Find a course
arc blue

HND BUSINESS

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

HND BUSINESS

This course is for students who have completed HNC business and who want to progress to a degree in business studies or into employment in business-related disciplines, and includes work experience through placements and/or volunteering.

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

This course is the equivalent to second year of degree study- we have a number of articulation agreements which will allow you to progress on completion of your HND qualification.

We offer this course as the second year of a three-year programme which will allow you to graduate with Edinburgh Napier University's Business Management degree.

Edinburgh Napier University's degree is delivered on campus, and this unique degree offering with Napier's Business School means you can complete your full degree at the college, and progress directly to Napier, if you want to complete your honours or masters degree.

Sam Santini studies HND Business at West Lothian College, and talks about her experience, and how she hopes to use her HND to progress onto university, and open her own business.

  • What the course includes

    You will learn about business contractual relationships, preparing financial forecasts, managing business culture and strategy, management and leadership at work, economics micro/macro and the world economy, starting a business plan, project management.

    Today, social media and sustainability are important parts of business, so we've updated the course to include social media for business and sustainable development. A final graded project assesses your ability to apply what you have learned to a real-world business issue

    The course also includes the opportunity to develop the skills needed to work in today's business environment with in class discussions, debates, team projects and presentations to build confidence for entering the workforce.

Why choose this course

Completing this HND allows you into year 3 of a number of degree courses. Students benefit from our excellent links with local employers and related organisations, by hearing from industry speakers with a wealth of knowledge of the sector and provide valuable placement opportunities.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of 15 credit HNC in Business Management.

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

  • Where it leads

    Education: direct entry to year 3 of BA Business Management at a number of universities, for example, Napier Business School, Heriot Watt. 

    Employment: in marketing, HR, finance and operations management roles; also supports those wishing to start their own business.

    A work placement will allow you to build your employability skills and allow for networking with local employers. Most students completing their HND go onto the BA at Napier delivered here at West Lothian College or other Universities. Some go onto have successful careers within the Business sector.

Interview arrangements

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

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

arc purple
arc white

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.

Apply online Make an enquiry