Business HND
Course code 101N
What is special about this course?
The HND Business will give you an excellent introduction to a wide range of business and management skills.
You will gain a range of knowledge and understanding that is highly sought-after by employers, including: business fundamentals; marketing; economics; HRM; emergent technologies; IT; management; communication; law; accounting; project planning; and research skills.
The diverse nature of the course will ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge to start your own business, undertake a variety of business-related job roles or progress onto further studies.
Special features
- You can study full-time, part-time or via online/distance learning to suit your personal and professional circumstances
- The course is delivered by UHI Perth, but online delivery allows you to study the HND from various UHI locations (year 1 will be hosted by your nearest UHI campus)
- You can progress to further study on a range of degree courses
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above* OR
- 2 A Levels at grade D or above*
- *These should preferably include one of the following subjects:
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Business
- Economics
- English
- History
- Maths/Application of Maths
- Modern Studies
- Psychology
- Alternatively, an NC/NQ in Business, Accounting, or Administration at SCQF Level 5 or above OR
- Completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy, Financial Services, or Business Skills
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above may still be eligible for a place dependent upon their previous studies/work experience
Year 1 - HNC
Year 1 of this course is HNC Business.
Year 2 - HND
Mandatory units are:
- Business law: an introduction
- Business: graded unit 2
- Economics: micro and macro theory and application
- Economics: the world economy
- Managing business culture and strategy
- Preparing financial forecasts
- Project planning: strategy, decision-making and risk
Optional units may include:
- Business contractual relationships
- Digital marketing communications: an introduction
- Human resource management: core activities
- Research skills
- Statistics for business
Option units available may vary depending on study location, for more information contact your chosen campus. The semester(s) when units run will vary depending on your chosen campus.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time attendance (structured)
- Part-time attendance (unstructured)
- Distance learning
- If you are studying full-time or part-time on campus, you will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)
- If you are studying via distance/online learning, you will access all of your materials via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)
- You will be assessed by way of continuous assessment and one graded assessment at the end of year 1 and a second graded assessment during year 2
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 2 years (HNC + HND)
- Part-time (structured): 4 years (HNC + HND)
- Part-time (unstructured): 4 years (HNC + HND)
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,110 | £7,440 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £474 | £496 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,775 | £8,925 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £585 | £595 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of your course you will be qualified to take up a variety of posts in administration, business and management, or self-employment.
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress to the third year of the BA (Hons) Business and Management degree.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I decided to study at UHI so I could learn locally and the organisation, patience and communication from my lecturers was brilliant! All of the teaching staff work so hard, and they are always so friendly and willing to help. I love how flexible UHI is, and I always found UHI MyDay and Brightspace so useful.
During my studies, I had a placement with a events and marketing agency, and helped coordinate two large events- Halloween Event at Brodie Castle and the Inverness KnitFest. Helping at these events gave me a much better understanding of how to prepare and put on a large event, and also gave me the chance to network and grow my confidence.
I spotted the job I am doing now on MyDay, and applied straight away! I am now an Information Systems Graduate in the third sector. Having studied at UHI was a great advantage, I was so fortunate being able to walk straight into such a flexible and varied job which was so relevant to my studies.
The best thing about living here is that we have the best of both worlds, being in a city- but also so close to amazing walks, hills, beaches and gorgeous scenery.
Lauren studied Business at UHI Inverness.
I decided to study at UHI to stay at home and avoid getting into debt! A business course is so versatile and offers insights into how organisations operate, which is valuable in any industry. I was drawn to the idea of learning about different aspects like marketing, finance, and operations, as I believed this knowledge would give me a solid foundation for any career I might choose.
I think the style of teaching was really effective, a good balance between face-to-face lectures and independent studying. The lectures allowed for direct interaction with lecturers, which I found really helpful for clarifying concepts and engaging in discussions. From start to finish everyone I encountered at UHI was incredibly encouraging and supportive.
The best thing about living in Inverness is the stunning natural beauty that surrounds the city. Being close to Loch Ness and the Highlands offers incredible opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring picturesque landscapes.
Anna studied Business at UHI Inverness.
Apply for Business HND
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.