IS an HE qualification equal to an HNC/HND qualification?

Answer 1

First, some definitions:
Higher Education was University type stuff
Further Education was College Stuff and school 5th and 6th year.

These days the lines have become blurred as Unis and colleges are expanding their subjects, so the new way is:
Further Education is NCs, HNCs & HNDs.
Higher Education is Degree, Honours Degree (Hons), Proffessorship Degree & Philosophical Doctorate (PhD)

At school, you do Standard Grades. There are other similar awards dependant on where you stay, but generally these are 3rd and 4th year. These are equivalent to NCs (National Certificates) and you get one after 2 years of studying from basics.

You can then go and do Further Education by doing 5th and 6th year or going to college.

To get into a higher course or a HNC (Higher National Certificate) you ussually need a Standard grade award at Credit level. Int. 2 needs a General pass as it is equivalent to the Credit Course. Int 1 is equivalent to the General course if you got a foundation award

Once you have done the 1 year Higher or HNC, you can go on to do a 2nd year for Advanced Higher or HND (Higher National Diploma) which means you have studied for 2 years.

After this year, you are now classed as being in Higher Ed. You progress to study for another year to gain a Degree (3 years studying), onto a honours degree (4 yrs), and Proffessorship (5 yrs) or a philosophical Doctorate (PhD) after your 5th or 6th year, dependant on course. PhD is the highest you can get.

This may make it easier. Qualifications on the same level indicate they bear the same weight:


No Award
|
Foundation OR Access 3
|
General OR Int 1
|
Credit OR Int 2
|
HNC OR Higher (1 Yr)
|
HND OR Adv Higher (2 Yrs)
|
Degree (3 Yrs)
|
Hons Degree (4 yrs)
|
Proffership Degree (5years)
|
PhD (5/6 year dependant on course)

Answer 2

Depends what the HE qualification is.

Some HND courses are for 2 years and you can elect to stay on to do more and convert to a degree if you are good enough.

If you do 2 years of a degree course and then drop out for what ever reason it may not be equivalent to an HND.