Can HND holder apply for a master’s degree in the UK?

Yes, an HND holder can apply for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom although this isn’t as easy as it is written especially if you have made up your mind on the University you intend to get your master’s degree from.

Not all Universities in the UK accept HND even if it is awarded in Nigeria, UK, or anywhere in the world for a master’s degree programme.

Some Universities may offer a direct admission to an HND holder for a masters degree in as much as the applicant has a requisite years of experience in the chosen field.

Other Universities will allow you to do a Postgraduate Diploma after which, you proceed to the Research Project stage of the Master’s Degree. Then a Master’s degree is awarded.

Do I need to write IELTS before I will given admission?

Yes, you need to write IELTS to get into a Master’s degree in the UK with your HND from Nigeria. Some institutions may exempt you since Nigeria is an English-speaking country but writing and passing the exam opens you to more opportunities and institutions.

Some of the Institutions where you can get a masters degree in the UK are ex-polytechnics and as such, allows HND students to enrol in for their masters programme.

Although, the process isnt as straightforward compared to those who have a bachelor degree.

Those ex-polytechnics enrol you first into their Postgraduate diploma section and after completion, you move into the Research project stage. Upon passing the Research Project stage, you are awarded a masters degree.

Students who have Bachelor degrees are enrolled directly into the Masters programme at the start of the course.

The lecture programmes between both HND and Degree holders doing Masters are identical. You sit in the same lecture rooms. In fact, the exams are the same. You may spend one year extra compared to those who got in through Bachelor degrees.

Some polytechnics in Nigeria offer Bachelor Degrees and they include;

1. Auchi Polytechnic, which is in Auchi, Edo State. Auchi Polytechnic is affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra State.
2. Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, which is in Bauchi State and affiliated with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
3. Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State which is affiliated with Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

Graduates from these polytechnics do not need to worry themselves as they can proceed to Masters programme directly in the UK.

As a recap;