HNC qualifications

These practical courses are designed to meet the needs of employers, so with an HNC, you can be confident that you'll be ready for the workforce when you graduate

What is a Higher National Certificate (HNC)?

It is a short-term vocational course designed for students who want to gain skills and knowledge in a specific industry.

An HNC can be a good choice for:

• individuals looking to develop knowledge and practical skills for a specific industry or career
• students who want to take a break from studying before starting a degree
• those unsure about whether to go to university.

What is an HNC equivalent to?

An HNC is equivalent to the first year of a university degree or a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). It is a Level 4 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), and is typically completed within one year if studied full time, or two years part time.

This is not to be confused with a Higher National Diploma (HND). Although this similarly named qualification is also vocational, it's set at Level 5. A full-time course takes two years, or three to four years if studied part time.

To find out more, visit our guide to qualifications.

What HNC subjects are available?

Popular HNC subject fields according to HESA's Graduate Outcomes survey (2024), which collected responses from those who graduated in 2021/22, include:

• agriculture
• building
• civil engineering
• electrical and electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering.

How do I choose an HNC course?

It is important to consider your career goals and the type of job you want to have after graduating from an HNC course. HNCs vary according to the field, so make sure you research the various options.

For example, in the construction and engineering sectors, you could study:

• building services engineering
• construction management
• electrical engineering.

For instance, Salford City College offers an HNC in Construction, which provides an ideal stepping stone to a quantity surveying or building surveying degree, while London South Bank University (LSBU) has an HNC in Creative Media Production (Film), which leads to jobs in the film industry.

Each course has a different focus, so you can choose the one that best aligns with your interests and career goals.

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements for an HNC vary depending on the course and the institution. However, most HNC courses require you to have at least one A-level or Level 3 qualification.

Some HNC courses may also have additional entry requirements, such as specific GCSE grades or work experience.

For instance, the HNC in Computing at The City of Liverpool College requires applicants to hold A-levels (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as:

• computing
• digital
• information technology (IT).

They also expect candidates to have GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in English and maths.

Be sure to check with your institution to find out about the entry requirements for your particular programme.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for an HNC course, you can consider taking the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma or a foundation year.

These courses give students the skills and knowledge they need to progress to undergraduate-level study if they lack the required academic qualifications.

How are HNCs delivered and graded?

With an HNC course, you can expect to learn through a combination of:

• classroom lessons
• portfolios
• practical assignments and projects
• presentations.

To give you an idea of what's involved, the HNC in Business Management at South Lanarkshire College introduces students to the key functions of running and managing a business. You'll study a range of units from business fundamentals and emerging technologies to accounting and social media.

The business course is taught through a variety of teaching methods, including:

• case studies
• group work
• lectures
• problem-based scenarios
• projects
• virtual learning environments.

HNCs use the following grading system:

• Unclassified (U)
• Pass (P)
• Merit (M)
• Distinction (D).

Where can I study an HNC course?

HNC courses are widely available through further education (FE) or higher education (HE) colleges and universities, as well as online course providers.

To apply for an HNC programme, you must contact the institution you're interested in attending directly.

You can search for courses using the UCAS course search.

Read the course descriptions carefully to ensure that the programme you choose covers the topics you are interested in and will give you the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your career goals.

How much does an HNC cost?

The cost of an HNC varies depending on the course and the institution. However, most HNC courses in the UK cost between £4,000 and £9,535, which is the maximum amount that higher education course providers can charge in 2025/26.

To give you an idea of the cost of studying a one-year full-time course:

• Blackburn College - £8,750 for the HNC in Business.
• Bishop Burton College (University Centre) - £7,500 for the HNC in Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching Science).
• Nottingham College - £8,250 for the HNC in Computing.
• Teesside University - £4,365 for the HNC in Mechanical Engineering.
• University of Northampton - £9,535 for the HNC in Engineering.

The tuition fees for an HNC also depend on your residency status. International students can expect to pay a lot more. For instance, the engineering course at Northampton is £15,700 for those from overseas.

Am I eligible for funding?

If this is your first higher education qualification, you may be eligible for support in the form of tuition fee and maintenance loans if you are a UK resident. However, if you plan to pursue a degree after completing the HNC, this would affect your ability to borrow further.

Full-time international students with settled status in the UK may also be able to apply for a student loan.

Read more about this at GOV.UK - Student finance for undergraduates.

Get the lowdown on student loans and finance.

How do I apply for an HNC course?

Once you have found a course, you will need to complete an application form. The form will typically ask for your personal details, academic qualifications, and work experience. You may also need to write a personal statement.

After you submit your application form, the institution may contact you to arrange an interview. This is an opportunity for them to get to know you better and to assess your suitability for the course.

If your application is successful, you will be offered a place on the course. You must then accept the offer and arrange to pay any tuition fees.

Discover how to apply for college in the UK.

How can I increase my chances of getting a job?

Completing an HNC can boost your employability by demonstrating your commitment to learning and development, and a solid foundation of knowledge in your field.

The following types of work experience can also help you develop your skills and build your network, which will increase your chances of landing a job:

• internships
• placements
• volunteering.

To discover what to include in potential job applications, read about the skills employers want.

What about topping up to an HND?

You can top up your HNC to an HND, which is equivalent to two years of a university degree. This will give you a deeper understanding of your chosen field and can make you more employable in the job market.

An HNC can also make you a more attractive candidate for undergraduate courses by highlighting your professional experience.

Can I top the HNC up to a degree?

Yes. Some universities offer articulation routes, which allow students with HNCs to enter degree courses in year two or three.

This means that you can top up your HNC to a Bachelors qualification, which can lead to even more career opportunities.

Read more about applying for university and explore what you can do with your degree.

What do other HNC graduates do?

According to HESA's Graduate Outcomes survey (2024) on HNC graduates in 2021/22:

• 14% had studied building
• 13% took an electrical and electronic engineering course
• 8% graduated in agriculture.

In addition, the survey found that mechanical engineering (7%) and civil engineering (5%) were also popular choices.

Over half of HNC graduates (58%) were studying towards a first degree 15 months after graduation, with nearly a fifth (25%) engaged in further study.

In terms of the type of work HNC graduates took on in the UK:

• 31% were employed in engineering roles
• 17% found jobs in skilled trades, crafts and other vocational occupations
• 9% worked in retail.

What jobs can I get with an HNC?

The most popular professional or managerial roles held by recent HNC graduates working in the UK include:

• quantity surveyors
• engineering technicians
• civil engineers
• engineering professionals
• early education and childcare practitioners
• electrical engineers.

Find out more

• Read about other college courses.
• Get an overview of the UK's FE sector.
• Consider doing an apprenticeship.