What is a Pearson BTEC HND? A plain-English guide
HND stands for Higher National Diploma. Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals are vocational qualifications written in the United Kingdom. Aspire delivers the HND in Aviation Management at its Colombo 07 campus, taught by Aspire's aviation faculty.
Two years, two levels
The programme takes 24 months. Year one is Level 4 and year two is Level 5, written RQF 4–5 in the UK system. Here is what you study in each.
Level 4 · Year one 8 units
- The Contemporary Travel and Tourism Industry
- Managing Customer Experience
- Professional Identity and Practice
- Travel and Tourism Business Toolkit
- Leadership and Management for the Service Industries
- Managing Aviation Services
- Passenger Transport Services
- Marketing Essentials for Travel and Tourism
Level 5 · Year two 7 units
- Research Project
- Tourism Consumer Behaviour and Insight
- Airline Operations Management
- Airport Operations Management
- Strategic Planning for Air Transport
- Launching a New Venture
- Customer Value Management
Who can join
- 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
No A/Levels or diploma yet? You can still get here. Begin with the Diploma in Aviation Management and step into the HND when you complete it. Our counsellors assess your qualifications at no charge.
What it is, and what it is not
An HND is a vocational higher qualification: it combines business and management principles with subjects specific to the industry. It is not a bachelor's degree. What it does give you is a route onward. Aspire's Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma accepts HND holders with a minimum of one year of work experience, and that diploma opens a pathway to master's-level study.
Is it right for you?
- You want a practical qualification aimed at working in airlines, airports, ground handling, cargo or travel.
- You are happy with a two-year blended-learning programme.
- You would like a clear path to a postgraduate qualification later.