Higher Education courses

Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) are advanced qualifications equivalent to the first two years of study at university. Edinburgh College has agreements with many UK universities which allow you to progress to the 2nd or 3rd year of a degree course on successful completion of an HNC/D.

Start dates	August or January (for fast-track HNCs)
Course duration	HNC - One year HND - Two years
Entry requirements	12 years of school education with good results in subjects relevant to the course you apply for. If you are studying a non-UK qualification, it must be equivalent to at least SCQF level 6. The International team will be able to advise on the equivalency of your qualification. One of the following Secure English Language Tests (SELTs): UKVI approved academic IELTS test - with an overall score of 5.5 or above and minimum scores of 5.5 in each of the four elements (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking). LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 - with minimum scores of 33/50 in each of the four elements. Pearson's PTE Academic UKVI test - with minimum scores of 59 in each of the four elements. Trinity College London (UK only) - Integrated Skills in English II (ISEII) test - with a pass in each of the four elements. This Trinity test is only offered in test centres in the UK. Students will also be required to meet us for an interview via Zoom.

Start dates

August or January (for fast-track HNCs)

Course duration

HNC - One year
HND - Two years

Entry requirements

12 years of school education with good results in subjects relevant to the course you apply for.

If you are studying a non-UK qualification, it must be equivalent to at least SCQF level 6. The International team will be able to advise on the equivalency of your qualification.

One of the following Secure English Language Tests (SELTs):

UKVI approved academic IELTS test - with an overall score of 5.5 or above and minimum scores of 5.5 in each of the four elements (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking).
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 - with minimum scores of 33/50 in each of the four elements.
Pearson's PTE Academic UKVI test - with minimum scores of 59 in each of the four elements.
Trinity College London (UK only) - Integrated Skills in English II (ISEII) test - with a pass in each of the four elements. This Trinity test is only offered in test centres in the UK.

Students will also be required to meet us for an interview via Zoom.

Fast-Track HNCs

Fast Track HNCs are available in some subjects for January start, allowing students to complete the course in six months at a reduced fee. The course is intensive as a one-year course is studied in the first six months.

Fast-Track HNCs

How to Apply for International Courses

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