Higher National is one of the best-known qualifications that edexcel offers. It's an undergraduate qualification that is roughly equivalent to the two third of a degree. People have tended to study a Higher National after a BTEC National/GCE A-Level/HSC/Equivalent qualification. Higher Nationals provide a practical, real-world approach to learning and skills development alongside a key theoretical background. They continue to be developed and updated with and for industry, and in the response to the needs of learners. This ensures that learners gain maximum benefit from their work whilst qualifying. This could be readiness for the workplace or continued study at the next level whether in an academic environment or a more specialist vocational area.

Higher Nationals are an ideal alternative progression route. There are many examples of students studying their Higher National locally before entering the second or even final year of a degree in another country, including the UK (for international students), USA and Australia. In the UK students graduating from HND/HNC programmes are able to progress to Honours Degree programmes, but the requirements will vary according to the receiving Institution. A HND is normally given 240 credits and HNC 150 credits.

The following UK universities have confirmed that they will give final year entry on to degree programmes (Year 3) to HND students who have studied Business:
Bournemouth University (The Business School)
University of Glamorgan
University of Gloucestershire
University of Huddersfield
University of Northampton
Nottingham Trent University
University of Plymouth
University of Salford
Southampton Solent University
University of Sunderland
University of the West of England
York St John University
Guildhall College (in association with UEL)
University of Worcester

Edexcel has received confirmation from the following universities in the United Kingdom that they recognise Edexcel HNDs gained outside the UK and will welcome applications on to degree programmes from students with such qualifications:

Anglia Ruskin University
University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bolton
University of Brighton
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
Canterbury Christ Church University
University of Central Lancashire
De Montfort University
University of Gloucestershire
University of Greenwich
Harper Adams University College
University of Huddersfield
The University of Lincoln
London Metropolitan University

Further information on credit-transfer opportunity can be availed from www.bimsbd.com or www.edexcelstudents.org.uk

HND is widely recognised and understood in the USA and many institutions will grant advanced entry onto a samesubject degree course.

University at Buffalo
The State University of New York
University of Denver
East Carolina University
Hawaii Pacific University
Iowa State University
Johnson & Wales University
Plattsburgh State University of New York, (SUNY)
San Francisco State University
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Witchita State University
The University of Tulsa

Edexcel has received confirmation from the following universities in Australia that they recognise Edexcel Higher National Diplomas:

Curtin University, Sydney
Curtin University of Technology, Sydney
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
Queensland University of Technology

Students wishing to receive more information should contact the Admissions Officers at the universities concerned.

HND qualifications are both respected and demanded in the workplace. Students can also be sure that they are relevant because edexcel designs qualifications with the input and support of leading industries.

Edexcel's qualifications are recognised by both employers and professional organisations. The recognition of Higher National are a way for students to prepare for jobs and careers in their chosen field through membership of relevant professional bodies and industry associations. Followings are few professional bodies that recognise HNDs in Business:

Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Association of International Accountants (AIA), Chartered Institute of Bankers, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA), Institute of Financial Services, Institute of Personnel and Development (IPD), Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV)

This area encompasses a broad range of activities including management, human resource management, finance, law, management accounting, financial accounting and information technology - which means there are many career opportunities for candidates. Edexcel's Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (Finance) offers the opportunity to specialise within the scope of the specialist units available in Management, Finance and Accounting.