Unlike many degrees, these courses are vocationally focused and therefore can lead straight on to a career.

Most HND courses require one A Level or an equivalent qualification, or significant professional experience.

A Higher National Diploma is only 2 years in duration and you will be issued with a qualification after this period.

You can decide to study for 1 year and gain an HNC, or 2 years for an HND.

The recent astronomical rise in university tuition fees to £9,000 a year has forced many College undergraduates to simply give up on their dreams of getting a degree. The tuition fee for an HND, on the other hand, is approximately £5,500.

Employers understand that HNDs are focused on 'learning by doing' and that this hands-on approach is an excellent way to develop specific practical/technical skills that are highly sought after in employees.

You can study part-time alongside your job.

Once the qualification has been obtained you can then re-evaluate all your options of whether you should continue with your studies, go straight into work or take a gap year.

You can top up to a degree. In fact, an HNC or HND can be a fast track to university.

You can stay and study locally without the expense of moving away.