HND all subjects

Editorial

• An Overview
• Destinations
• Types of Work
• Graduate Salaries
• References
• Further Reading
• Useful Web Sites

Six months after graduation in 2001, two thirds (62.3%) of Higher National Diploma (HND) diplomates went on to further study or training, in comparison with 18.4% for all first degree graduates. First degrees are by far the most popular further study/training options for HND diplomates with just under 60% taking this route. Most of the HND students who progress to a degree do so at the same institution, into either the second year or more unusually the third year of a degree programme. However, good results are required and there may be competition for places, so it should not be assumed that progression will be automatic.

The data in Table 1 shows that the number of HND diplomates has been declining in recent years, demonstrated by the fact that in 1998, nearly 12,000 students completed HNDs, but in the last two years there have been fewer than 10,000.

The percentage of HND diplomates completing their course in 1998 and 2001 and progressing to employment and further study stands at 92.9 and 92.3 respectively, as shown in Table 1. There has, however, been a slight decrease in the proportion going into employment and a slight increase in those entering further study or training.

Unemployment for HND diplomates continues to be low, at 4.4% for those completing their course in 2001, compared with 6.3% for all first degree graduates. Detailed analysis of destination data for diplomates completing their course in 2001 from three HEIs in the North West reveals that only 1.3% were unemployed and of the 15% who went into employment, most had obtained a post commensurate with their qualification. Only a handful were working in short-term jobs in retail and catering.

The range of employment obtained by diplomates is varied and in most cases directly related to their subjects of study, reflecting the vocational nature of HND programmes. One of the most popular types of work is commercial, industrial and public sector management, which reflects the predominance of business-related courses at HND level.

The attitude of employers towards HNDs varies and is not always explicit. Of five major retail organisations surveyed by Chester College of Higher Education in 2002, two will consider diplomates for graduate training schemes, one is currently reviewing their policy, and two will not accept applicants with HND for their graduate training schemes. This reflects the differing policies towards diplomates, which in many cases is unclear. In addition, a telephone survey conducted in 2001 by Chester College of Higher Education of 23 employers advertising graduate vacancies on the Prospects website revealed that two thirds would consider applications from diplomates although this was not stated in their advertisements.

Analysis of data from the Government’s Labour Force Survey for 2000 to 2001 published in Graduate Market Trends indicates that holders of higher education qualifications other than a first or higher degree (or their equivalent) aged between 20 and 24 earn an average of £13,541 while those between 25 and 29 earn an average of £18,527. The corresponding figures for those with a degree or equivalent qualification are £16,170 and £22,573 respectively.

Graduate Market Trends, CSU, Quarterly

For detailed information about employment for HND diplomates, written by AGCAS higher education careers advisers, see your HND...what next?.

AGCAS publications are also available in your local higher education careers service, or from CSU, Tel: 0161 277 5271.

On this site for a wealth of careers related information by exploring types of jobs and options with your subject.