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HND ACCOUNTING

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 8
  • Course Type:   Full-time

HND ACCOUNTING

This course is for students who have achieved the HNC in accounting and is designed to increase competence in financial and management accounting. 

This course will be delivered on campus. 

Please note: Applications for all Full-Time, Part-Time and Schools courses for August 2026 entry are now closed.
If you are interested in studying with us, applications for our January 2027 Full-Time Short Courses will open on 13th October 2026.

Applications for August 2027 entry will open in mid-January 2027. These courses will be showcased at our December Showcase Event, with full details available closer to the time.

Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) still have spaces available, and applications are accepted throughout the year. For information on our available Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) and how to apply, please visit our Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) page.

Please check our website regularly for updates, course information and future application dates.

 

Start date – August 2026
End date –  June 2027
SCQF Level -  8 
Mode - Full time  
Duration - 1 year  

  • What the course includes

    The course covers all aspects of accounting practice, and includes opportunities for work placements and volunteering. You will learn more about management and financial accounting, business taxation, skills in researching, evaluating and interpreting financial data, awareness and application of current accounting standards and legislation, providing information for decision-making and control.  Report writing is a significant component of the course, ensuring you develop strong communication skills essential for the profession. 

Why choose this course

You will gain work experience through work placement and/or volunteering and progress towards degree-level study. This will improve your prospects for work and promotion. Experienced lecturers with a wide range of industry experience will support and guide you throughout the course. 

You will also have the opportunity to gain exemptions from accredited qualifications needed to be a practicing accountant, such as CIMA, ACCA and AAT. 

As an accountancy student at West Lothian College you will benefit from our strong links with local employers and organisations.  

Our previous students have benefited by hearing from industry professionals with a wealth of knowledge of the sector and have the opportunity to take part in sessions with professional accountancy bodies including CIMA/ACCA/AAT. 

Entry requirements

  • 15 credit HNC in Accounting and a grade C or above pass in Graded Unit
  • Internal candidates studying HNC accounting must complete all course units and gain a C or above pass in a Graded Unit 

Successful completion of the HND in accounting requires 30 credits (15 credits from HNC Accounting and 15 credits from HND Accounting) so other qualifications or work experience are not relevant. 

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.

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    Where it leads

    Education: entry to university degree at second or third year or progression with advanced standing to qualifications from professional accounting bodies including ACCA and CIMA.  

    We also have an articulation agreement with Heriot-Watt University, which will allow progression to 3rd year Accountancy and Law after successful completion of the course.  

    Employment: posts such as accounts technician, assistant accountant and accounts supervisor. 

Interview arrangements

There are no interview arrangements for this course due to entry criteria being progression from HNC Accounting. 

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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