Employment Trends

Employment Trends – Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, we would like to emphasize that soft skills have become the new hard skills and are viewed just as or in some cases, even more, desirable to employers.
To increase your employability, we would advise our students to ensure they are continually building up their soft skills, such as leadership and conflict resolution. These are integral to what makes a pleasant colleague and so such skills are high up on the list of what employers look for.
Other examples of soft skills include communication skills, timekeeping and organisational skills and creativity.
Another trend from an employer’s point of view that goes hand in hand with having soft skills is alternative hiring. This is when employers hire someone who may not have as much experience or hard skills necessary for the role but have a personality that is made up of soft skills – meaning the candidate is adaptable to the company culture and easy to teach – thus resulting in a perfect fit for the role and company due to the candidate’s other qualities. In this way, honing in on your soft skill can prove to be hugely important in landing a role.
Moving on to pay transparency, is becoming an increasingly common essential from the employee or job seeker’s point of view. Pay transparency is one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to if a job seeker will apply to your advertised role or progress with their application.
There are a number of views surrounding pay transparency. One view, shared by Ken Charman, CEO of Unilever Spin-Out Uflexreward, is that the younger generation will demand it, as is already the case with sites such as Glassdoor.
Paul Cardwell, Co-founder of Saboteur, shares a similar view, saying that the “brightest and best young people prefer to work in a transparent environment,”.
However, Mike Rob, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Boldspace bring up the point that pay can be influenced by experience, location, performance, etc so if employees or applicants only know the figure and not the whole picture, this could create a tense environment or situation. He also notes that not every employee will want their pay to be known and that has to be respected as well.
Next, employer branding is also part of what might appeal to or prevent applicants from showing interest in an organisation. Employers have to make full use of social media and grow their online presence, as well as ensure their branding aligns with their vision and company culture to attract the best, similar-minded employees.
With the ever-growing use of social media, potential employees take note of how a company interacts with its target audience online and appears in its branding to boost its prospects.
Lastly, from both the employer and employee point of view, work flexibility is a trend in employment that has become even more evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. Work flexibility refers to alternative working arrangements aside from being in the workplace for the whole of your working week. This could mean working from home or remote working at times or working different hours than a typical 9 – 5.
Work flexibility is useful for employers as it allows the business to function in a way that suits its needs and meets the employer’s requirements. Work flexibility is also suitable for many employees as it allows more work-life balance and more control of their time.
The above are the current trends in employment. We would advise our students to work hard on using their soft skills to progress further in their careers by working with companies that share similar values.

Presenteeism in the workplace

This week, we take a look at presenteeism in the workplace and how this has shifted to the virtual workplace. Presenteeism is the act of coming into work and performing tasks when sick, reducing levels of productivity.
There are several motives behind presenteeism. For example, employees needing the money and not being able to afford to take time off work could lead them to come in even when sick. Additionally, employees enjoying and being passionate about their work could lead to presenteeism as well as an expectation of being present from higher management.

Other work issues could lead to mental health-related presenteeism such as
pressure, workload, a lack of support in the workplace and negative working relationships.

Presenteeism may differ depending on the company. For example, workers that deal with the welfare of others may feel a responsibility to avoid missing work unless absolutely necessary. This may be the case with health workers in the covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, workers of under-staffed organizations may feel a need to come into work when suffering from illness, mental or otherwise, as they don’t wish to burden colleagues that are already overworked.
Once again, this is especially true in the covid-19 pandemic of ‘helping’ fields such as job roles that involve the wellbeing of others (i.e. patients).

A study by Deloitte (2020) suggests that the cost of presenteeism is greater than that of absenteeism. Absenteeism refers to the practice of missing work (or school) for no ‘good’ reason. However, it is important to note that the interconnectedness of technology has allowed for remote work, leading to less absence when employees suffer from ill health.

According to Kinman and Grant (2020), evidence suggests that “working while unwell can delay rather than expedite recovery and increase the risk of future health problems and sickness absence”. Studies have also found that presenteeism can “impair productivity and result in errors, accidents and injuries to the employee, their co-workers and the public”. This is a risk as organisations may have already reduced numbers of staff available or staggered hours during the covid-19 pandemic so may expect each present staff member to pull their weight, as such.

Deloitte put forward the newer idea of Leavism – which refers to the inability to switch off after work – as becoming an increasingly evident issue that affects workers’ mental health. This is due to the interconnectedness that advanced technology has brought to society. Technology has made it so workers are able to work from anywhere and can be reached at any time. The constant exposure to work-related inquiries and work-related notifications on one’s personal devices in their spare time could lead to burnout and mental ill health.

