In short
- A bachelor’s degree usually takes 3 years full‑time, or 4 with a foundation year.
- A Higher National Diploma (HND) usually takes 2 years. It’s a qualification in its own right.
- A top‑up degree is a final year that turns an HND or foundation degree into a full bachelor’s degree.
- An HND followed by a top‑up usually takes 3 years, the same as a degree.
How they compare
Qualifications in England are grouped into levels. The higher the level, the more advanced the qualification. A‑levels are level 3, and a bachelor’s degree is level 6.
| Qualification | Level | Usual length, full‑time |
|---|---|---|
| Higher National Certificate (HNC) | 4 | 1 year |
| Higher National Diploma (HND) | 5 | 2 years |
| Foundation degree | 5 | 2 years |
| Top‑up degree | 6 | 1 year |
| Bachelor’s degree | 6 | 3 years, or 4 with a foundation year |
Part‑time courses take longer. Your university or college will tell you how long your course takes.
What is an HND?
A Higher National Diploma is a practical, work‑related course, worth 240 credits. It’s at level 5, the same level as the second year of a bachelor’s degree.
When you finish, you have a recognised qualification you can use in work. You can stop there, or carry on to a top‑up degree.
What is a top‑up degree?
A top‑up degree is the final year of a bachelor’s degree, worth 120 credits. It’s for people who already have an HND or a foundation degree, usually in a related subject.
When you pass, you get a full bachelor’s degree, usually with honours. It’s the same level of degree as someone who studied for 3 years at one university.
What is a full degree?
A bachelor’s degree, such as a BA or BSc, is a level 6 course worth 360 credits. You sign up for the whole degree from the start, and it usually takes 3 years full‑time.
If you don’t have the qualifications to start in year 1, many degrees offer a foundation year first. Our guide Can I go to university without A‑levels? explains how that works.
Which one is right for you?
A full degree
Good if you know you want a degree and you’re ready to commit to the whole course from day one.
An HND
Good if you’d like a practical qualification after 2 years, with the choice to stop or carry on to a degree.
A top‑up degree
For you if you already have an HND or foundation degree and want to finish with a full degree.
How funding works
For courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, student finance can cover most courses from level 4 to level 6. That may include HNDs and top‑up degrees, if the course is approved. The university or college must be registered with the Office for Students, the regulator for higher education in England.
Fees are now worked out by credits, not years. You can currently borrow up to £39,160 across your working life, and up to £9,790 for every 120 credits, rising to £10,050 from August 2027. An HND (240 credits) followed by a top‑up (120 credits) adds up to 360 credits, the same as a 3‑year degree.
Before you enrol, check that your course is approved for student finance. Ask us and we’ll check it for you.
Official sources
- What qualification levels mean
- Who’s eligible for student finance from January 2027
- Tuition fee limits in the Lifelong Learning Entitlement
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.