HND's and Foundation Degrees

[iwantthatone]

Hiya, I'm hoping someone could help me abit...sally_smith are you out there..?

I applied through UCAS to one full degree, and a foundation degree at a different institution.  I pretty much decided that I wanted to do the foundation degree, but have since been in contact with the institution and they have decided to keep their HND's as HND's and not turn them into foundation degrees (what I applied for..).  What's the difference between the, and can an HND lead on to the same as a foundation degree? i.e. can i top an HND up to a full degree?

Thanks anyone,

=)

[beamer]

Yes, you can.

I did and HND (2 years) a few years ago now, and it allowed me to enter directly into year two of the degree course.

Just make sure you're grade's are above average in the HND and you'll be fine to continue.

[sally_smith]

Hello,

You have not mentioned what you want to study, subjects that you are doing currently and predicted grades so I am unsure as to why you have decided against doing a degree and why you picked a foundation degree????

1. Firstly info on foundation degrees can be found http://develop.ucas.com/FDCourseSearch/About.htm

this is on the UCAS web site..

2. Yes, you can go into the second year degree from a HND - maybe if lucky the final year, however that depends on the uni, grades you achieve etc.

3. If you do 4 years e.g. HND then 2 year degree (top up) you are looking a 4 years of fees / living expenses etc

Good luck with the studies.

[iwantthatone]

Thanks.  I'm having a gap year at the moment.  Got OK A levels, the main thing for me is doing something I enjoy doing - the full degree is somewhere I'd need to travel at least an hour and quarter to get to in bad traffic areas.  The HND place is so much more convenient.  For various reasons I want to stay at home.  They're business related courses, so a degree isn't compulsory, unlike some professions.  I have also thought perhaps I might do the HND, and want to go into work then, rather than going on for a full degree.  Im just confused at the moment!

[sally_smith]

Ok, forget about location for the time being - I am guess that as you have taken a gap year that you have the qualifications for the degree that you applied for? I am also guessing that you have done your research - ie looked at the graduate job market to see if a degree would or would no be beneficial for you? You say that a degree is not compulsory so I take on face value that you have done all your research and have an understanding of the labour market as you have not specified what you would like to do.  

So now we look at the pros and cons of each. The degree is further away - but how often are you actually at the University? would you have to go every day? Would you be able to skip the rush hour? You will make friends - so could stay at a friends house on the early morning lectures (or after late night drinking) In your quesion you mentioned about turning the HND into a degree, so is a degree something that you really want?? now the cons.. yes, I agree an hour and a bit drive is stressful  - you will have to fit in study - maybe group work with other students who live a few minutes away. I dont know your circumstances however, can you 'afford' to lose 3 hours a day communting?

The HND a 2 year course which is closer to home. You can always top up at a later date and your circumstances may change so you could live away from home. Less travelling time - always a bonus. However, if you convert into a degree - more fee's. taking an 'extra' year, and can you apply for graduate jobs with a HND?? Check out the Uni's destinations of other students who have done the same course.

Sorry to ramble - but hope this pointer help.

[simsfreq]

I would say go for the HND, under the assumption that you will leave and go into employment after the 2 years.

You have 2 years to change your mind, and I'm pretty sure you can top it up at any point in the future (not 100% sure on this)

It seems like the safest option to me...

Well actually, my best advice is: follow your gut instinct.

Good luck! I'm applying through UCAS Routes A and B at the moment, and it's tough :-)