Similarly, Kinman and Grant look more specifically at presenteeism and leaveism – or lack thereof – during the pandemic. Remote workers have generally seen an increase in hours. Research by University of Essex and University of Chicago has shown “that total hours worked increased by roughly 30%, including an 18% rise in out of hours working”. This paired with digital monitoring and surveillance (e.g. screenshots whilst working or devices to check pages used during working hours) could be a reason why workers may be less fond of remote working.
Suggestions have been put forward on how to tackle mental stress caused by the workplace, and the stigma attached to it. Deloitte encourages the government to make improvements to the Equality Act and Statutory Sick Pay so as to lessen the stigma attached to mental health.

Kinman and Grant suggest remote workers or flexi-workers put boundaries into place to allow themselves time to dissociate themselves from work, helping them to avoid burnout. Reasonable and understandable boundaries will help workers to withdraw themselves when sick or during out of work hours. This can help keep a decent work-life balance whilst remote working.

To conclude, there are a number of reasons why workers may continue to working when suffering from ill health but it is up to the government to ensure satisfactory support is put into place when workers are unwell and stigma around mental health is lessened by treating and dealing with mental health in the same regard as other health issues.
#FridayFeeling #Backtowork #backtoschool #MentalHealthMatters #mentalhealth

Technological saviours during the Pandemic

Here are some advancements in technology that have greatly impacted how we have worked and studied during the covid-19 pandemic.
Firstly, it is daunting to think where we would all be without Zoom and other similar video-conferencing software. At this point, we’ve all probably had enough of clicking on yet another zoom link but there’s no denying how much use Zoom, MS Teams and other similar applications have been these past eighteen months. Technologies such as VPNs and cloud technology have enabled many workplaces to transition to remote or flexible working.
Video-conferencing software has played a key part in education transitioning to online teaching. Teachers have used online resources such as virtual reality and digital tools to ensure students of all levels receive as best an education as the pandemic allows.
Similarly, the interconnectivity of new technology has made for as smooth a transition to the new ‘normal’ as possible. This has certainly been a huge asset, especially during periods of lockdown. Though most businesses are able to operate as usual now (at least in the UK), there is still a social responsibility placed on businesses to do their best to limit cases and spread of the corona virus. For this reason, the interconnectedness that technology brings has been essential so that documents, files, ideas, etc, can easily be shared no matter where employees are.
However, though there are many benefits that can be associated with remote working and learning, such as less commute time and more flexibility for workers, it’s important to note that there are industries that are unable to move online and thus have seriously suffered during the pandemic. Examples include the hospitality and events industries.
Crucially, technology has provided a way in which lockdown and quarantine periods can be successful through services such as online shopping and food delivery apps. These ensure people don’t feel the need to leave their homes. In some countries, such as China, artificial intelligence and robots have even been developed for the sole purpose of un-manning job roles and chores; for instance grocery shopping.
Next, online entertainment, though already prominent before the pandemic, has transformed during the past eighteen months. New and exciting technology has been used to bring to life different forms of entertainment. For example, virtual reality and virtual tours of museums, galleries and exhibitions have been used so artists are still able to work and produce artistry. In addition, although online gaming was already popular, there has certainly been a surge in streaming and online gaming traffic since the beginning of the pandemic.
All of the above technologies rely on a fast and stable internet network. 5G increases download speeds and allows more connectivity for billions of devices.
5G is faster and more efficient as it uses smaller wavelengths and higher frequencies to support simultaneous connections. However, 5G is still fairly uncommon. This may be a reason why organisations are unwilling to commit to completely remote work; as different employees’ network and internet connection may result in a dip in productivity.
This shows that technology has undoubtedly been a saving grace for many of us during the pandemic in a number of ways. But until fast and secure connection is guaranteed, companies, organisations and institutions are still cautious to trust employees to fully work remotely.
#covid19 #coronavirus #remoteworking #backtowork

Uses of Technology in the monitoring and prevention of Covid-19

Firstly, artificial intelligence, or AI, has been of great use to governing bodies. AI in the form of mobile applications has been used to track people’s whereabouts and notify them of exposure to the virus.

The NHS Covid-19 app is an example of AI being used as a mobile application to help stop the spread of the virus. The NHS Covid-19 app does a multitude of different things; contact tracing, symptom information and forms as well as checking into venues (for contact tracing purposes) and booking covid tests.

