Need help reading this page?

Higher Education

What is higher education?

Higher Education qualifications can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the terminology. The first thing to be aware of is the academic “Level” of the course. Level 2 and 3 are equivalent to GCSE and A-Levels respectively.

Higher Education is Level 4 and above. Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a traditional three-year Batchelor’s degree,  Level 5 to year two and Level 6 to year 3.

Qualifications

These are some examples of higher education qualifications:

  • HNC – Higher National Certificate

    Level 4. Extremely popular vocational courses accredited by Pearson. Usually one year of study.

  • HND – Higher National Diploma

    Level 5. Commonly taken after completion of the HNC – usually a further year.

  • AAT Certificates and Diplomas

    These are professional accountancy qualifications which are industry-recognised at Level 4 and 5 respectively.  AAT is the Association of Accounting Technicians, which students join in addition to gaining their qualification.

  • UAL Professional Diploma

    These are Level 4 qualifications accredited by the University of the Arts London and have been developed in consultation with industry.

  • CIPD Associate Diploma

    This is a professional qualification regulated by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, aimed at people looking to go into HR and those experienced in the field and hoping to move into an Advisor or Business Partner role.

Progression routes

Our courses are widely recognised self-contained qualifications. However, they come with the option to progress to a full degree at a university. For example, after completing a Level 5 HND, you could top up that qualification at a university to a Level 6, joining for just the final year or two. This usually works out as a cost-effective way to gain a full degree. This also gives you the flexibility of keeping your options open in a changing job market.

Eligibility

Higher education courses generally require you to have Level 3 (A Level or equivalent) qualifications although your occupational experience may be taken into account. If you’ve been out of education for a while you can complete an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This is a Level 3 course, but will prepare you for Level 4 study and above, including a full degree.

Advantages

  1. Flexible qualifications which are recognised by employers in their own right but can also be topped up to gain a university degree.
  2. Good teacher/ student ratios to ensure you’re not left behind and that support and advice are on hand throughout your course.
  3. Competitive pricing along with finance options designed to enable people to take part irrespective of their financial circumstances.
  4. The opportunity to study from a venue close to where you live so you don’t have to abandon your friends and family.
  5. Teaching by vocationally-experienced staff who will pass on their industry knowledge.

Student Finance

Students studying on our Level 4 and 5 courses may be eligible to apply for a student loan to cover the cost of their tuition fees and sometimes you can also borrow money to help with living costs.  Loans are repaid once you are working and earning a certain amount. Eligibility criteria applies and please click this link to find out more about student finance. 

Watch the Funding Higher Education 2025/2026 guide for parents/guardians and students for more information:

Disabled Students' Allowance

You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. You can get the allowances on top of your other student finance. You will not need to repay DSAs.
Please take some time to read through the links below to help you understand what is on offer and what the application process involves. The application process can be lengthy, so applying early is important.

  pdf DSA Flowchart (91 KB)  |  pdf DSA FAQs (58 KB)  | DSA Presentation | DSA Presentation - BSL Version.

For further information please see our section on Additional Learning Support.

Access and Participation Plan

Student Protection Plan

Student protection plans set out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. The purpose of a plan is to ensure that students can continue and complete their studies, or can be compensated if this is not possible.
All higher education providers registered with the Office for Students (OfS) must have a student protection plan in place.

Click here to read our HRUC Student Protection Plan

Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom

Terms and Conditions for HE Students

College Online’s Pearson BTEC HNC Level 4 in Leadership and Management course

HRUC is proud to be part partnering with College Online (a network of leading colleges with a mission to help people learn the skills and knowledge employers want) to offer its first course in Leadership and Management.

The online Pearson BTEC HNC Level 4 in Leadership and Management course is delivered using College Online innovative technology and engaging courseware, and tutored by HRUC: 

  • Developed with leading employers, such as the BBC, Capgemini, and IBM
  • Delivered in a way that suits your schedule
  • Leads to Management level jobs with higher salaries.

This is the Leadership and Management course employers value.

The HNC (Level 4) Leadership and Management course helps you develop essential knowledge and core skills. The course will also prepare you for further study at Level 5, and for degree study at Level 6, or entry into the workforce with a foundational introduction to business and its various functions.

College Online is currently accepting applications, click here for more details.

Click here to download the student course handbook for all terms and conditions. This is also available on the College Online course page.

Courses