A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is equivalent to the second year of a university degree. It is a Level 4 qualification in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and a Level 5 qualification in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Here is a comparison of the levels of qualifications:
Qualification | Level |
---|---|
HNC | Level 4 (SCQF) / Level 5 (RQF) |
1st Year University Degree | Level 4 (SCQF) / Level 4 (RQF) |
2nd Year University Degree | Level 5 (SCQF) / Level 5 (RQF) |
3rd Year University Degree | Level 6 (SCQF) / Level 6 (RQF) |
Therefore, completing an HNC is a great way to progress academically and can provide a pathway to further study at university or into employment in a specific field.