The UK provides a comprehensive choice of work-related qualifications in a wide variety of occupational categories, and at several different levels. These range from first qualifications for school-leavers to more advanced qualifications such as Undergraduate diplomas.

There are numerous vocational qualifications available in the UK for student's aged 16 or over who wish to follow courses of instruction and training in work related subjects. These qualifications are graded according to the NVQ (National Vocational
Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) system. There are several qualifications of a similar standard at each level.

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) are qualifications that offer a very wide choice of subjects, relevant to many different sectors of employment. They are aimed at people, who wish to work as technicians, managers and supervisors. Both qualifications are N/SVQ level 4. The Higher National Certificate (HNC) is normally studied full-time for one year or part-time for two years.

The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a qualification approximately equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor's degree.

HND can be studied full-time, part-time, or as a sandwich course with a work placement for up to three years. Some courses run so that students can graduate with an HND after two years, or elect to continue for a third year to obtain a Bachelor's degree (BSc or equivalent). Students with an HND qualification can also apply for entrance directly onto the second or third year of degree programmes in the same subject at different institutions, although some institutions will only accept HNDs as entry qualifications onto the first year of a degree programme.

Entry Requirements:

		Entrance requirements for career-based courses depend on the level of study.
		You may also be required to produce evidence of work experience in a relevant area, e.g. a portfolio of drawing for an art and design course.

Course Fee:

The course tuition fees for these courses vary from £3300 to £5000 per year.