If you want a job - get a Higher National Diploma. That was the straightforward advice given recently in a leading Sunday newspaper article written by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, David Blunkett MP.
Mr Blunkett penned his recent article to demonstrate the value of studying and the direct role it played in his own life. He revealed that when he was 16 he had no qualifications but decided to do something about it. He went on to say: "Learning a skill doesn't just make you feel worthwhile - it can mean you're worth more to an employer, too.
"People who have a Higher National Diploma (HND) or similar qualification are nearly twice as likely to be employed as those without one - and they'll be earning more than those who have no qualifications."
Article appeared in News of the World, 21 May 2000
DECISIONS... DECISIONS... DECISIONS...
The Basics about BTEC Higher Nationals
- They are highly regarded by employers throughout the UK and overseas
- Over 400 colleges and universities offer BTEC HNCs and HNDs
- They develop practical skills that can be used straight away in a job
- They are designed to meet the needs of today's employment market
- All courses feature work placements or work-related experience
- Assessment includes projects, assignments and practical tasks
- They provide a recognised route to related degree courses (HNC/D holders may move on to the second or third year of a related degree course)
- They can be studied part-time to fit in with work and home commitments
- They can be used as a stepping-stone to gaining professional status
- They develop the skills in communication, IT, numeracy, problem solving and team working that are essential throughout a career.
"HNC and HND qualifications are highly regarded within our industry and both students and employers benefit greatly from the learning achieved through them."
- Katie Holt, Education and Training Officer for The Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES), the professional qualifying body for those involved in surveying within the civil engineering industry.
Making the Decision
The employment world is changing rapidly. Increasingly employers demand that job applicants have an understanding of the world of work as well as qualifications.
BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to give you both. They enable you to develop a broad range of job-related knowledge and skills that you can use either to go straight into a career or to continue in higher education.
HNCs usually take two years to complete on a part-time basis by day release, evenings or a combination of the two and are for people with work experience.
HNDs take two years full-time or three years part-time.
BTEC Higher National courses are offered at over 400 universities and further education colleges throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There is also the opportunity to study by distance learning (see below).
How to Get Started
BTEC Higher Nationals are accessible higher education qualifications equally suited to 18-year-olds and mature students.
If you have one of the following you are likely to be at the right academic level to study for a Higher National:
- At least one A Level
- An Advanced GNVQ or Vocational A Level
- An NVQ at level 3
- A BTEC National
- Relevant work experience.
Applications
Most HND applications are handled by UCAS - the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (telephone 01242 227788). However, if you are applying for a course at a college that is not covered by UCAS, you should apply to the college direct. If you are a mature student with relevant work experience, you should contact the university or college of your choice in all cases.
For HNC courses you apply directly to the college.
"Our industry is changing. We need people who can transfer their academic and under-pinning knowledge into practical situations. HND students bring that skill with them."
Mike Pike, Learning and Development Manager for BNFL Sellafield
Study and Assessment
What sets BTEC Higher Nationals apart from other qualifications is their high vocational content, with the emphasis on 'learning by doing'. Most courses involve contact with, or work for, an outside employer. So, while academic courses concentrate on gaining knowledge, vocational courses aim to ensure that knowledge is put to effective use in a work context.
Assessment of HNDs and HNCs is usually by a combination of course projects, assignments and end-of-year examinations. Skills such as the ability to analyse, evaluate alternatives and be original and creative are as important as the information you have learned.
Each unit is graded. Merit and distinction grades are awarded to units where a student's work is of exceptional quality.
Distance Learning
Some BTEC Higher Nationals can be studied by distance learning, which enables students to gain up-to-date skills and qualifications - wherever they live.
You study one unit at a time, with expert guidance on hand. You can work through the units as quickly or as slowly as you like, depending on work pressures or family circumstances. You can even take a break from studying if you wish.
The course is delivered through the post, via email, telephone and fax, with tutors on hand at all times.
You never actually have to go to a college and your progress is monitored by continual assessment.
Paying for Your Course
HND courses are treated in the same way as degrees regarding fees and loans. Students pay up to £1050 per year towards fees, although this is means-tested so many pay less or nothing. Student loans are available to help meet living costs.
For students in work, employers often pay the fees.
