
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: One of the Secure English Language Tests (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 interview via Zoom.
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 the first six months.
Higher Educations Courses
Creative Industries
3D Computer Animation HND
This stimulating studio-based HND allows you to embark on a thrilling journey to build a strong foundation to launch an ...
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
Computer Games Development HND
Computer Games Development HND is an innovative course designed to give you an insight into various technologies and tec...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Computer Networking HND
HND Networking is a 2-year computing course which incorporates the industry-recognised CISCO CCNA ( CISCO CERTIFIED NETW...
Campus
Milton Road 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
Cyber Security HNC
This Cyber Security course will teach you essential knowledge in cybersecurity and securing technology infrastructure ag...
Campus
Granton Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Cyber Security HND
This Cyber Security course will teach you essential knowledge in cybersecurity and securing technology infrastructure ag...
Campus
Granton Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Digital Design and Development HND
Digital Design and Development HND will teach you several contemporary skills needed to work in the modern digital-desig...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
HND Television and Film with Multicamera Operations
HND Television with Multicamera Operations is the progression from HNC Television with Multicamera Operations, but if yo...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Media and Communication: Digital Journalism HNC
This course provides an excellent starting point for anyone interested in a career in online or broadcast journalism. It...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
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
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Software Development HND
This two-year associate degree course with Heriot-Watt University, our take on Software Development HND, is designed to ...
Campus
Sighthill 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
Television and Film with Multicamera Operations HNC
We run two HNCs in Television at the College: HNC Television and Film with Multicamera Operations and HNC Television and...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Visual Communication: Graphic Design HND
The HND Visual Communication specialising in Graphic Design is an award-winning studio-based course with an exciting ble...
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 prepares...
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
Web Development HND
This is a 2-year HND course, offering an HNC certificate after year 1.This course will develop the skills you will need ...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification
SCQF 8
Study mode
Full time
Web Development HNC
This is a 1-year HNC course, offering an HNC certificate after which you can move to 2nd year of the HND Web Development...
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Engineering and Construction
Architectural Technology HNC
Architectural Technology HNC is a one-year full-time option or a two-year day release course (a system allowing employee...
Campus
Granton Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
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
Engineering Systems NC
Engineering Systems NC Level 6 is an entry-level course that will enhance your knowledge and understanding of engineerin...
Campus
Midlothian Campus
Qualification
SCQF 6
Study mode
Full time
Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences
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
Tourism, Hospitality and Business
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 you with practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet an employer's needs. The HNC i...
Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification
SCQF 7
Study mode
Full time
Events HNC
HNC Events is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful future career ...
Campus
Milton Road 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
Granton Campus
Milton Road 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
Part 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
Travel and Tourism HNC
This HNC Tourism course is a one-year advanced level qualification leading directly to employment in the travel and tour...
Campus
Granton 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
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