Higher National Diploma · Banking & Management

HNDBusinessHigher National Diploma · Levels 4–5

Build a practical understanding of how businesses work. Explore marketing, people, finance and strategy while developing skills for employment, entrepreneurship or further study.

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Delivered by GBS. Awarded by Pearson Education. Personal guidance from GLP.

Adult business students collaborating on a retail operations case study with an inventory clipboard and laptop in a learning workshop — Ideas. People. Enterprise.Understand business in practice.
Build your next opportunity.

Duration: 2 yearsLevels 4 and 5
Delivery: WeekdaysTimetable subject to confirmation
Entry guidance: Level 3Or an accepted equivalent / Access certificate
Intakes: September, January, JuneSubject to confirmation

Awarding institution: Pearson Education
Locations: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds — subject to availability

A practical foundation in business

Understand organisations.
Develop your direction.

Explore the business fundamentals that support organisations, managers and entrepreneurs. Develop your understanding of marketing, accounting, people management and innovation while considering how businesses respond to a changing environment.

This two-year Higher National Diploma covers Levels 4 and 5. Research, independent study, directed learning and work-related activities help connect business ideas with practical questions and develop the analytical and personal skills relevant to employment.

In year one, build knowledge across the core functions of business. Year two develops a more critical approach to strategy, organisational behaviour, global business and marketing, alongside a Pearson-set research project.

A route towards a degree

After completing the HND, you may be able to apply for a one-year Level 6 top-up to work towards a full undergraduate degree. Progression depends on the receiving university’s requirements, your results and course availability; it requires a separate application.

Confirm your start date and timetable

The supplied September, January and June intakes and weekday timetable are subject to confirmation. GBS’s current guide lists October, January and June, with weekday and/or evening delivery. Ask for the campus timetable and attendance requirements for your intake.

Your experience matters

Explore your entry route.

Academic entry guidance

Level 3qualification or equivalent

The outline also lists an Access to Higher Education certificate. Admissions confirms which qualifications and supporting documents are accepted.

Experience-based consideration

21+years of age

Applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements may be considered through relevant academic, professional or vocational experience and commitment to study.

English language and interview

The outline lists accepted English language evidence at CEFR B2 for non-native English speakers or applicants who have not studied Level 3 in the UK. All applicants must pass an academic interview. Confirm accepted evidence or assessment options with admissions.

Exceptional entry through experience

The programme outline lists two years of relevant work experience as an exceptional entry route. This is subject to individual assessment; it is not an automatic substitute for all entry conditions.

Application process

Complete your application.
Provide the requested supporting documents.
Attend a panel interview.
Receive the provider’s final admissions decision.

Pearson Education issues the final certificate. The provider confirms admission, accepted qualifications and any additional requirements for your intake.

Your learning journey

From business foundations to strategic thinking.

The outline contains 15 modules and 240 credits across two years: 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5.

Year one · Level 4Build foundations across the core functions of business

Accounting Principles (15 credits)
Entrepreneurial Ventures (15 credits)
Innovation and Commercialisation (15 credits)
Leadership and Management (15 credits)
Management of Human Resources (15 credits)
Managing a Successful Business Project (Pearson-set) (15 credits)
Marketing Processes and Planning (15 credits)
The Contemporary Business Environment (15 credits)

Year two · Level 5Develop strategic understanding and independent research

Business Strategy (15 credits)
Developing Individuals, Teams & Organisations (15 credits)
Digital Marketing (15 credits)
Global Business Environment (15 credits)
International Marketing (15 credits)
Organisational Behaviour Management (15 credits)
Research Project (Pearson-set) (30 credits)

Modules and availability may change through programme review. Confirm the final specification and assessment requirements for your intake.

Connect knowledge with practice

Learn through business challenges.

How you’ll study

Directed learning builds knowledge of business principles.
Research and independent study develop your analytical skills.
Business projects connect ideas with practical situations.
Collaborative tasks develop communication and teamwork.
Lecturer guidance supports preparation and assignment work.

Allow time outside scheduled classes for research, homework and group work. Confirm the format of work-related activities with the course team.

How you’ll be assessed

Presentations and poster presentations.
Written assignments, reports and case-study analysis.
Portfolios of evidence.
Role plays and practical business tasks.
Projects, including marketing campaigns and Pearson-set work.

The outline states that there are no formal examinations. Coursework can still involve deadlines and time-controlled activities. Confirm the current assessment plan for each module.

Looking beyond the diploma

Find your place in business.

Develop knowledge that can support roles across business operations, marketing, people management, accounting and enterprise. The HND can also support further study or the development of your own business ideas.

Communications and channel management
Culture and talent management
Digital advertising and sales
Human resources and business partnering
Management accounting pathways
Risk and control
Business strategy
Supply chain management

These are potential career directions, including areas for longer-term progression. Management and professional roles may require additional experience, qualifications or professional training. The HND does not guarantee a management position or employment.

Continue at Level 6

A suitable degree top-up may allow you to build on your HND. Check entry requirements, subject compatibility, available places and funding with the receiving university before planning your progression.

Plan your next step

Understand the cost of study.

Published annual tuition fee

£6,525 per year

GBS lists this annual fee for new and existing students from August 2026. Confirm the fee for your entry year and both years of study; fees may change.

Ask about fees & funding

The earlier £6,000 annual figure in the programme outline has been superseded by the current published GBS fee. Your confirmed fee schedule and any additional costs should be checked before accepting an offer.

Funding your studies

Eligible students may be able to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and support with living costs. Eligibility depends on your course and provider, previous study, age, nationality and residency status. Confirm your individual entitlement with Student Finance.

For most courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, applications use Lifelong Learning Entitlement funding. Check the official guidance for your intended start date before making financial plans.

Before you apply

Confirm your entry route, eligibility, intake availability, modules and current fees with the provider. This page brings together course information and GLP guidance.

Current GBS HND in Business guide and fees Student finance eligibility — GOV.UK Funding for courses starting from January 2027 — GOV.UK

Your questions, answered

A little more clarity.

Is the HND in Business right for me?

It may suit you if you want to explore business functions, develop practical skills or work towards further degree-level study. Discuss your background and goals with GLP.

Is this a full bachelor’s degree?

No. It is a two-year Higher National Diploma covering Levels 4 and 5. You may apply separately for a suitable Level 6 top-up, subject to university entry requirements.

What will I learn?

Explore accounting, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, human resources and marketing before progressing to strategy, global business, organisational behaviour and research.

Where can I study?

The listed cities are London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Confirm campus and intake availability with GBS.

Can the timetable fit my commitments?

The supplied outline describes two weekdays, 9:45am to 3:15pm. Treat this as indicative and subject to confirmation. Ask for your actual timetable; the current provider guide also mentions evening delivery where available.

Can experience support my application?

Applicants aged 21 and over may be considered through relevant experience. The outline lists an exceptional route with two years of relevant work experience. Admissions confirms suitability and evidence requirements.

How will I be assessed?

The outline states no formal examinations. Assessment includes presentations, assignments, case studies, reports, portfolios, role plays and project work. Independent preparation is an essential part of study.

What could I do after completing the HND?

Explore employment across business functions, entrepreneurship or a suitable degree top-up. Specialist and management routes can require further qualifications and experience.

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Your next chapter starts here

Build your future
in business.

Explore your next step with personal guidance from Global Learning Pathway.