However, it is crucial to note that important data may be missed, for example, when in a spot with no service or when people don’t have their mobile device on them. Another issue with mobile phone technology to prevent coronavirus cases is that applications rely on people to have the apps downloaded on their devices, which cannot be guaranteed.

Next, technology has been used in screening for the coronavirus. For example, infrared thermal cameras are being used to capture thermal images in real-time. This has been used in Taiwanese airports for quick thermal capturing, efficient in spotting individuals with a fever or high temperature. Similarly, Singapore uses thermometers in schools, public transports and workplaces to identify where cases are rising. This is useful in monitoring where cases are increasing so restrictions have to be placed and where relative freedom can be allowed.

Contact tracing is of the utmost importance to halt the spread of the virus. South Korea in particular has used a variety of techniques to ensure rigorous contact tracing. South Korea has used security camera footage, facial recognition technology and GPS data for real-time, detailed data of where people are. By identifying and isolating infections early, South Korea has maintained among the lowest per-capita mortality rates in the world according to Whitelaw et al (Whitelaw, Mamas, Topol and Van Spall, 2020).

However, contact tracing using such data is not without issues. The main ones being that not all exposure requires quarantine, for example when wearing PPE. Additionally, data gathered from contact tracing data is not always easy to follow up on. Some countries and locations use fines or other consequences as an incentive for people to self isolate themselves when required to do so.

Thus, technology has been and continues to be a significant tool that is necessary to make full use of to effectively prevent and limit the spread of coronavirus. It is essential to consistently implement technological measures to ensure quick effective tracking and monitoring of the virus to save lives.

In What Way Does an HND Differ from Master’s?

 One of the most challenging phases of life is when you have to make the major decision of choosing an educational pathway. Each student who steps out of school is full of dreams, and at the same time faces a life-altering decision. They have to be right at this choice, or else their entire life will be at jeopardy and would also have to regret that for the rest of their lives.
But there are numerous pathways available. There is the HND, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma and others. But, which is the best one for you? Which way will lead you in the path of success and help you achieve your dreams? All these questions are something that you should ponder upon seriously before you commit to a course of education.
To help you on your road of success, we are providing you with some information about two of the significant educational pathways so that you can get a closer look at them and will help you decide better.
Get to Know about HND Courses to Discern the Difference between HND and Master’s.
The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a higher educational qualification that is available in the United Kingdom and a few international countries. It is a vocational course, so it can be said that it is specifically developed for the world of work. Therefore it is ideal for people who want to have more of a ‘hands-on’ experience in their studies.
What Are the Entry Requirements for HND?
The entry requirements to join an HND programme are:-
A BTEC Level 3 qualification or A GCE Advanced Level profile with a strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject.
Relevant full-time work experience for two years or more.
Access to a Higher Education Certificate that is awarded by an approved educational institution, or an international equivalent.
What Level of Qualification Is the HND And What Is It Equivalent to?
In England, Wales and Nothern Ireland, HND is equivalent to level 5 qualifications according to the Regulated Qualifications Framework/Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales. It can be awarded by various bodies including BTEC.
And it is also considered as equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree at a university.
Additionally, an HND qualification is also considered equal to a foundation degree.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing an HND Course?
The benefits you will get from an HND course are numerous:
As they are work-related course, they will help you progress and also excel in your work by training you in the required skills.
With this course, you can get a taste of higher education without having to commit to a complete degree.
In terms of credit points, a graduate would have gained 240+ credit points with 15 modules.
By the end of the course, HND graduates have two qualifications because this course is embedded with a Higher National Certificate, which is a stand-alone qualification by itself and is valued as level 4 with 120+ credit points.
On completion of this course, you can further your studies with Top-up programmes to gain a full Honour’s degree And also directly join the final year of an undergraduate degree in a university.
There are a wide range of subjects and industries that you can choose in HND. It includes Business Management, Hospitality Management, Health and Social Care.
People who are already into a job and wish to improve their skills can also enrol in HND courses.
Most importantly, it will help you develop self-confidence, essential skills and specialist knowledge.
Get to Know about Master’s Degree to Discern the Difference between HND and Master’s
A Master’s degree is an academic qualification/ degree that is awarded by universities or colleges. It denotes a mastery or high-order overview in a particular field of study or professional practice. It is a postgraduate qualification, and therefore you will gain an in-depth level of knowledge when compared to a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s programmes can either be teaching based or research-based.
What Are the Entry Requirements for a Master’s Degree?
Only those who have completed an undergraduate level of study in a relative subject can apply to enrol for Master’s degree.
What Level of Qualification Is a Master’s Degree?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a Master’s degree is ranked as level 7 qualification according to the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ).
But, it is a level 11 qualification according to the Framework for Qualification of Higher Education Institutes in Scotland (FQHEIS).
What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Master’s Degree?
It only takes one to two years to complete if you choose to do it as a full-time course.
A Master’s degree will help you in finding a job, as many jobs require a Master’s degree. And even if you get into a job that doesn’t need it, you will be paid more.
Once you graduate from a Master’s degree programme, you will become eligible for funding, if you wish to do your PhD.
Master’s degree will increase your knowledge, personal and professional skills. Therefore, by the time you complete this course, you will specialise in skills for critical evaluation, complex problem solving and rigorous independent thinking.

