Are HND's worth it? Are they REALLY a full Degree?

Hi,

I've been applying for some Business HND's.

I've been told that it's a 2 year course + a 1 year optional top up to a full degree.

Is this true or is it just a crappy equivalent or a lower level?

Hi,

I've been applying for some Business HND's.

I've been told that it's a 2 year course + a 1 year optional top up to a full degree.

Is this true or is it just a crappy equivalent or a lower level?

That's great guys, thanks for the replies. Really happy that it's a proper degree with the optional year.

I shall be doing it this September if all goes well

An HND is VERY much worth doing. Employers like it because they know its full of solid practical training and its graduates hit the ground running. They are certainly NOT the equivalent of a Foundation degree. Conversion from HND to degree is a very common route and again is attractive to employers. A degree via this route is worth the same, if not more, than any other degree.

So, no, they aren't seen as 'second best'. If you aren't sure if 'further studies' is for you, or don't have the obvious entry requirements for a straight degree, an HND is a VERY good option.

could you explain some of the differences?

A foundation degree is below the standard of a bachelors degree a HND is the first 2 years of a bachelors degree.

An HND is designed as an essentially non-academic vocational training and is a well-established and highly reputable stand-alone qualification in its own right. They are not designed as part of a degree program although the HND plus final degree year(s) is a highly credible route to a degree.

Foundation degrees are usually designed for people who (for whatever reason) lack the correct admissions requirement for the full degree. They are designed as a way of getting those applicants up to speed so they can then transfer to the 2nd or 3rd year and is more common in more practical subjects such as sciences, art & design, performing arts. Although it is, technically, a 'stand alone' qualification, its pretty useless without the extension as it will be regarded by many as simply a half-completed degree program.

PS. Foundation 'courses' are not the same as Foundation 'degrees'. The 'courses' are. pseudo A level courses for international students, or other 'way below degree standard' candidates but at a University, and usually regarded as on a par with Access courses.