Top 6 schools in UK that accept HND and Third class for master's

Schools in UK that accept HND and Third class for master’s: To get accepted to do your masters program in the UK, most UK universities require the applicants to have first-class or second-class Honours. This means that if you have a HND degree or you’re a third-class honors student, most UK universities won’t give you admission. I said most because I’m about to share with you something really interesting.

Well, the good news is that there are some UK schools that still accept HND and third class for Masters’s degrees. With these schools, you are eligible for a Master’s degree even if your HND result is not from a UK institution.

In this article, I will give you a list of some of the high-ranking Universities in the UK that accept Higher National Diplomas (HND) and 3rd Class directly for master’s degrees without undergoing a postgraduate Diploma.

What is Higher National Diploma (HND) regarded as in the UK?

The Higher National Diploma is regarded as a level five (5) in UK educational system which equals a second year in undergraduate studies. The educational system in the UK operates from Level 1 to level 8. At the same time, the final year of undergraduate studies is known to be level 6.

Top 6 schools in UK that accept HND and Third class for master’s

These universities accept HNDs and 3rd class degrees for students who are looking to pursue a Master’s degree:

1. Sheffield Hallam University (SHU)

Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. The university has two sites the City Campus located near Sheffield railway station and the Collegiate Crescent Campus located in southwest Sheffield. The institution is offering competitive scholarships, discounts, and awards of up to £3,000 for international fee-paying students starting courses in January 2023, September 2023, and January 2024.

Admission requirements for SHU

A first degree or professional qualification is recognized as being equivalent to a degree standard
An HND or higher education diploma with substantial work experience in an appropriate field
Successful completion of a recognized pre-master course

2. Bedfordshire University

The University of Bedfordshire is a research university with campuses in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, England. The school has two main campuses in Luton and Bedford, with a large health teaching provision in Aylesbury at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Admission requirements for Bedfordshire University

The normal entry requirements for postgraduate degrees (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire are a good honor’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject from a recognized university or institution. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with appropriate work experience.
UKVI Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element

Note: This school offers a variety of Pre-sessional English courses for students who don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as well as an International and EU Foundation Year to help you attain stronger qualifications for entry. They also have English language exceptions for students who got a Minimum Grade of C/6 in the English language in the West African Examinations Council School Certificate (WAEC SSCE)

3. University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is a public research university located in Sunderland in the Northeast of England. It is ranked #101-150 in QS WUR Ranking by Subject 2022. It now has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, and has about 20,000 students. The University is focused on ensuring its graduates leave equipped with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and connections to make a positive difference in the wider world.

University of Sunderland entry requirements:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Generally, the course requirements will be a minimum score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 or higher in each component: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
O-Level English Language or GCSE English Language: You need B2 (equivalent to IELTS 6.0) or C1 (equivalent to IELTS 7.0).
Degree or HND taught in English for Postgraduate students: Proof of qualification is required.

4. Swansea University

Swansea University is a research-led university in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life. The university’s multicultural community provides a global perspective, enabling those who join us to develop skills and knowledge that set them on successful and enriching careers. It is ranked 26th in the UK. QS World University Ranking of #474

Admission requirements for Swansea University

For postgraduate programs, candidates must obtain a successful completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division:
60% or CGPA 6.7 (10-point system);
CGPA 6 (7-point system)
CGPA 3 (4-point system)

5. University of South Wales

The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university in Wales, with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. It is one of Britain’s most exciting and ambitious universities. USW is a vocationally focused university that prepares students to support key industries now and in the future. Employers work closely with USW to co-create a curriculum that supports their future needs. This provides them with a skilled and relevant workforce that they can rely on with a large pipeline of graduates coming out of USW.

Admission requirements for south wales

For postgraduate study, you generally need to have completed an undergraduate degree at the university level
IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 with at least a 5.5 in each component. Please note that some courses may require a higher level of English language proficiency than the University’s standard requirements.
A C, C6, 6 or credit pass grade in English at SSCE/NECO/WAEC level

Note: If in case you do not have any of the English qualifications above, you can offer an English Language Courses by the school to prepare you for academic studies.

6. Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University is a public university in Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh Napier comprises six schools with an international focus, each committed to growing our academic reputation, delivering an excellent personalized student experience, and building innovation, enterprise, and citizenship. it is one of the largest Scottish universities having 18,436 students 35% of whom are foreign students. They are known to have a high intake of HND applicants.

Admission requirements for Edinburgh Napier University

Bachelor’s degree (with attachment)
Certificate of knowledge of English with high scores (IELTS or TOEFL)

Other schools in UK that accept HND and Third class for master’s

University of Suffolk
Solent University
Robert Gordon University
University of Stirling

Ways to increase your chances of getting accepted with your HND/ Third-class result

Aside from applying to schools in the UK that accept HND and third class for master’s, there are still other possible ways to secure master’s admission to any UK school of your choice. Listed below are possible ways to boost your chances of getting accepted.

Postgraduate Diploma: A postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or diploma (PGDip) can help you expand on your bachelor’s degree. It has a shorter duration and costs less than a full master’s degree. With a postgraduate diploma certificate, you stand a higher chance of getting accepted into a master’s program notwithstanding your HND or third-class certificate. Studying for a PGCert or PGDip will equip you with master’s level knowledge.
Top-up degree: A Top-up degree is a final year (level 6) of undergraduate study equivalence Hence, it gives you (the participant) a bachelor’s level qualification. A top-up degree usually runs for a year.

Note: All universities accept a Postgraduate Diploma for admission into their master’s degree program.

Now is the best time to start sending in your applications to any of the schools in the UK that accept HND and Third class for masters. If you have any questions or need assistance with schooling in the UK, please use the Contact Us page and send us a message.