What Makes a Good HND Business Marketing Student?

In the world we are living in, our future career and lifestyle is much dependent on our educational choices. Once you finish school, you know that basic education is not enough to find a lucrative career and have a sophisticated lifestyle. Though fundamental education teaches us the values in life and makes each individual a person, higher education shapes the personality of an individual and equips the person to enter the professional world. During the years you spend in a college, you learn the needed skills that are essential to sustain in your dream job.
Many students now are interested in becoming self-made personalities. Therefore those who wish to start their business venture, like to learn about it. Hence, we can find many students who are willing to do an HND in Business Marketing degree. Not only young ones, even professionals who want to take their career or business to the next level show interest in pursuing this course.
If you are wondering what it is and if it would suit you, you can relax, because you have landed on the right page that is going to clarify all your queries and it will help you make a wise decision. So, in this article you can find fulfilling answers to questions such as:
* What is an HND Business Marketing degree?
* What are the benefits of studying an HND Business Marketing and how to be a good business marketing student?
What Is an HND in Business Marketing Course?
A Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Marketing is a course that provides an overview of marketing and also helps in learning a few business aspects. The topics you will be learning include marketing research, applying and evaluating analytical tools to create a marketing plan, promotional activities that will be in response to the target market, sales planning, operations and the various stages of the sales process. The Business Marketing course is one of the essential qualifications and offers a broad range of appropriate business and management areas.
Who Can Choose an HND in Bussiness Marketing Course?
The HND Business Marketing course is ideal for those of you who want to specialise in marketing and also want to learn the theories and needs of the business.
As this course helps in developing a strong fundamental knowledge about the business world and teaches complex management theories, it could be perfect for those who want to run a business and also for those who are planning to get into a public sector of business. And even for those who are already into a profession and are wanting to upgrade their career or business.
What Are the Benefits of Studying an HND in Bussiness Marketing Course?
As Pearson Edexcel BTEC accredits it, you will gain professional recognition and a progression route onto a degree.
The HND courses are equivalent to the first two years of a three-year degree with honours.
As it is viewed as a vocational by employers, it prepares you for careers in the workplace.
As Pearson Edexcel accredits this course, it is nationally, and internationally recognised qualification.
In the Business and Marketing course, you will be learning units that would include business environment, organisations and behaviour, aspects of contract and negligence for business, managing financial resources and decisions, decision making, marketing intelligence, business strategy, business ethics, sales planning and operations and so on.
Once you complete this course, you will stand out from the crowd, as you will now have better knowledge and understanding of organisations and the nature of the environment they operate.
You will learn about the various business and marketing tools that many small business owners
You will be able to develop and demonstrate cognitive skills such as the ability to solve business problems and become a critical thinker.
You will be able to learn marketing strategies that you would need when you set up your business so that you can implement your marketing tactics even on your business cards in a way that adds to your business.
HND in business marketing course will help improve your thinking abilities, so you will be able to synthesise your ideas into business and marketing plans.
You will also learn how to communicate professionally in reports and formal presentations.
You will have a better understanding of marketing theories, concepts, frameworks and techniques that will help you both in firms and small business marketing.
These are level 5 qualifications which are embedded with a level 4 HNC qualification. And you will earn 240 credit points on completion of this course in two years.
As HND courses cost less than other degree courses, a business marketing HND is an affordable stepping stone to the business and management degree.
HND courses are generally career-focused. Therefore you will develop the essential, work-based skills, knowledge and understanding that is required by the new business sector.
What Makes a Good HND in Business Marketing Student?
First of all, explore and find what aspect or part of the study motivates and excites you and invest most of your time in that part.
To be a good business marketing student, you should learn how to effectively use marketing tools such as email marketing, Google AdWords, Facebook ads, blog posts, social media and other similar things to promote your business.
Learn about email marketing, as it will let you send commercial messages to prospective and existing customers. These emails may include advertisements, request to business, donations and many other things.
You would be doing a research project during the course in which you can research and specialise in digital marketing, as it is the drastically growing field. So you can sell your intended products or services online, even using social networks.
Learn to specialise in content marketing as well, because this marketing idea, rather than pitching your products or services would create and distribute relevant and valuable content/information that would attract your customer and later will drive them into profitable action.

