HND is the acronym for Higher National Diploma. Like a bachelor’s degree, it is a higher education qualification that is obtainable in many countries. It was introduced in England and Wales in 1920, and since then, other countries like Argentina, Malta, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya have adopted it. Generally, the grade boundaries for this certificate vary according to the institution’s requirements.
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In Nigeria, HND typically takes about two years. Although, it can take longer if the student decides to take the part-time route. It is also a continuation of the OND (Ordinary National Diploma), also called the National Diploma. These programs are offered by polytechnics. The National Board for Technical Education is the regulatory body for polytechnics and other technical institutions.
A HND certificate is equal to two years of a Bachelor’s degree. Therefore, those seeking to further their HND into a Bachelor’s degree, have to study for 2 years at a university to achieve it.
It is possible to move to the UK as an HND holder. All that matters is that you meet the requirements and are eligible. You can either get a job or further your studies in the UK as an HND holder too, as long as you are qualified and meet the outlined specifications.
Yes, as an international student who wants to pursue a master’s degree abroad, you can pursue a master’s degree in the UK with your HND certificate.
However, it depends on the following factors:
Generally, universities in the UK require a minimum of 2:2 UK Honors degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area for admission to a master’s program. However, some consider HND holders for master’s programs if they have:
Moreover, there are also scholarship opportunities for students who desire to go abroad to study.
Here are some of the universities in the UK that may consider HND for Masters programs:
Here is a list of UK universities that accept HND Certificates and third-class master’s degrees.
The University of South Wales is notable for its research work and is one of the best in the UK and the world at large. Additionally, the university is known for accepting HND holders and 3rd class degrees for international students looking to gain their master’s at the school.
Furthermore, the school has campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Wrexham. It also has some of the best facilities, such as gymnasiums, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
The university offers courses like:
School website: www.southwales.ac.uk
Swansea University is one of the best universities in Wales. The university is known for having a high population of international students, giving it the name “the students’ choice”.
Additionally, the school has a wide range of programs that students can choose from and also receives international students from Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone for admission into its Master’s programs every year.
School website: www.swansea.ac.uk
This London-based university is a world-class school that accepts international students from all parts of the world and gives them a chance to network with various experts from all walks of life and fields.
Additionally, the university is known for accepting applicants with third-class degrees from a recognized university. However, the applicants must meet the following criteria:
Note that you can also apply for a master’s with either your HND or third-class degree.
School website: www.londonmet.ac.uk
Robert Gordon University is known as the School for All as it has strong ties with West African nations like Nigeria and Ghana. That is a major reason why a large number of its students are Africans.
Additionally, for students looking to apply to this university, the application process is quite straightforward.
School website: www.rgu.ac.uk
At the University College of Birmingham, you are sure to get admission into their master’s program with just a third-class degree. However, you are only allowed a few selected lists of master’s programs to choose from when you have a third-class degree certificate. These programs are listed under the Masters in Business Program.
Edinburgh Napier University is located in the capital city of Scotland and was founded in 1964. Graduates from this prestigious university have gone on to become world-beaters and inventors in their various fields. The university is known for having a great atmosphere on campus.
Additionally, the free university offers master’s programs in Business Studies, Engineering, Marketing, and so on.
The requirement for entry is:
School website: www.napier.ac.uk
The University of Bradford is one of the best universities in the UK that accepts HND Certificates and 3rd Class for their Master’s program. They also offer a Global Development Scholarship that aims to help international students gain scholarships for free studies.
Additionally, the scholarship scheme has little or no requirements as it aims to alleviate poverty and provide quality education. Hence, it has no care for the class of degree. Therefore, anyone can apply for it.
You can reach out to the university via their site, and once you’re eligible, you can apply with your HND Certificates and 3rd class.
School website: www.bradford.ac.uk
The University of Kent provides an easy process for getting a quality education. Hence, it is easy to study. Meaning that it has no long process for application and about a 90% probability of meeting the requirements if you’re serious.
Note that international students can apply for their Master’s program at the University of Kent with their third-class degree, HND certificate, or pass.
School website: www.kent.ac.uk
The University of Plymouth is one of the best institutions in the UK that accepts HND Certificates and 3rd Class for Masters.
Founded in 1992, the university has seen substantial growth and played a part in the education of international students globally.
The school’s official website: www.plymouth.ac.uk
Here are some universities in Scotland that may consider HND and Third Class degrees for admission to a Master’s degree program:
There are schools in the UK that accept HND holders just the same way they would accept a student with a bachelor’s degree. In these institutions, they often examine standardized tests like the GMAT/GRE with your IELTS/TOEFL before the student can be considered for admission. If a student has excellent scores in these exams and also has relevant work experience, then there is a good chance that they will be considered for admission.
Having a good grade will increase your chances of studying abroad, although the schools in the UK that accept students with an HND certificate often consider standardized test scores like the GMAT or GRE along with your IELTS or TOEFL. If you plan on pursuing your master’s abroad with your HND certificate, you will first need to evaluate your transcripts. Additionally, you will also send your transcripts to the World Evaluation Sеrvісеѕ (WES) through your school. The three sorts of assessments include:
This entails a course-by-course qualification assessment. The report recognizes each of the certificates submitted and provides an equivalent for each record. It includes a demonstration of the portrayal of times of learning, courses, credit hours, evaluations, and degrees in the general education system as far as the instructional framework in the UK is concerned. Additionally, it should be noted that schools in the UK use minimum credits and an evaluation point average, or GPA, оn a 4.0 ѕсаlе.
This assessment involves the assessment of the lists of educational institutions and educational сrеdеntіаls obtained in a foreign country through the Dосumеnt Credential Evaluation Report. Note that some universities in the UK accept this evaluation exercise.
This assessment is mostly used for migration purposes, and it is for those who want to apply for visas into the UK.
Below is a list of the necessary documents required to apply for a master’s degree in the UK
As an HND holder, there are various tips you can harness to increase your chances when you want to get a scholarship to further your studies in the UK. Some of them include:
Whether you are a degree holder or an HND certificate holder, you mustn’t just stop there. Take short specialized courses and get certifications. It aids your personal growth and broadens your knowledge. Doing this communicates dedication and commitment to your field and gives you an edge.
The scholarship committee considers the applicant’s work experience, so applicants should gain the necessary work experience either through internships, volunteer roles, or other means. It gives you practical experience in your field.
The importance of networking cannot be overemphasized. Attending career fairs, webinars, and conferences can aid networking as you get to meet other like-minded individuals and get recommendations from them.
Research: Participating in research projects can demonstrate dedication to your chosen field of study, and it gives you an edge when you apply for a scholarship.
An excellent application goes a long way in determining whether or not you are going to get the scholarship. When applying for post-graduate programs, having an excellent application that properly outlines your strengths, experiences, and achievements so far gives you an advantage during the application process.
Do you desire to start a career in STEM? The first thing is to pursue a degree in STEM. Wondering how to go about pursuing a postgraduate degree in STEM courses abroad? We can guide you through your journey and make your dreams come true. Reach out to us at EdXtra to access opportunities that will help you on your journey.
Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you, as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consulting services for international students to help make their journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.
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This post was last modified on September 4, 2023 12:33 pm