Higher Education courses
Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) are advanced qualifications equivalent to the first two years of university study. We have agreements with many UK universities, allowing you to progress to the 2nd or 3rd year of a degree course upon completion of an HNC/D.
Why Choose Our Higher Education Courses?
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our courses cover essential subjects and skills needed for higher education.
- Experienced Teachers: Learn from qualified teachers with extensive experience supporting international students.
- Supportive Environment: Benefit from personalised support and guidance throughout your studies.
- Cultural Integration: Engage in activities that help you adapt to life in the U.K. and understand British culture.
Course Levels
Our higher education courses are offered at either Level 7 or 8 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Only courses at SCQF Level 6 and above are suitable for international students who require a student visa to study in the U.K.
Start Dates
- January (for fast-track HNCs)
- August
Course Duration
- HNC: One year
- HND: Two years
Entry Requirements
- Educational Background: Minimum of 12 years of school education with satisfactory results in subjects relevant to the chosen course.
- Non-UK Qualifications: Your qualification must be equivalent to at least SCQF Level 6. Our international team can advise on the equivalency of your qualifications.
- English Proficiency: Prove your English language abilities with a Secure English Language Test (SELTs):
- UKVI Approved Academic IELTS: Overall score of 5.5 or above, with minimum scores of 5.5 in each of the four elements (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking).
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2: Minimum scores of 33/50 in each of the four elements.
- Pearson's PTE Academic UKVI: Minimum scores of 59 in each of the four elements.
- Trinity College London (UK only) - Integrated Skills in English II (ISEII): Pass each of the four elements. This test is only offered in test centres in the UK.
- Interview: Students will be required to attend an online interview via Zoom or Teams.
Course Costs
HNC - Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7)
- 1 Year: £8,400
- Fast-track 1 semester: £5,700
HND – Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8)
- 2 Years: £8,400 per year
UAL Level 3 Diploma Programmes (SCQF level 6)
- 1 Year: £8,400
Course costs are subject to change and cover tuition only. Course costs for Higher Education courses do not include additional costs (e.g. course materials).
Fast-Track HNCs
Fast-Track HNCs are available in some subjects for the January start, allowing students to complete the course in six months at a reduced fee. This intensive course covers the same material as the one-year course within six months.
Art and Design Higher Education Courses
3D Computer Animation HND
This stimulating studio-based HND enables you to embark on a thrilling journey to build a strong foundation for launchin...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
3D Design: Interior, Product and Exhibition Design HND
The HND 3D Design course is a forward-thinking and innovative course that provides an advanced design education for stud...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Contemporary Art Practice HND
This rewarding studio-based HND provides a broad and advanced visual education, knowledge and awareness of Contemporary ...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Textiles HND
The HND Textiles course is a contemporary and innovative course that provides an advanced design education for students ...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Visual Communication: Graphic Design HND
The HND Visual Communication, specialising in Graphic Design, is an award-winning studio-based course that offers an exc...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Visual Communication: Illustration HND
The HND Visual Communication specialising in Illustration is a well-respected, advanced studio-based course that prepare...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Visual Communication: User Experience Design HND
User Experience Design is at the forefront of emerging developments in the creative industries. The course will prepare ...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Computing Higher Education Courses
Engineering and Construction Higher Education Courses
Applied Science HNC
This course is ideal for developing a career requiring practical knowledge of the Sciences. You’ll study each of the mai...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Civil Engineering HNC
Civil Engineering HNC can be studied as a one-year full-time or two-year day release course (a system allowing employees...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Electrical Engineering (full time) HNC
Electrical Engineering HNC is a full-time course taught at Edinburgh College’s Midlothian campus. The course is designed...
Campus
Midlothian Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Electrical and Electronic Engineering University Route (incorporating HND Electrical Engineering)
If you want to pursue a career as an electrical engineer, this course is designed for you. Electrical and Electronic En...
Campus
Midlothian Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Energy and Environmental Engineering (BEng University Route) (inc. HND Engineering Systems with Renewables)
BEng Energy and Environmental Engineering is a direct route onto the third year of the Edinburgh Napier University BEng ...