What Is the Meaning of a Top-up Course?

 “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today“, said Malcolm X. And we all know the truthfulness of these words. Accept it or not, education plays a vital role in determining the future of an individual.
Not only does it impart academic knowledge, but also helps us develop skills and learn life lessons. It aids in boosting your self-confidence and adds value to you as a person. The educational course you choose to study will dictate the field of profession you will be working for the rest of your life. So, it can be safely said that education determines your future and your lifestyle.
But sadly, many end up following the mob and choosing something that wouldn’t suit them personally. The biggest mistake that many young ones make is to follow a specific trend that is popular at that period of time. They forget to listen to their heart and to analyse what they really want and what their goals in life are. And finally, they get stuck into a course, in which their heart does not belong to. And eventually, they do not excel in that field. And we invest a lot in education, including our precious time, money, energy and our beautiful years of youth. So why put it all in something worthless?
To help you out in this big decision of your life, we are here to provide you with information on various educational qualifications. As you read this article, brace up yourself to get in-depth knowledge on Top-up courses and its uses.
What Is the Meaning of a Top-up Course?
Top-up courses are one-year degree programmes that are equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree. With these courses, you can top up your existing qualification. You can take up a Top-up degree after completing a higher national diploma (HND) or Foundation degree. It is a degree level qualification and therefore on successful completion of this course for just a year you will gain a degree such as a BA HONS degree or a BSc HONS.
What Are the Circumstances in Which Top-up Courses Could Be an Ideal Choice?
If you want to take up a full degree but are lacking the qualifications for a full degree, you can opt to do a higher national diploma (HND) course which has lower entry requirements and then top it up with a related Top-up course. Thus you will have the same qualification as a regular Honors Bachelor’s degree at the university.
Cost: Choosing an HND course and then topping it with a relative Top-up course will save you a lot of money compared to a full Bachelor’s degree with Honours. As in MONT ROSE COLLEGE, the tuition fees are affordable. An HND course only costs 6,999-pound sterling and a Top-up degree costs 9,250-pound sterling per annum, on adding it, totally costs only 16,249-pound sterling to complete a three-year study and gain a Bachelor’s degree with Honours. At the same time, a full degree course would cost you 27,750-pound sterling for three years of study only to get the same qualification. Moreover, you will also be fully funded by the Student Loan Company if you are eligible. Aren’t you wise enough to spend a less amount of your fortune to get the same degree qualification?
Top-up degrees provide the option of doing them either full time or part-time. Therefore, if you are already into a job, but are aspiring to climb the degree ladder and eventually your position at work, Top-up courses can be ideal for you. You can choose to study part-time, while also satisfying your boss. Besides, also remember that if it is a full time course you can complete it within a year, whilst it takes 16 months to complete when it is a part-time course.
What Are the Advantages of Doing a Top-up Course?
Studying a Top-up course has numerous benefits. A few of them are listed below:
In a foundation degree, you will be taught by combining academic study with pertinent work-based learning. Whereas, during a Top-up programme, you will be taught using competitive curriculums that are specifically designed to teach the needs of the current job market.
When you top-up your existing degree you will be indicating your employers that you already have the needed academic, organisational and management skills for the job.
Student funding is available for most of the Top-up courses. Therefore, you do not need to be anxious about paying the fees.
If you choose to study a Top-up course, there are plenty of options available for you to choose from. It includes Business and Management, Financial Services, Public Health and Community Studies, Law and Practice, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Applied Biosciences, Tourism and Hospitality Management and many other courses.
Top-up courses are internationally accepted. It means that after completing your studies, you can settle and start working anywhere in the world.
A Top-up degree is considered as an equivalent qualification to an undergraduate program, so this would widen your job opportunities.
A full-time student will gain 120 credit points on completion of a Top-up course, which is equal to 1200 national hours. And it is rated as level 6 qualification.
You can sharpen your skills in planning and preparing, strategic management, critical thinking, time management, researching, discussion and debate and many other areas.
Once you have completed a Top-up degree and earned a Bachelor’s diploma, you can further your studies by applying for a Master’s course. And later can climb the educational ladder by doing MPH and even a Doctorate.
Top-up courses will help you expand your knowledge in your field of interest. You will be learning through a dissertation process, in which you are expected to be doing research and project on your own. This method will help you in gaining the needed experience and expertise for your professional field.

