A National Diploma is a standard academic qualification, offered by most further education colleges and universities in the United Kingdom.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, National Diplomas are offered at Level 3, (secondary education) while the Higher National Diploma is offered at Level 5 (higher education); a Higher National Certificate is offered at Level 4.
Some professional National Diplomas are rated at level 6, but these are usually awarded by an independent body, recognising specialist study in a particular field.
BTEC National Diplomas are awarded in numerous subjects, standardised programmes of study which are offered by colleges and universities nationwide.
Many colleges, universities and externally examining bodies will also offer their own independently devised National Diploma courses.