Van Dale GWE renders 'ondersteunende disciplines' as 'auxiliary disciplines'. I think 'auxiliary subjects' or perhaps 'auxiliary vocational subjects' might be a reasonable translation.

http://oecon.studerende.au.dk/currently/news-item/artikel/ec...
The Board of Studies of Economics and Management now offers enrolled students an auxiliary subject (no ECTS, no exam) in the spring 2012 semester. The course 'ECON Data and Software Lab' introduces the use of computer software and helps students become acquainted with standard software tools and resources for empirical research and writing reports.

'Supportive' = providing support.

Learning by doing/ work-based/work-related subjects



HNCs and HNDs: what they are

HNCs (Higher National Certificates) and HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) are work-related (vocational) higher education qualifications. While bachelors degrees tend to focus on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are designed to give you the skills to put that knowledge to effective use in a particular job.

They are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.

HNCs and HNDs are provided by over 400 universities and further education colleges. HNCs can take one year to complete full time and two years part time (or in other situations such as distance learning). HNDs take two years full time and can also be taken part time (which takes longer).

Qualification levels

HNCs and HNDs are at level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework.

On the Qualifications and Credit Framework, HNCs are at level 4 and HNDs are at level 5.

These frameworks show how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.
Qualifications: what the different levels mean


Subjects available

HNCs and HNDs are available in a wide range of subject areas, including:


•agriculture
•computing and IT
•construction and civil engineering
•engineering
•health and social care
•business and management
•sport and exercise sciences
•performing arts
•retail and distribution
•hospitality management


Who can take them

To study for an HNC or HND, you will need some previous qualifications. Most HND courses require one A level (or equivalent).






Level 5

- HNCs and HNDs
- Other higher diplomas

- HNDs
- BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards


Level 6

- National Diploma in Professional Production Skills
- BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

- BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards



Level 7

- Diploma in Translation
- BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

- BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
- NVQs at level 5 (in the QCF framework)



Level 8

- specialist awards

- Award, Certificate and Diploma in strategic direction



FHEQ level

______________________________
Examples of qualifications

4
- certificates of higher education

- higher national certificates

_____________________________
5
- diplomas of higher education

- Foundation Degrees

- higher national diplomas
______________________________
6
- bachelors degrees

- bachelors degrees with honours

- graduate certificates and diplomas

- Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
_________________________
7
- masters degrees

- integrated masters degrees

- postgraduate certificates

- postgraduate diplomas
____________________________
8
- doctoral degrees