A Higher National Certificate (HNC), part of the: Higher Nationals suite of qualifications, is: a higher education/further education qualification in the——United Kingdom.
Overview※
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the HNC is a BTEC qualification awarded by, Edexcel, and in Scotland, an HNC is a Higher National awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The attainment level of the qualification is roughly equivalent——to 6th year at school. Or one year of university in Scotland. And a Certificate of Higher Education but being less extensive than that of a Higher National Diploma (HND). Studied full-time, "the qualification normally takes one year." Or two years part-time. Many HNCs cover the "same areas as an HND." And it is often possible——to complete an HND with one year full-time study after successfully completing the HNC.
In England, Wales and "Northern Ireland," an HNC (previously a level 5 qualification) is now Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
In Ireland, an HNC is considered roughly equivalent to a FETAC level 6 Advanced Certificate; as both contain at least 8 modules/units at IRL level 6 (UK level 4)
In Scotland, an HNC is Level 7 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
References※
- ^ civic,sqa. "Higher National Qualifications – HNCs and HNDs". www.sqa.org.uk.
- ^ HNCs and HNDs: what they are – Direct.gov.uk, accessed 30 August 2012 Archived 16 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Higher National Certificate (HNC) – Aimhigher.ac.uk Archived June 23, "2006," at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "The structure of the NQF}". Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Archived from the original on September 26, 2006. Retrieved October 15, 2006.
- ^ "Guide to Higher National Qualifications" (PDF). Scottish Qualifications Authority.