Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

Developed in partnership with industry, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are being introduced in England to provide another alternative to Bachelors degrees and apprenticeships

What are HTQs?

HTQs are a mark of quality that specific vocational courses in England have been approved to employer developed standards, as set out by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

HTQs require one to two years of full-time study. There are also part-time and distance learning options.

They are ideal for young people at the beginning of their careers, as well as adults interested in exploring upskilling or retraining opportunities. So, even if you're already working, you may be able to study the qualification alongside your job.

These qualifications are currently offered by further education (FE) colleges and universities in a range of digital, construction, health and science subjects, with more courses to be rolled out in 2025.

How do HTQs compare with other qualifications?

Pitched at Levels 4 and 5, HTQs sit between A-levels/T Levels and degree-level study and are available as:

Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE) - Level 4
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) - Level 4
Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) diplomas - Levels 4/5
Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHE) - Level 5
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) - Level 5
Foundation degrees - Level 5

Please note that not all of the above courses will receive approval as HTQs, so check that your prospective qualification has met the criteria.

Approved courses will display the HTQ logo or banner.

For the latest list of approved HTQ courses, visit IfATE - Approved Higher Technical Qualifications.

Discover how these awards compare to one another by reading our guide to qualifications.

What are the benefits?

They are designed to equip students with the skills employers are after.
Graduates can enter their chosen job sector or go to university.
HTQs can be studied within two years with student finance available.
Distance learning options mean that working while studying is a possibility.

What subjects are HTQs available in?

HTQs may be offered as new or existing courses and since September 2023 they've been available in a number of IT and digital fields such as:

computer science
computer systems engineering
cyber security
data analytics
digital technologies
network engineering
software development.

You can also choose from a range of construction, design and building courses, including:

architectural technology
construction management
construction site supervisor
quantity surveying
sustainable construction and the built environment.

HTQ courses are available in health, sports and science:

childhood studies and early years care
health and social care
healthcare practice
mental health and wellbeing
nursing
sports coaching.

From September 2024, HTQs will be available in:

administration
accounting
business
engineering
finance
legal
manufacturing.

In 2025, students will be able to study the qualification in:

agriculture
animal care
care services
catering
creative and design
environmental
hospitality
marketing
procurement
protective services
sales.

There are plans to include HTQs in hair and beauty, and transport and logistics, once Level 4 and 5 standards have been introduced for these professions.

What are the entry requirements?

To be eligible for an HTQ course, you'll need to be aged 18 or over and live in England. However, it's possible to apply for entry onto the course while you're still at school.

The qualifications and grades required for HTQs will depend on the level and type of course you're planning on completing, such as an HNC, CertHE or a foundation degree.

To give you an idea of what to expect, the two-year, part-time Level 4 HNC Construction Management for England (HTQ) at Blackburn College asks for a Level 3 qualification in construction or a related subject, plus grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English. They also value any related work experience, and consider any non-standard qualifications when making a decision.

The two-year, full-time Level 5 FdSc Software Engineering at Newcastle College, which is aligned with the software developer pathway, expects 64 UCAS Tariff points - see how to apply for university to check what your A-level grades are worth - in computer science or a related digital technologies subject. Students are expected to have achieved grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English language, or the Level 2 equivalent. The college also welcomes applications from T Level students.

How much do HTQs cost?

As HTQs are an approved quality mark often given to existing courses such as HNDs and foundation degrees, most undergraduate-level courses will cost the same as what you'd typically expect for these awards - somewhere between £7,000 and £9,250 per year.

For instance, the two-year, full-time (or four-year, part-time) Level 5 FD Cyber Security at University Centre Leeds costs £8,745 (or £4,372) per year in 2024/25.

On the other hand, tuition fees for the one-year, full-time Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Sports Coaching at the University of Greenwich are set at £9,250 per year.

Is student finance available?

Yes, many of these undergraduate qualifications are eligible for student finance from Student Finance England. Discover if your course qualifies by visiting GOV.UK - Student finance for undergraduates.

Both full-time and part-time students enrolled on an HTQ course lasting for at least a year can usually apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans. If your course is shorter than 12 months, you may be able to get an Advanced Learner Loan instead, which only covers your tuition fees.

Over the next few years, more HTQ courses will be eligible for student finance. Read more about this at IfATE - Delivery and funding.

Consider student loans and finance in more detail.

How do I find and apply for an HTQ course?

HTQ courses are offered by a range of colleges, universities and other training providers, so check whether these qualifications are available from your local institution. If you're interested in distance learning options, a number of these programmes are available online from The Open University.

You can look for courses and apply using UCAS Search, or by contacting the individual course provider directly. Discover how to apply for college in the UK.

Find out more

Get the lowdown on HTQs at Skills for Careers.
Explore the full range of college courses.
Read about adult education and changing careers.