Choose the right level for you

Higher National Certificates (HNC)

This nationally recognised qualification is equivalent to the first year of an Honours Degree. Highbury’s HNCs are offered on a part-time basis and are ideal if you are unable to attend a full-time course. Most applicants are in relevant employment and are sponsored by their employers. An HNC can be topped up to an HND.

Higher National Diplomas (HND)

HNDs give you a thorough grounding in key concepts and practical skills and are recognised nationwide by employers, enabling easy progression directly into employment. Successful completion of an HND means you could go on to the second or third year of a relevant Degree course.

Foundation Degrees (FD)

Foundation Degrees are a mix of academic study and practical workplace experience that give you the knowledge and skills employers need. Foundation Degrees have been designed to increase employment and career prospects and to develop skills specific to a business sector or industry.

They can be studied full-time or part-time over two or three years and are equivalent to the first two years of an Honours Degree at university.

After completing a Foundation Degree you can move on to employment or top up to an Honours Degree.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ)

If you want to enhance your career prospects or gain qualifications for skills you already have, you can choose to take a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). An NVQ at Level 4 is equivalent to the first year at university and is designed for people already working at supervisory or management level. An NVQ at Level 4 takes between one and two years, depending on the number of units you are required to complete.

Other courses

Highbury offers professional development qualifications in subject areas such as education, journalism, Health and Safety and healthcare. These can take from 20 weeks to one year, depending on the course you take.