Higher Nationals
Higher Nationals are a suite of internationally recognised higher education qualifications at level 4 [Higher National Certificate|] and 5 that are equivalent to the first and second years of a university bachelor's degree, providing progression to over 95% of UK universities including the University of Oxford at an advanced level.
They were first introduced in England and Wales in 1920 alongside the Ordinary National Diploma.
In Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Higher Nationals may either be awarded by Universities in [the United Kingdom|British degree-awarding bodies] under approved licence from Pearson, or they may be awarded directly by Pearson, as an awarding body regulated by Ofqual. In Scotland, Higher Nationals are awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Higher Nationals are also delivered at both universities and further education colleges in 60 countries around the world through HN Global.
The Higher Nationals suite of qualifications are split into two parts, with students within their first year of study pursuing a Higher National Certificate. In the second year of study, students pursue the HND which is generally more extensive and academically rigorous than the HNC.
Higher Nationals are graded, usually based on a weighted average of the marks gained in exams and other assessments. Grade boundaries may vary by institution, but usually follow the boundaries given below:
- Distinction – typically 70% and higher
- Merit – typically 60-69%
- Pass – typically 40-59%.