Just the Job
The vocational nature of BTEC Higher Nationals means that if you choose to go straight into a job you are likely to be able to make a positive contribution immediately.
Past students have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of occupational areas including:
- agricultural occupations
- the built environment
- business and commerce
- computing and IT
- design
- engineering and technology
- management and administration
- marketing and sales
- media and performing arts
- retail and distribution
- scientific occupations
- service occupations.
Taking you Higher
Latest destination figures* show that 93% of HND holders were working or undertaking further study within six months of completing their courses. 33% were in employment while 60% were studying. The unemployment figure was just under 4.5%, which compares favourably with that for graduates at just over 5.5%.
Recent research** into the impactof qualifications on earnings shows that average annual earnings of HND holders are 7.5% higher than earnings of people without equivalent qualifications.
If you decide to continue with your education rather than finding employment straight away, your BTEC Higher National may exempt you from the first or subsequent year of a related degree course. You may also have the option to study a postgraduate or professional qualification.
* What do graduates do? AGCAS, 2000
** Department for Education and Employment research report 192 on behalf of the Skills Task Force - "The Returns to Academic, Vocationals and Basic Skills in Britain" - Aug 2000.
"An HNC or HND is a good qualification to have as a springboard into engineering. It opens new doors for employees and gives them the confidence and knowledge to tackle bigger and better things as they mature."
- Alan Buchanan, HR Manager for Graduate Recruitment for BAE Systems
PEOPLE... QUALIFICATIONS... CAREERS...
The Teacher
Cliff Seggie is passing his knowledge on to future generations - quite different from his previous job as a mechanical plant fitter.
The 27-year-old started studying as part of his fitter's apprenticeship at ICI, taking one day a week out of work to go to college and complete an HNC in Plant Engineering.
Cliff's qualification gave him the entry requirements for a two-year degree course in Design Technology with qualified teacher status, designed for applicants with a relevant HNC or HND.
He now teaches design and technology from introductory level to GCSE and A level to 11-18 year olds.
Cliff said: "Without realising it at the time, my HNC has opened doors and provided me with new opportunities. I considered teaching when I left school but didn't achieve high enough grades to enable me to do so then."
The Chief Executive
When Jane Reynolds decided to return to studying it was the flexibility of part-time study which led her to enrol on an HNC in Business Studies.
Combining a hectic and demanding job running a home for people with learning disabilities with studying was quite a task. However, as Jane says: "The part-time nature of this course with its stimulating and enjoyable study days provided a welcome challenge alongside my 'ordinary' work."
Jane used her HNC as a stepping-stone to gain more qualifications and to develop her career.
At 38 she became the chief executive of one of the largest charities in the UK, is responsible for some 1,500 employees and manages an annual budget of around £25 million.
"The HNC provided me with a springboard and the confidence to take a Diploma in Management Studies. My present position is a far cry from my original job working in a small care home and it's down to the HNC which opened up the
opportunity to move into general management," added Jane.
The Engineer
As a child in Sierra Leone, Akiwale Akiwumi knew he wanted to become an electronics engineer. He says that the curiosity which led him to constantly take apart electronic appliances and gadgets helped him to analyse and build circuits.
Civil war meant that teachers and scientists left the country and Akiwale decided to study in England. Within six months he had taken A levels in Statistics and Pure Mathematics through self-study and decided to do a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Electronics.
Akiwale said: "Choosing the HND was a good decision. At the end of my first year, consistency, hard work and the drive to achieve a good diploma began to pay off. My grades had improved and my confidence grew. By the end of the final year I
had achieved distinctions in almost all my units."
With his HND Akiwale was able to go straight into the third year of a BSc in Electronic Engineering at Middlesex University, which he has just completed. Now he hopes to specialise in telecommunications and go on to postgraduate study in microwave communication systems.
The Bridalwear Designer
Before she embarked on her HNC Ann Mortimer from Essex had been a housewife and mother for 10 years. Although she had enjoyed both roles she was ready to pick up a career again and was anxious to find something that would stimulate her creatively and intellectually.
Her daughter, who was studying for a National Diploma at the time, pointed her towards an HNC in Fashion with Textiles and Marketing at Thurrock College.
Ann said: "The HNC was ideal. It allowed me the freedom to develop new skills whilst still maintaining an active interest in my three children. Balancing the demands of a family and study was difficult at first but once I was a little more organised I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it."
