A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is made up of ten modules and is worth 150 credits at first- and second-year undergraduate level. It is taught on a part-time basis over two years. Students are required to successfully complete all ten units in order to achieve the award. Students may take additional units to top-up to a Higher National Diploma. HNC courses are vocational in nature as they prepare students for careers in specific areas of industry.

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are made up of 16 modules and are worth 240 credits at firstand second-year undergraduate level. This is a full-time qualification and is taught over two years. Students are required to successfully complete all 16 units in order to achieve the award. Students who successfully complete an HND may be eligible for entry onto a BA top-up programme, where they can top-up their HND to a full degree. Successful students receive a final award of pass, merit or distinction. HNDs are also vocational in nature.

Entry requirements for HNCs and HNDs vary, but students should normally hold at least one GCE A level in a related subject or a vocational A level/Advanced GNVQ or a BTEC National Diploma, Certificate or Award or a related Level 3 qualification (for example, a National Vocational Qualification) or an Access to Higher Education Certificate.

Foundation degrees (FdA, FdSc, FdEng) are designed and delivered in partnership with employers to equip students with the relevant knowledge and skills for business. They are offered by universities in partnership with higher and further education colleges and can be fullor part-time. The study methods can be very flexible, which means that they are available to people already in work, those wishing to embark on a career change and to those who have recently completed level 3 qualifications (for example, A levels, Advanced Apprenticeships or NVQ3). Foundation degrees are rated at 240 credits at first- and second-year undergraduate level, and the final award is given a class mark, like three-year degree programmes.

A full-time course usually takes two years. Part-time courses may take longer, although this is not always the case. Entry requirements are similar to those for the HNC/D but formal qualifications are not always necessary, as appropriate commercial and industrial experience can be more relevant. Students should normally be working within a related industry, as much of the assessment is workbased and requires students to have access to a relevant workplace.

These programmes usually last for one year (although some may take 15 months). They allow students who have successfully completed a HND or foundation degree to complete their full degree. Most are taught on a full-time basis and are rated at 120 credits at third-year undergraduate level. Students wishing to apply for a BA top-up should normally have a merit profile or better for their HND, or a 2:2 (lower second) grade in a foundation degree.