Campus
Midlothian Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Mechanical Engineering HNC - Full-time
The Mechanical Engineering HNC is a full-time course taught for over one year at our Midlothian Campus. The HNC in Mecha...
Campus
Midlothian Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Mechanical Engineering (HND and BEng University Route)
BEng in Mechanical Engineering is a direct route to university. You will learn a range of modules including Thermofluids...
Campus
Midlothian Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences Higher Education Courses
Social Science HNC
Social Science HNC is an innovative course designed to teach you a range of disciplines from the social science field. D...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Media, Music and Sound Production Higher Education Courses
Audio Visual Media Production with Events Livestreaming HND
This two-year course (for applicants at SCQF Level 6 or equivalent) will enable you to learn the art of audio-visual med...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Music Business HND
Music Business HND is designed to break you into the music industry and show you what it takes to be a success in this c...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Music HND
Delivered across both campuses (Sighthill/Milton Road), our HND programme comprises the first two years of a full honour...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Sound Production HND
The HND Sound Production course is the equivalent of the first two years of our 3-year BA (Hons) Audio Production degree...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Television and Film HNC
We run two HNCs in Television at the College: HNC Television and Film and HNC Television with Multicamera Operations. Bo...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Television and Film HND
HND Television and Film is the progression from HNC Television and Film at Milton Road Campus, but if you have an HNC in...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
HNC Television and Film with Multicamera Operations
We run two HNC's in Television at the College: HNC Television and Film with Multicamera Operations and HNC Television an...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Performing Arts and Photography Higher Education Courses
Acting and Performance HND
Acting and Performance HND is a two-year course designed to support you in realising and achieving your performance pote...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Costume for Stage and Screen HND
Costume for Stage and Screen HND provides a 2-year intensive industry training opportunity in Performing Arts Studio Sco...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Dance Artists HND
Dance Artists HND is a creative and technically challenging 2-year course designed to make you industry-ready as you pro...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Makeup Artistry HND
This course aims to start students on a path into the TV, Film or Theatre industry. Focusing heavily on the less-expecte...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Musical Theatre HND
This diverse course is designed to help you reach your full performing potential. This multi-faceted course will test yo...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Photography HND
HND Professional Photography at Edinburgh College is a two-year course of study designed to prepare you for a career as ...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Technical Theatre HND
Technical Theatre is a creative and innovative course that will teach you behind-the-scenes of the theatre and live even...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Tourism, Hospitality and Business Higher Education Courses
Accounting HNC
The HNC in Accounting provides learners with the full range of knowledge and competencies to provide a wide range of ent...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Administration and IT HNC
This course prepares you with the skills and knowledge required to work in Administration roles within a modern office e...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Business HNC
This qualification provides practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet an employer's needs. The HNC in Busines...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Financial Services HNC
Edinburgh is the largest Financial centre in Scotland, which offers various employment opportunities within the Business...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Hospitality Operations HNC
Hospitality is a thriving and growing industry with job opportunities continuing to increase. This unique HNC is designe...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Marketing HNC
The HNC in Marketing (SCQF level 7) develops your knowledge and skills in marketing theory and practice, advertising and...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
How to Apply for International Courses
Follow our step by step guide on how to apply for our international courses.
How to Apply for International Courses
Access Courses
Our Access Courses are designed to help you prepare for further education and improve your English language skills. These courses provide a supportive environment to help you succeed in your academic journey.
Access CoursesEnglish Language Courses
Applications, Fees and InformationEnglish Language Courses
Improve your English language skills for further study, career development, travel or enjoyment.
English Plus
Get a taste of the College experience: Learn English and explore a range of vocational subject areas to inspire further study or career ambitions.
Summer School
Learn English and make friends from around the world. Immerse yourself in the vibrant and picturesque city of Edinburgh.
Bespoke Programmes for Schools and Groups
We develop bespoke courses for schools and groups, for delivery in Edinburgh, online or overseas.
Professional Training
Short courses, qualifications and bespoke training for professionals and organisations looking to up-skill and re-skill.
Teacher Training
Qualifications, bespoke training and short courses for English Language Teachers.