A work placement at a bridal shop proved invaluable and her HNC gave Ann the confidence to take up her ultimate challenge. Earlier this year she took her first stand at a wedding fayre and her company, designing and creating bridal gowns, bridesmaids' dresses and outfits for brides' mothers, is now a thriving business.
The Social Worker
After working in her own newsagents for seven years Rabhinder Dhaliwal decided it was time to move on. Having always wanted to go into social work she enrolled on a course in care. This led her on to a two year, full-time BTEC HND in the Business Management of Care.
"The tutors were particularly helpful. They supported me throughout the course and helped build my confidence," said Rabhinder.
During her time at Newcastle College she worked for a community-based team with local residents, providing care for young children through after-school clubs, activities during school holidays and day trips.
Now at 40, Rabhinder is still studying. The HND meant she could jump straight to the final year of a degree in Applied Social Science and she is now studying for an MA/DipSW at the University of Durham.
Rabhinder added: "My HND gave me the confidence to go further, it made me realise that I needed more qualifications to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a social worker and gave me the determination to keep going."
The Restaurant Owner
As owner and manager of a public house, cafe bar and restaurant, life can get a little hectic at times for Ian Doody. However, it's something he takes in his stride because with his training, knowledge and experience, he can keep things running smoothly as well as serving up the perfect pint and delicious food.
32-year-old Ian from Hereford puts his success down largely to the grounding he gained on a BTEC HND in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management at Highbury College in Portsmouth. His HND taught him all he needs to know, from hands-on kitchen preparation work to re-stocking the bar, from keeping accounts to developing new restaurant sites.
Ian's HND led to a degree and after that a teaching qualification giving him the opportunity to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of hospitality, catering, tourism and business students. He has now fulfilled a lifetime dream to own his own establishment - a thriving business, open seven days a week, offering everything from continental breakfast to a full restaurant menu.
He says: "The course was ideal for those who wanted to work in a managerial position or to set up their own business. It gave me an understanding of the industry as well as direct links and contacts which have proved very useful."
The Managing Director
Kevin Prior from Yorkshire is a great example of how a Higher National qualification can set you up for life.
When he completed his HNC in Chemistry in 1975 the experience gave him the confidence to study for a number of other qualifications, amongst them a Diploma in Water Pollution and an MBA through a distance learning course.
Now at 46, he is managing director of his own management consultancy. The firm offers strategic and operational support and particularly environmental asset management to businesses. Kevin uses the basic business acumen he gained on his HNC course every day in his working life.
"My HNC gave credibility to my expertise in the practical world. You develop skills on the course which provide a good base for day-to-day work," said Kevin.
"My message would be quite simple. Stick with it. Eventually everything will fall into place and with the good grounding an HNC provides things can really begin to happen."
The Computer Whiz
Ian Pitts, 37, from Milton Keynes was working in a warehouse when he took a life-changing decision to study for a qualification. An interest in computing led him to take a Higher National Diploma in Computing at De Montfort University.
With a wife and two children, studying close to home was important. The HND enabled him to update his skills, take part in practical, work-based projects and prepare himself for a new challenge.
Ian now works as a Catalogue Database Manager for Chase Automotive in Blakelands. The company provides braking products for cars of every shape, size and make through its catalogues and it's Ian's responsibility to produce up-to-date information on specifications, availability and suppliers, both paper-based and electronic.
He plays a leading role in the development of the company's IT projects, using the skills he gained on his HND course.
Ian said: "My HND in Computing allowed me to move from a dead end job with no future to one which is exciting, interesting and gives me a secure position in the job market."
The Ad Man
Mark Ansell has a real success story to tell. On his own admission he didn't work for his A levels and as a result didn't achieve the grades he needed for a degree.
His decision to study for an HND in Business and Finance set him back on the right track and gave him some practical work experience which fuelled his enthusiasm.
Work experience is a big part of a Higher National course and for Mark this meant working for a designer clothes store, providing marketing and business strategy reports and presentations to the company's chairman and marketing director.
Gaining distinctions in his HND he progressed straight onto the second year of a Business Studies degree. When he completed this he was selected by BT for their graduate training scheme.