What Is the Difference Between an HND and Master’s?

 All of us face numerous situations where we are confronted with significant decisions in our lives. One such case is choosing the right education. No doubt we may be perplexed at these times, and wonder what to do. Though you have to listen to your heart, you must also be careful to make life’s important choices based on accurate knowledge. As it is not just the two to four years, you are going to invest. Instead, it is your entire life and career choice. So, educational courses will also impact the way you view your job each day, and the happiness and satisfaction you will get out of it.
Many young students, although they want to have a successful living, they are not sure about which course and educational path will better suit them. Unfortunately, many youngsters often tend to follow the crowd, which may result in ending up in a course and later a job that they will least enjoy doing and therefore cause them to be less productive.
Many terms are being used to define various syllabuses and training of higher education. Some choose to study an HND degree, whereas others opt for a diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree? Each one serves its purpose. But the question is, which will suit you? Which course will help you reach your ambition in life? Which course will make each day in the rest of your life more enjoyable and fun so that you can wake up every day full of joy and excitement?
You can answer these questions only if you know in detail about each educational pathway. Therefore, we have made up our mind to help you in this journey of success. As you read this article, you can find valuable information on two courses, which are the HND and a Master’s degree. So, by the time you complete reading this, you can come to a conclusion that can benefit you in various ways.
Difference between an HND and Master’s: What is an HND?
HND is the abbreviated form for Higher National Diploma. It is a work-related vocational course provided by the institutes of higher education in the United Kingdom. Pearson Edexcel accredits it in the UK. By completing this course, you gain level 4 and level 5 qualifications. On completion of this course, the doors will be opened for you to do further higher education.
Difference between an HND and Master’s: Who Can Enrol in an HND Course?
The entry requirements to join an HND programme are:
A BTEC Level 3 qualification or a GCE Advanced Level profile with a strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject.
Relevant full-time work experience for two years or more.
Difference between an HND and Master’s: Advantages of Choosing a HND Degree?
This course is flexible. Therefore, there are a few different options to study. You can choose to study it either full-time or part-time.
An HND qualification is equivalent to a Foundation degree and the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree. Moreover, it equips you with practical skills, and thus it prepares you for a career in the workplace.
HND is valued for 240 credit points on the completion of at least 15 units.
The HND courses are focused on a practical approach. It teaches by “learning by doing” method. So HND graduates will acquire a lot of useful and technical skills that will help you in a significant way when you enter the working world. So, you are more likely to find a job and sustain there.
After you complete an HND course, you can further your studies with Top-up programmes to gain a full Honour’s Degree And also directly join the final year of an undergraduate degree in a university.
Difference Between an HND and Master’s: What Is a Master’s Degree?
A Master’s degree is an academic qualification/ degree that is awarded by universities or colleges. It denotes a mastery or high-order overview in a particular field of study or professional practice. It is a postgraduate qualification, and therefore you will gain an in-depth level of knowledge when compared to a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s programmes can either be teaching-based or research-based.
Difference between an HND and Master’s: Who Can Enrol for a Master’s Degree?
The entry requirements for a Master’s degree are:
Only the ones who have completed a Bachelor’s degree either as a separate degree or integrated course with a minimum of 2:1 will be accepted into a Master’s course. Yet, with relevant professional experience, those with a 2:2 may also be taken.
Those whose mother tongue is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency at a score of IELTS level 6.5 or its equivalent.
Difference between an HND and Masters: What Are the Benefits of a Master’s Degree?
A Master’s degree will increase your knowledge, personal and professional skills. Therefore, by the time you complete this course, you will specialise in high order skills in critical evaluation, analytics complex problem solving and rigorous independent thinking.
As a result, of the acquired knowledge and experience, it will even boost your confidence and your employability.
A Master’s degree graduate will be eligible to get funding for PhD
It is ranked as a level 7 qualification.
This course is also flexible and so if taken as a full-time course, you can be completed in around two years. On the other hand, you can also take it as a part-time course and complete it in two to four years.
After the course, you will have a broader understanding of strategies, communication, culture and markets.
With a Master’s degree, you can quickly climb the corporate ladder, and this means you can earn more while doing your dream job as well.
It makes you noticeable and highly respected. Therefore, you will not be easily ignored by employers.

