After HND, What Is The Next Degree?

After HND, what is the next degree or port of call? Some might say, Next is NYSC. After that, some would prefer to go for a degree while others might want to go for a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) straight up so as to apply for a Master’s Degree for a specialty in their career.

A Higher National Diploma is an academic higher education qualification in the United Kingdom. Also, qualification of the same title is offered in countries with British ties such as; Argentina, India, Malta, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and other countries.

Though the practical skills gathered from a Higher National Diploma (HND) can lead you to get jobs, many students still add to this qualification by completing a Bachelors’ Degree.

An HND is an academic equivalent of completing two-thirds of a University undergraduate degree which takes two years for these vocational courses to be completed, or if you can take a full-time study or four years part-time programme at a Polytechnic.

Should I Go For Next Degree?

Going for a degree depends on the course, most HND graduates are eligible to enroll onto the final year of a Bachelors degree for a standard qualification for a specific role or to continue pursuing a specialisation on the career path they would like to take.

While HND courses offer direct routes into many positions, you will need a full Bachelors degree to apply for graduate schemes or graduate-level jobs. This is among the reasons a significant number of HND graduates prefer to go for a degree qualification.

Before you further your course to a degree through a Direct Entry admission, search job profiles to study if your HND is enough to pursue your targeted career. See Universities that Accept Lower Credit for Direct Entry Admission.

Is HND Accepted Abroad?

Many graduates with the HND qualification are often discriminated against in both the UK and in Nigeria where they are regarded as less qualified The United States is more accommodating and welcoming to HND holders where they are better treated. In the Nigerian educational system, HND has less value compared to a bachelor’s degree.

RECOMMENDED: How To Apply For A Masters With HND To Study Abroad

After HND, Can I Do Masters With HND?

Majority of Masters programmes require a full honours degree, and institutions do not accept HND or Third Class Grade Point Average (GPA) directly into a Masters program. As an HND graduate, there may still be opportunities for you, but you should check the course entry requirements of your preferred institution as these offers are limited.

If you are passionate about the teaching career, apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). These programmes are between 1-2 years which after completion, you proceed for Masters.

Similarly, after HND when you further to next degree, you can apply for the vast majority of graduate schemes and Internships such as; KPMG, BT, Total Nigeria are among the organisations seeking for complete degree holders of various standard (basically a 2:1 or 2:2 as a minimum requirement).

See if your preferred School accepts HND for Masters in Nigeria as you search postgraduate courses, or find out more about relevant Masters degrees. If you want to pursue a new career path, you may be interested in conversion courses through PGDE.

RECOMMENDED: List of Schools that accept HND for Masters in Nigeria. 

HND Qualification Jobs?

Below are the top 11 professional or managerial roles among other professions held by recent HND graduates working in Nigeria include:

• Aeronautics Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Engineering Technician
• Higher Education Teaching Professionals
• Ship and Hovercraft officers
• Welfare and Housing Associate Professionals
• Design and Development Engineer
• Engineering Professional
• Electrical and Electronics Technicians
• Computer Programmers and Software Development Professionals
• Sports coaches, Instructors, and Sport officials

In Conclusion

Browse job profiles in specific Job sectors to see which fields have opportunities for HND graduates. You may also search for graduate jobs, or browse what can I do with my degree? for further guidance.

Bear in mind that this article on After HND, What Is The Next Degree? is tailored to help students complete their degrees, so be sure you make your finding for specific entry requirements on any career that interests you.