Working for BT's UK marketing team, Mark recently became an advertising manager on the consumer 'Stay in Touch' campaign. Over the last two years Mark has also found time to take his education further and has just completed a postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies.
He explained: "A careers adviser pointed me towards an HND and it's the best thing I could have done. It provided the springboard I needed to go on to other qualifications but more importantly gave me the chance to work on real projects in a workplace situation. A lot of graduates don't have that sort of vocational experience and it's helped me to rise above them."
The Marketing Manager
Thanks to her BTEC Higher National qualification, Miranda Best, 29, from Kent has worked her way up the career ladder to become marketing manager for one of the south east's leading independent chartered accountants and business advisers.
Working as an information assistant some years ago she decided to improve her career prospects. With a taste for marketing Miranda decided to enrol on a BTEC HNC in Business and Finance, which contained a number of marketing options.
Following her HNC Miranda went on to study for the professional postgraduate Diploma in Marketing with the Chartered Institute of Marketing and was soon promoted from marketing executive to marketing manager.
Miranda said: "Higher Nationals provide a different route for people who don't want to follow the traditional A level to degree approach. It provided me with real choices and gave me the confidence and inspiration to go further."
The Hospitality and Catering Manager
When David Berry from Berkshire completed his HND in Hospitality Management last year he took with him the exciting memories of working at the Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Resort in Scotland. An enviable position, he had the opportunity to meet and take care of sporting stars and celebrities from around the globe.
All Higher National courses feature work placements or work-related experience, so when Farnborough College of Technology arranged this opportunity for David, he was delighted.
"HNDs contain a lot of practical work as well as theory which suited me. It allowed me to get a lot of hands-on experience, something which is important in this type of work. Having something like that on my CV meant employers noticed me - I even had job offers because of it," said David.
Although the offers of employment were tempting, David decided to use his HND to gain direct entry to the final year of a degree in Hospitality Management at Bournemouth University.
Graduating just this year he is now looking forward to his next challenge.
The Graphic Designer
27-year-old Nicky Moore from Surrey has a great job in a dream location and puts her success down to the knowledge she picked up on her HND in Graphic Design.
She embarked on the HND at Anglia Polytechnic University and the skills and expertise she gained meant she could take a one-year top-up course to complete a degree in Graphic Design.
She is now a senior designer with Gyro, a busy communications agency located on London's prestigious Chelsea Harbour, working on all sorts of accounts from designing direct mailshots to taking briefs to design and set up web pages.
"The HND provided me with a realistic and practical understanding of how a studio operates which meant when I first started work I had an insight into the industry.
"HNDs are a well-recognised qualification within the industry and employers acknowledge their high standards. This is great when you're first applying for jobs."
OCCUPATIONS
A Good Grounding
All BTEC Higher National courses help you to develop essential skills that you will use throughout your career in:
- problem solving
- planning and scheduling
- team working
- research
- report writing
- presentation.
Subjects
Subjects range from telecommunications to beauty therapy, business to graphic design - there is even an HNC in Gaelic Performing Arts. Whether you want to work with machinery or animals, in an office or the great outdoors, with courses at over 400 colleges and universities you're sure to find a Higher National to suit you.
The next few sections provide a flavour of the most popular Higher Nationals on offer.
Art and Design
BTEC Higher Nationals in Art and Design prepare you for a range of careers in the design sector. You can specialise in areas including graphic design, fashion and textiles, three-dimensional studies, multimedia design, fine art and photography.
You could find yourself learning how to take a brief from a customer, interpreting client proposals, using the latest software packages, creating a website or designing clothes.
Career Match: advertising executive, film and TV set designer, product designer, textile designer, fashion & clothing designer, book illustrator, interior design consultant, conservator/restorer, graphic designer, photographer
Business
BTEC Higher Nationals in Business equip you for careers in business and management.
The course gives you a good overview of human resources, accounting, marketing and management. You can specialise in any of these areas. You may also be able to study law, purchasing, quality management, small business management and European business.
Career Match: marketing executive, trainee accountant, human resources (personnel) officer, advertising executive, buyer, market research executive, personal assistant, retail sales manager
Computing
BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing prepare you for a range of technical and management careers armed with specialist knowledge in areas such as computer platforms, systems analysis, software constructs and tools, computing solutions, communication technology and user support.
