Foundation degrees

Foundation degree courses at South & City College are designed and delivered in partnership with universities and employers. Studying for a foundation degree usually takes 2 years full time or 3 years part time.

Our foundation degrees are level 5 vocational qualifications and provide the knowledge and skills required for the workplace. This style of learning combines a mixture of academic study and vocational study related to the industry sector you're studying. After completing a foundation degree you can progress into employment or onto the final year of a full-time honours degree.

Higher National Diploma

The Higher National Diploma (also known as the HND) is a level 5 vocational qualification awarded either by universities or by Pearson (Edexcel). Studying for a HND usually takes 2 years full time or 3 years part time.

HNDs provide both theoretical and practical knowledge in your chosen sector. Completion of the HND can lead staight to employment or help you progress onto the final year of a full-time honours degree.

Higher National Certificate

The Higher National Certificate (also known as the HNC) is a level 4 vocational qualification. It's similar to the HND in because it provides both theoretical and practical knowledge in a certain subject, but it may be a better option for part-time study.

Studying for a HNC usually takes 1 year full time or 1-1.5 years part time. Once you finish you can continue to study and top up to a Higher National Diploma at the college or an honours degree at university.

Honours degrees

An honours degree is awarded by a university. These qualifications are at level 6 on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). Studying for an honours degree usually takes 3 years full time or 4.5- 5 years part time.

A single honours degree focuses on one main subject while a combined honours focuses on two main subjects . For example, a single honours in English or a combined honours in Business and French.

Top-up qualifications

The term 'top-up' applies to studying for qualifications in separate steps. You can study for a HNC qualification and then top-up to a HND qualification followed by topping up to an honours degree.

At each stage you will be awarded a qualification that will help you move into employment or further study. By studying this way you can even take a break between qualifications before continuing.

Higher professional certificates and diplomas

As well as HNC and HND you can also study a number of professional certificates and diplomas in a range of subjects. These courses give you a professional industry-focused qualification at level 4 and above.

Further information can be found at:

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/qualifications-and-credit-frameworks