Is It Worth Pursuing an HND Business Management Course?

Suppose you are a young student who has just stepped out of school and is about to take the first step of your dreams by choosing an educational pathway, this is the right page that is going to help you in making this life-altering decision. Many young ones want to become successful entrepreneurs and to get placed in prestigious jobs. If you are someone who dreams so, keep reading.
Nowadays, HND business management courses have become popular. But it would be best if you do not choose a higher education qualification just because it is popular. You must do your part of the research and analyse if that particular course will suit you and lead you in the path of your dreams.
What Is the HND Business Management Course?
The Higher National Diploma in Business Management is an industry-focused vocational course. While learning fundamental business management principles and practices, you can complete it in two years. As you will be learning through engaging projects, case studies and group work, you will be better equipped to enter a successful management career. During the course of study, you will learn how to manage the problems faced by today’s managers, and so it will be easy to face real-world situations.
What Are the Entry Requirements for HND Business Management Course?
You should have a level 3 or equivalent qualification.
You should also have access to Higher Education Certificate that is from an approved further education institution.
The entry requirements also include having a standard commensurate to IELTS 5.5 in English proficiency.
You are expected to pass an academic interview.
If you are a mature learner, yet lack the formal qualifications, you are required to present a profile of achievement in the form of 2-year related work experience. You will also be subject to relevant entry assessments.
You are expected to show above-average performance in a relevant subject GCSE Advanced level profile or an adequate performance in more than one subject.
Access to Higher Education Certificate that is from an approved further education institution.
What Are the Skills You Will Earn from a Business Management Course?
On successful completion of this course, you will have complete knowledge of digital, economic and business literacy. The knowledge of the financial domain apart from helping you grow in business will guide you in the process of generating better profit. With this course, you will be able to acquire and sharpen your skills as per your business requirement.
Marketing Skills
Both in terms of expenses and profits, marketing covers nearly 70 percent of the business. As you will be doing live projects in the process of this course, you will acquire a lot of marketing skills and work experience. With those skills, you can grow your business fast, and it will also help the firm you are working in.
Technical Skills
Technical knowledge is inevitable if you want to get into a job or want to start a new business. And during the HND in Business Management course, you will gain the technical knowledge of your domain.
Why Should You Choose to Study a HND Business Management Course?
If you want to start your own business, this course can be ideal for you. As you will learn the basic and advanced business concepts during this course.
The indispensable qualities that you will need in areas of business are communication skills, confidence and decision making. The HND in Business Management course will help you sharpen skills like the above mentioned.
These courses are designed in collaboration with the real-world business community. So you will always know the ever-changing nature of the business environment; as a result, you can quickly adapt to any situation. And therefore the modules and skill development inbuilt in the courses apart from increasing your career prospects will increase your earning potential.
If you are keen on achieving a Business Management degree but lack the needed time and resources to complete a full three-year degree program, these courses can be ideal for you. Because Higher National Diplomas only take two years to complete. Which means you will earn the same level of qualification, skills and knowledge in a shorter span.
The tuition fees for HND courses are relatively less when compared to other courses. Therefore you do not have to spend your fortune on education.
As HND in Business Management degree is a Btec level qualification, it is valuable all over the world. So you can start your business or career, anywhere in the world.
During the course, you will be able to specialise in numerous subjects which include human resource management, event management, luxury management or sports management. Moreover, with optional modules, you will also be able to pursue topics like finance and entrepreneurship.
What Are the Career Prospects of a HND Business Management Course?
Employers always want to hire people with a high level of business sense, good aptitude and problem-solving skills. As you will gain a wealth of these desirable skills, finding a job for you will not be as hard as it is for others. You will more likely find a high paying job in an MNC and also be capable of starting your trade.
You will gain strong foundation knowledge in management practices such as accounting, costing, finance, marketing, procurement, quality, strategy and many others from a HND Business Management course. This means that you are not bound into one particular job; instead, you will be qualified to work in various sectors of business.
The available career routes for a HND Business Management diploma are recruitment, publicity, marketing, financial and risk analysis, business development and consultancy and many more.
Not only for those who are just out of school, but this course will also prove to be useful for those who already run a business and are willing to learn more cognitive skills. And for those who are into a job and seek promotion.
Irrespective of the industry, management roles are available in all sectors and therefore, they are always growing demand for graduates who are qualified to fill managerial positions. So a HND Business Management course will provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.
As you study, you will also have the opportunity to interact with people and listen to their ideas. So you will have a better understanding of the business world from various other perspectives.

