Students sat around a table

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are L4 or L5 qualifications, like HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) and Foundation Degrees. HTQs sit between Level 3 qualifications such as T-Levels and A-levels and traditional taught degrees. HTQs are vocationally orientated, profession focused and can lead to high skilled, high paid jobs in a broad range of sectors. All HTQs have been mapped and approved against occupational standards that have been designed by Industry and Employers.

Who are HTQs for?

HTQs are suitable for:

  • School leavers (18+): who are looking for an alternative to degrees or apprenticeships
  • Employees: of organisations wanting to upskill through short courses and CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
  • Mature learners: looking for the skills to change career
Four nursing students in uniform stood around a simulated hospital bed as a dummy child lays on the bed
Nursing Associate
software engineer at work
Software Developer
A Sports Therapy student on the indoor running track leaning down to pick up a weight from the floor.
Sports Coaching
Hospitality School 9
Hospitality Management
Two students pointing and looking at a computer screen which has digital drawings on.
Data Science

What are the benefits of HTQs?

HTQs are the key to unlocking opportunities in specialised industries. They prioritize practical skills, hands-on experience, and employability. This makes them a fantastic choice for those looking to excel in fields like engineering, healthcare, IT, and more. HTQs are designed to equip you with the skills employer’s value most. 

 

What funding is available for HTQs?

All our HTQs are eligible for full student finance. This means that full-time and part-time students starting a HTQ year will be able to apply for both tuition fee and maintenance loans. From September 2025 you will be entitled to apply for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). Giving you full, flexible support for up to four years of study.

Students walking past concrete wall in gateway
Why Should you Consider a HTQ?
  • Fast-Track to Success: HTQs are a direct route to career success. They focus on practical skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for the workforce.
  • Hands-On Learning: HTQs emphasize real-world applications, enabling you to engage in practical projects and gain invaluable experience.
  • Industry Recognition: Employers really value HTQs as they are developed in consultation with industry experts, ensuring relevance and alignment with industry needs.
  • Flexibility: HTQs come in various levels, from certificates to diplomas, modular learning and continuous professional development (CPD), catering to learners at different stages of their educational journey.
  • Career Advancement: Completing an HTQ can open doors to new job prospects and potentially higher earning potential.
  • Build your own degree: All of the modules from these degrees can be studied as short courses.

Choose from our range of HTQs designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge demanded by the job market:

FDSc Nursing Associate
FDSc Sports Coaching
FDSc Sports Coaching with Football Development and Performance
FdA Hospitality Management
FdSc Culinary Arts Management
FDSc Software Developer
FdSc Data Science
FdSc Leader in Adult Care
FdSc Operational Management
FdSc Cyber Security Engineer

We are looking at creating the following HTQs for 2026:

  • Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
  • Business and Administration
  • Care Services
  • Catering and Hospitality
  • Construction
  • Creative and Design
  • Digital
  • Education and Early Years
  • Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Health & Science
  • Legal, Finance and Accounting
  • Protective Services
  • Sales, Marketing and Procurement
“The employability of our learners is at the heart of what we do at BNU. HTQs allow our learners to develop key skills that employers are looking for, making them employable and valuable to any employer. Our courses are designed to be practical, hands-on and to create work ready candidates that employers tell us they need.”
Dr Russel Stone Head of School: Creative and Digital Industries
A headshot of Russel Stone, smiling towards the camera.

The Technical Stuff

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has put in place an employer-led approval process for Higher Technical Qualifications. IfATE compares the Level 4 and 5 qualifications submitted against occupational standards, which set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours an individual should achieve to be deemed competent in an occupation. You can tell if a Course is an approved HTQ by the certification mark shown below. 

Find out more about the criteria they use.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are ready to take a step towards a successful career and gain the expertise, confidence, and experience needed for your dream job, BNU is here to guide you. Explore our comprehensive range of courses and a brighter future.

An HTQ is more than just a certificate; it is a pathway to a rewarding career.

Higher Technical Qualification logo
HTQs are exciting programmes developed in collaboration with industry professionals to meet the needs of employers. We're creating new opportunities for learners to study important new skills and attributes that will make them stand out from the crowd, be future focussed and ready for an exciting career. HTQs are ideal for school leavers interested in higher level vocational education, mature learners looking for a new career or to upskill and retrain our existing workforce. Everything we do at BNU is about learner experience and employability.”
Professor Damien Page Deputy Vice Chancellor
Professor Damien Page, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at BNU, looking directly into the camera and smiling, wearing a suit.