An HND, or Higher National Diploma, is a qualification that is equivalent to the second year of a university degree. It is a Level 5 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and a Level 8 qualification on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) in Scotland.
Here is a breakdown of the levels on the RQF and SCQF:
RQF Level | SCQF Level | Qualification |
---|---|---|
Level 4 | Level 7 | Certificate of Higher Education |
Level 5 | Level 8 | Higher National Diploma (HND) |
Level 6 | Level 9 | Bachelor's Degree |
Level 7 | Level 10 | Master's Degree |
Overall, an HND is a valuable qualification that can lead to employment or further study at a higher level. It provides students with practical skills and knowledge in a specific area of study, making them highly employable in their chosen field.