Nigerians’ quest for quality education knows no bounds as citizens continue to emigrate abroad as local institutions still grapple with excellence in learning outcomes.
The number of Nigerian youth seeking greener pastures overseas through international education surges by year. Nigerian student enrolment at U.S. colleges and universities rose to 20,029 students in 2023/2024, marking a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.
Many United Kingdom (UK) universities are accepting Higher National Diploma (HND) and third-class certificates as qualifications for admission into master’s degree programmes.
However, according to expressentryscholarship.com report, the acceptance criteria may vary between universities and specific programmes, so it is essential to check the entry requirements of the universities and programmes you are interested in.
It is feared that with the new development, more Nigerians would consider leaving the country for education tourism.
“Japa” refers to Nigerians moving abroad for international education and a better life.
Here is the list of 15 best universities in the UK that accept HND certificates and third-class for masters.
Swansea University
Swansea University is a public research university located in Swansea, Wales (UK). It was chartered as the University College of Swansea in 1920, as the fourth college of the University of Wales.
Swansea University accepts HND certificates and third-class degrees for entry into its master’s programmes.
University of Essex
The University of Essex is a public research university in Essex, England. It was established by royal charter in 1965, and it is one of the original plate glass universities.
The university comprises three campuses in the county, in Southend-on-Sea and Loughton with its primary campus in Wivenhoe Park, Colchester.
The University of Essex accepts HNDs and third-class degrees for some of its master’s programs. The university also considers applicants with relevant work experience.
Read also: 15 universities in Germany Offer free tuition with English-taught programmes
University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is a public research university based predominantly in Plymouth, England, where the main campus is located, but the university has campuses and affiliated colleges across South West England.
With 18,410 students, it is the 57th largest in the United Kingdom by total number of students.
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales is a public university in Wales, with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd.
It was formed on April 11, 2013, from the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.
University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire is a public university in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. The university is based largely in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
Its antecedent institution, Hatfield Technical College, was founded in 1948 and was identified as one of 25 Colleges of Technology in the United Kingdom in 1959.
Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is a public university in Edinburgh, Scotland. Napier Technical College, the predecessor of the university, was founded in 1964.
The technical college was inaugurated as a university in 1992 by Lord Douglas-Hamilton, becoming Napier University. In 2009, the university was renamed Edinburgh Napier University.
Edinburgh Napier University is ranked 801-850 in the QS World University Rankings. This ranking has remained stable for the university, as it was also ranked 801 in 2024.
University of Suffolk
The University of Suffolk is a public university situated in Suffolk and Norfolk, England.
The university was established in 2007 as University Campus Suffolk (UCS), founded as a collaboration between the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex. 9. Buckinghamshire New University
London Metropolitan University
London Metropolitan University, commonly known as London Met, is a public research university in London, England.
The University of North London and London Guildhall University merged in 2002 to create the university. The University’s roots go back to 1848
University College Birmingham
University College Birmingham is a university in Birmingham, England. It was awarded full university status in 2012 along with Newman University. It is not a member of Universities UK
Solent University
Southampton Solent University is a public university based in Southampton, United Kingdom.
It has approximately 10,500 students. Its main campus is located on East Park Terrace near the city centre and the maritime hub of Southampton.
Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University, commonly called RGU, is a public university in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland.
The university accepts HNDs and third-class degrees for its master’s programs. RGU also accepts applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience.
University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland is a public research university located in Sunderland in the North East of England.
Its predecessor, Sunderland Technical College, was established as a municipal training college in 1901.
It gained university status in 1992. It now has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong,[4] and has about 21,000 students as of 2022.
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. The university is based on two sites; the City Campus is located in the city centre near Sheffield.
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