 
            HND stands for Higher National Diploma, which is a higher education qualification in the United Kingdom. It is equivalent to the second year of a bachelor's degree and is considered a level 5 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Here is a breakdown of the levels of qualifications in the UK:
| Qualification Level | Description | 
|---|---|
| Level 4 | Certificate of Higher Education or Higher National Certificate | 
| Level 5 | Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree | 
| Level 6 | Bachelor's Degree or Graduate Diploma | 
| Level 7 | Master's Degree or Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma | 
Therefore, HND is a level 5 qualification, which is one step below a bachelor's degree. It is a popular choice for students who want to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific field, such as business, engineering, or healthcare.
Overall, HND courses offer a mix of academic study and practical training, making graduates highly employable in their chosen industry.