Diploma in Business or HND in Business: where should you start?
Aspire teaches business at two levels before the postgraduate diploma: the Diploma in Business and the Pearson BTEC HND in Business. They cover related ground, but they differ in level, length and who can join. Here is how to choose.
The Diploma in Business
The Diploma lasts 12 months across two semesters. The first builds the foundations: how businesses are organised, how they communicate, and how to read a set of accounts. The second moves into practice: marketing, human resources, operations and supply chain, and an entrepreneurship project. It is a complete qualification in its own right and the direct route into the HND.
The Pearson BTEC HND in Business
The HND in Business is a United Kingdom qualification at RQF 4–5 that runs for 24 months. In year two you choose a specialisation: Management, Marketing, or Procurement & Supply Management. There is a separate guide to choosing your specialisation. You can join in any of these ways:
- Option ATwo passes at G.C.E. Advanced Level
- Option BYou already hold a diploma, which qualifies you for direct entry to the HND
- Option CFive passes at G.C.E. Ordinary Level, with five years of work experience
- Option DExemptions approved by the Board of Examinations
How the two connect
Completing the Diploma in Business qualifies you for direct entry to the HND. The HND in turn leads to the Postgraduate Diploma and on to master's-level study.
Which should you start with?
- Five O/Level passes including Maths and English, and no A/Levels: start with the Diploma in Business.
- Two A/Level passes, or you already hold a diploma: the HND in Business is open to you directly.
- Five O/Level passes and five years of work experience: that is also a route into the HND, so ask a counsellor how your experience would be assessed.
- Not sure? Our counsellors assess your qualifications at no charge.
On cost: the Diploma is Rs 100,000 and the HND is Rs 350,000. The HND also has a separate fee paid directly to Pearson in the United Kingdom. See every programme's fees side by side.