Career Match: systems designer, programmer, installation engineer, software engineer, software support engineer, business information analyst, network manager, IT consultant, e-business consultant
Construction and the Built Environment
BTEC Higher Nationals in Construction and the Built Environment give you a good preparation for careers in building, civil engineering or building services engineering.
Depending on the course you take you might conduct a feasibility study into the construction of a new building, prepare designs using computer aided design software, prepare estimates, survey sites, design and test structural components or undertake an environmental study.
Career Match: construction manager, surveying technician, site engineer, civil, highway or structural engineer, architectural technologist, building services engineer, town planning technician, property surveyor, building surveyor
Counselling (these courses are designed for mature students)
BTEC Higher Nationals in Counselling are intended for people who use counselling skills in their work or those who are considering a career in counselling.
The courses cover three main counselling perspectives, psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive-behavioural. Students can take option units that develop skills in research, personal development, theories of loss and grief, counselling abused clients or listening and responding.
Career Match: counsellor attached to an agency or in private practice
Engineering
BTEC Higher Nationals in Engineering prepare you for careers in areas such as aerospace engineering, electrical or electronic engineering, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, motor vehicle technology and management, plant and process engineering and telecommunications.
The content varies according to which course you take but most include business management techniques, engineering design, engineering science, mathematics, engineering principles and a project.
Career Match: aerospace/aeronautical engineer, telecommunications engineer, electrical/electronic engineer, mechanical engineer, motor vehicle engineer
Health and Care
BTEC Higher Nationals in Health and Care equip you for careers as highly skilled care practitioners as well as supervisors and managers in areas such as the health service, residential care settings and community services.
You can choose to take Care Practice and Managing Health or Social Care. Depending on the subject you take, you develop skills in areas such as risk assessment, decision making, effective resource management and equality and
diversity.
Career Match: residential care manager, health centre manager, field social care worker
Hospitality Management
BTEC Higher Nationals in Hospitality Management lead you to a career in the hospitality industry, whether in hotels and restaurants, the licensed retail industry, leisure and tourism facilities or hospitals and residential homes.
All students cover food and beverage operations, rooms management and the management of financial, physical and human resources. Options include gastronomy, tourism management, conference and banqueting management, quality assurance, marketing, contract catering and nutrition.
Career Match: conference and banqueting manager, restaurant manager, hotel manager, events co-ordinator, pub licensee
Land-based Industries
There is a range of BTEC Higher Nationals that prepare you for careers in land-based industries. Course content varies from subject to subject and students can choose from: agriculture, animal management, arboriculture, countryside management, environmental science, equine studies, fishery studies, floristry, forestry, horticulture, landscape studies and rural studies.
Career Match: animal manager, farm manager, forestry officer, country park manager, conservation officer, fish farmer, florist, horticultural manager
Leisure
BTEC Higher Nationals in Leisure give you an ideal start to a managerial level career in the sport and leisure industry. Courses cover general leisure management with options to focus on events, outdoor activities or sports and recreation.
Subjects differ on each route but all students take business systems, leisure organisations and issues, management of people, managing finance, marketing and sales, business strategy and leisure in society.
Career Match: sports and leisure centre manager, sports development officer, coach, health club instructor, entertainment manager
Performing Arts
BTEC Higher Nationals in Performing Arts prepare you for careers in performance and production. Courses specialise in dance, theatre, technical theatre, music performance and music production.
All students cover professional practice, process and production, project realisation, arts management, contextual studies and research.
Career Match: singer/instrumentalist, composer/songwriter, sound and lighting designer/engineer, dancer/choreographer, arts administrator, community artist, actor, costume/props/set designer, stage manager, scriptwriter, director, producer
Science
BTEC Higher Nationals in Science are a good preparation for scientific careers in industry, commerce, research and the public sector.
Subject content varies from course to course and you can choose from applied biology, chemistry, food technology, laboratory science and administration, medical laboratory science, medical physics and physiological measurement,
pharmaceutical science, physics and textile science.
Career Match: food scientist/technologist, forensic scientist, pharmacy technician, research technician, quality control technician, hospital laboratory technician, cardiology technician
Travel and Tourism
BTEC Higher Nationals in Travel and Tourism are a great start to supervisory and management level careers in the travel and tourism industry both in the UK and overseas.
