Our Qualifications

Highly-regarded by employers and considered more practical than a traditional degree. Both qualifications provide a pathway into a particular career.

Higher National Certificate (HNC)

A HNC is a level 4 equivalent to the first year of a three year bachelor’s degree and usually takes one year to complete when studied full-time.

After completing your HNC, you can progress to a HND or progress to the second year of a university degree.

Higher National Diploma (HND)

A HND is a level 5 qualification which is equivalent to the first two years of a three year degree and takes two years to complete when studied full-time. You can also ‘top up’ your HNC with a HND, which reduces completion time to a year.

After completing a HND, you can complete a top up degree to achieve a bachelor’s degree.

Foundation Year or Preparatory Year

A foundation or preparatory year can be added to the start your Foundation Degree or Bachelor Degree. They are designed for potential students who have the ability to study for a degree but do not meet the requirements for direct entry into undergraduate-level programmes.

Foundation Degrees in Arts or Science (FdA/FdSc)

A Level 5 qualification equivalent to the first two years of a degree-level programme. Once you have completed your Foundation degree you can go straight into work or you can ‘top-up’ your studies to achieve a full degree.

Top Up Degrees (Hons) (Level 6)

Provides the opportunity to build on your HND or Foundation Degree and receive an Honours Degree by completing a final year of study.

Bachelor of Arts or Science Degrees with Honours (BA/BSc) (Level 6)

A Bachelor’s degree can also be known as an undergraduate, first or honours degree. They typically take three years to complete when studying full time.

Master’s Degrees (MA) (Level 7)

Ideal for graduates who want to study a particular subject in greater detail, a Master’s degree can also improve your employability

Some of our courses have been approved by Skills England (formerly the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) as HTQs against employer-developed occupational standards..

This means that the qualification has been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses, so that our students get the specific training, knowledge and skills required for their chosen career.

These qualifications are for those who are looking to become teachers (Further Education & Skills). All qualifications are available for those working in teaching (in-service) or those looking to move into teaching (pre-service).

Applicants will usually be accepted onto the Certificate of Education (CertEd) or the Professional Graduate Certificate (PGC), depending upon prior qualifications.

Students can also be considered for entry to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) which will provide 60 credits of study at Master’s Degree level.

Similarly, students meeting the entry criteria who wish to study all modules at Master’s Degree level may be able to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

There are also opportunities for students who have studied modules at Master’s Degree level to top-up to a full Master’s in Education qualification.