Your HND, what next?: Further study

Around 70% of HND diplomates enter further study, with the vast majority continuing at degree level, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency

Do I need to do further study?

Some jobs and careers do not require a specific degree or qualification, whereas others will have definite entry requirements. Graduate schemes and some professional bodies may require a full honours degree. Think about progression routes and whether further study will aid your career development.

Reasons to pursue further study include:

• developing knowledge and academic ability;
• following an interest;
• developing a specialism;
• building up a skill set;
• it is a requirement for your chosen career;
• you did not meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree course and the HND is a stepping stone;
• you have decided to change your career or pursue a different route or subject;
• improving career prospects.

As well as full-time courses, part-time, distance and online modes of study are available. These can be a preferred method for working students, but may take longer. To find out whether flexible modes of study are offered for your subject, see individual higher education (HE) institution websites and Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) .

What are my options for further study?

The main options after an HND are:

• a degree;
• postgraduate course; or
• professional course.

Explore different job sectors to help you decide which route to take.

You can study for a degree course at various places:

• Your current institution - some individuals prefer to continue in a familiar learning environment.
• The institution where your HND was validated - if you studied at a further education (FE) college, it is likely your qualification is validated by a local HE institution. Ask if you're eligible to progress onto a degree with them.
• A different institution - use the UCAS website to research HE institutions and courses.
• Via distance learning - check if your chosen institution offers this, or consider the Open University (OU)  
• Overseas - study at an institution abroad. 

How long you study depends on a number of factors:

• If your chosen degree course is in a different subject to your HND, you will probably need to start it from year one. It is unlikely you'll be able to use your HND for entry into the second or third year of study.
• You may be able to join the second year of a degree course if you are transferring to a degree after year one of your HND and your subject is closely related.
• If you have enough vocational, technical and theoretical knowledge, you may be able to join the final year of a degree course. A good academic record and quality portfolio will be required, as top-up degrees are a popular and competitive option. The HND studied, degree subject chosen and curriculum will contribute to what level of the degree you join.

The credit system provides greater flexibility and easier transfer between courses and institutions; see QAA - Academic Credit in Higher Education . It is also important to check with institutions individually.

Postgraduate qualifications include postgraduate diplomas and certificates, Masters, and Doctorates. Research your options thoroughly and speak to individual HE institutions. Some postgraduate courses are flexible, and requirements can vary depending on subject, individual industrial experience and institution. For more information, see postgraduate study in the UK.

Professional qualifications are industry specific and the entry requirements vary across sectors. They are mandatory for some professions, such as chartered accountant or actuary. Certain qualifications and work experience give exemptions from some levels and exams. It is important to research the industry or job you're interested in to see if they require any professional qualifications. Find out more about professional and vocational qualifications and refer to The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils  for information on the chartered institutes offering qualifications.

Will I get funding for further study?

Funding is different across the UK and there are a number of organisations to contact:

• Your local authority (LA) in England and Wales.
• Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland (DELNI)  
• GOV.UK - Education and Learning  
• Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)  
• Student Finance England
• Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Loans Company  
• Educational Grants Services through Family Action

Also see funding my further study.

With the 2012 tuition fee changes, it is important you establish how much financial support you are eligible for, if any, so you can make an informed decision, as fees can be anything up to £9,000 a year. HND students who started their course before September 2012 and who move directly onto a degree course staying on the same mode of study will be classed as continuing students and will not be charged the higher fees. Check with the university.

For undergraduate and postgraduate courses, look at the individual HE institution websites and search postgraduate funding for bursary and scholarship information.

Fees for postgraduate courses vary greatly, so check with the institution. Many students fund themselves by working while studying or through a professional and career development loan.

If you're working, employer sponsorship could be an option, especially if it forms part of the job's progression route, so speak to your boss.