University of the Highlands and Islands

What is an HN award?

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Higher National Awards include Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND).

Higher National courses provide both the practical skills you need to do a job and the theoretical knowledge your employer will expect you to have.

All the courses are made up of Higher National Unit credits (one credit represents roughly 40 hours of timetabled learning).

HNCs are made up of 12 credits and usually take one year to complete
HNDs are made up of 30 credits and usually take two years to complete

Higher National qualifications have been developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in partnership with colleges, universities and industry.

The University of the Highlands and Islands offers Higher National courses in a wide range of subjects, which can lead you to your dream job or take you on to study for a degree.