSEs, A levels or an Apprenticeship.
Advanced Diplomas can lead either to university or into a career.
Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Award/Certificate/Diploma
The BTEC National is a level 3 course.
The 360 guided learning hours (GLH) (usually six units) provides a qualification which is equivalent to one A level.
The BTEC National Award offers a specialist qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment within the appropriate vocational sector
BTEC National Certificate provides a specialist work related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector.
The BTEC National Certificate offers flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the specialist units. It is broadly equivalent to two GCEs or the full award AVCE.
BTEC Diploma
The BTEC National Diploma extends the specialist work related focus available from the BTEC Certificate. There is potential for the qualification to prepare learners for employment in the appropriate vocational sector and is suitable for those who have decided that they wish to enter a particular area of work.
The Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels.