You can specialise in Travel and Tourism Management or Tourism Management. All students study the travel and tourism environment, law, managing finance, marketing, travel and tourism operations management and planning. Other options include conference and exhibition management, tourism in developing countries, business travel operations and public sector tourism.
Career Match: travel consultant, tourism manager, tour operator, heritage officer
What the Professionals Think
"Modern, competitive organisations and employers are keen on employing fast-track employees who can make an early and significant contribution. They particularly value the balance of knowledge, understanding and skills development inherent in Higher National qualifications."
John Heap from the Institute of Management Services
In many occupational sectors you can advance your career by joining a relevant professional body and working towards its qualifications.
The professional bodies listed below offer entry, or exemptions from parts of their qualifications, to people who hold BTEC Higher Nationals.
For specific details, contact the organisation concerned.
Academy of Multi-Skills
Architects and Surveyors Institute
Association of Accounting Technicians
Association of Building Engineers
Association of Certified Book-Keepers
Association of Financial Controllers and Administrators
Association of International Accountants
British Computer Society
British Institute of Architectural Technologists
Chartered Institute of Bankers
Chartered Institute of Building
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Chartered Institute of Housing
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
Chartered Institute of Marketing
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply
Chartered Institute of Transport
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management
Chartered Insurance Institute
Chartered Society of Designers
Communication, Advertising and Marketing Education Foundation Ltd
Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine
Engineering Council
Hotel and Catering International Management Association
Institute for Supervision and Management
Institute of Accounting Technicians in Ireland
Institute of Administrative Management
Institute of Bankers in Ireland
Institute of Biology
Institute of Biomedical Science
Institute of Building Control
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
Institute of Clerks of Works of Great Britain
Incorporated
Institute of Company Accountants
Institute of Cost and Executive Accountants
Institute of Data Processing Management
Institute of Financial Accountants
Institute of Financial Services
Institute of Food Science and Technology (UK)
Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management
Institute of Health Services Management
Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers
Institute of Home Economics
Institute of Horticulture
Institute of Legal Executives
Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management
Institute of Management
Institute of Management Services
Institute of Marine Engineers
Institute of Manufacturing
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
Institute of Measurement and Control
Institute of the Motor Industr y
Institute of Personnel and Development
Institute of Physics
Institute of Plumbing
Institute of Printing
Institute of Quality Assurance
Institute of Refrigeration
Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation
Institute of Road Transport Engineers
Institute of Sport and Recreation Management
Institute of Transport Administration
Institute of Travel and Tourism
Institution of Agricultural Engineers
Institution of Chemical Engineers
Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
Institution of Engineering Designers
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Incorporated Engineers
Institution of Incorporated Executive Engineers
Institution of Lighting Engineers
Institution of Mining and Metallurgy
Institution of Plant Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Pensions Management Institute
Professional Business and Technical Management
Professional Society of Valuers and Auctioneers
Royal Aeronautical Society
Royal Institute of British Architects
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Royal Institution of Naval Architects
Royal Society of Chemistr y
Royal Statistical Society
Society of Dyers and Colourists
UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting
Welding Institute
"The British Computer Society considers that BTEC HNDs and HNCs in Computing provide an appropriate educational foundation for a range of technical and management careers in computing. Students who successfully complete either qualification have a route, when combined with appropriate training and experience, to membership of the society."
- Lesley Coates, Accreditation and Exemptions Manager of the British Computer Society
"Our close links with employers have demonstrated how important such qualifications are. Many of our students have come to us with HNCs and HNDs, which exempt them from the first year of the CIM qualification programme. The communication key skills they develop, as well as their ability to work with others, provide an important platform for further development with the CIM."
- Dr Heather Davison, Chartered Institute of Marketing
About Edexcel
Edexcel is one of the leading examining and awarding bodies in the UK and throughout the world. It provides a wide range of qualifications including academic, vocational, occupational and specific programmes for employers.
Edexcel's range of qualifications aims to:
- prepare students for the world of work
- help students achieve success in their working lives
- provide students with an intellectual challenge
- develop students' skills and personal qualities
- meet the changing needs of industry and commerce.
Designed and produced by DTW, Guisborough 01287 610404
A list of centres running BTEC Higher National Certificates and Diplomas is available below.
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