The Edexcel BTEC Level 5 HND in Business offers greater depth and specialisation than the level 4 HNC, providing a robust platform for progression into – or within – employment, or to further study at degree level in Business Management. The qualification prepares learners for employment in the business sector and will be suitable for learners who have already decided that they wish to enter this area of work. Some adult learners may wish to make the commitment required by this qualification in order to enter a specialist area of employment in business or progress into higher education. The HND is offered as a 2 year, full-time study programme (including the 1 year HNC); learners achieving the HND will be able to progress to a degree in business or one of its specialist areas. The qualification also prepares learners for employment in the business sector. Some learners may wish to use this qualification in order to enter a specialist area of employment in the sector, where learners may work towards professional membership or study for professional body examinations.

A key progression path for Edexcel BTEC HNC and HND learners is to the second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the Edexcel BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question. The Level 4 HNC in Business offers a progression route for learners who are employed in the business sector. Learners studying the Level 4 HNC will be able to progress onto the HND in Business which allows more specialisation; this then allows progression to degrees in business subjects.