Is It Worth Pursuing a Diploma in the UK?

 However, the primary focus of higher education qualification is to equip you better to enter the professional world. Each student who steps out of school has so many dreams and a specific career in mind. But the question is, which is the best course that will help you achieve your goal? It would be best if you give serious thought to this question, as there is a plethora of terms and courses that the world has to offer. If you are not particular about what you actually want and fail to do enough research, there are chances that you will more likely end up in the wrong course.
If you are someone who wants to have a hands-on experience while learning, diploma courses could be ideal options for you. But, before you fix your mind on this specific educational pathway, you should know what diploma courses are. You can also learn about the benefits of this course and if it is worth it investing your time, money and energy into this course. So, let’s get started.
What Are Diploma Courses?
A diploma is an academic award that is given by a college or university to a person who has successfully completed a work-related course. These are technically designed and career-focused. And diploma courses are available in four different types. They are: a diploma of higher education (DipHE), graduate diploma, postgraduate diploma, and higher national diploma (HND).
What Level Qualifications Are Diploma Courses?
The value of any degree course is based on its level of qualification in the educational system. The various diplomas have a different level of qualifications. The diploma in higher education (DipHE) is rated as level 5 qualification according to the Regulated Qualification Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and also by the European Qualifications Framework. Whereas, the graduate diploma is rated as level 6, according to the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ). At the same time, it is at level 10 or level 11, according to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). And the postgraduate diploma is qualified as level 7, according to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). According to the FHEQ it is rated as level 7 or 8, whilst based on the SCQF rating it is at levels 11 or 12. At the same time, the higher national diploma (HND) is equivalent to level 5 qualification.
What Are Diploma Courses Equivalent to?
The graduate diploma, though being a short term course, is a Bachelor’s degree level qualification.
The diploma in higher education (DipHE) is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree programme.
A graduate diploma is tantamount to the final year of a Bachelor’s degree. And in some countries, it is also considered as being at a level between Master’s and Doctorate.
A postgraduate diploma is a year of study that can be considered equal to the first year of the PhD programme.
The Higher National Diploma is equivalent to a foundation degree and is also considered as a comparable qualification to the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree programme. Therefore you can use the HND as an entry-level qualification to directly enter the final year of a Bachelor’s degree with Honours at a university.
How Much Credit Points Will You Gain from Diploma Courses?
By achieving the Higher National Certificate (HNC), that is an embedded course of the HND that you will be finishing in the first year; you will acquire 120+ credit points. By the time you graduate from an HND course, you will be awarded 240+ transferable credit points.
Though it is a short term course, the postgraduate diploma is a higher level of study. In just a year, you will gain 120 credit points.
A graduate diploma is valued for 80-120 credit points.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Diploma Course?
With a postgraduate diploma, you will be able to study a more advanced programme than at the Bachelor’s degree level.
In graduate diplomas, you will be able to gain a degree-level knowledge of a new academic subject and at a shorter span.
A postgraduate diploma student will study seven foundation subjects of a three-year course in a shorter span.
With diploma qualifications, you can have the upper hand in making your career choices and sharpening your skills.
Diploma courses are more economical than other available degree courses. So if you are someone who yearns to get a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate qualification, but are low on funds, diplomas can be your saviours. As with these you can achieve the same level of qualification and with a lesser amount of money.
Diploma courses are short term courses. And so, you do not need to spend your entire youth and half of your life in education. Instead, as a diploma graduate, you will start earning sooner and enjoying life better.
Most of the diploma courses are flexible. Hence, you can choose to take it full time or part-time.
It requires less effort, and are taught by a ‘ learn by doing’ approach. And so you do not need to force yourself each day to go to college. But the fact that you would be doing something exciting and fun will help you wake up each day with joy and full of energy.
As you will learn practical lessons, you will develop and sharpen the practical skills that will better equip you to face the real working world.
Because employers are aware of the fact that diploma graduates are confident and that they possess practical skills, they are highly sought after. So once you graduate, it would not be difficult for you to find a job.
There are numerous courses offered by diploma pathways. As a result, you can easily find and pursue your area of interest.