Higher Technical Qualifications: Your Questions Answered
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are university-level courses at Levels 4 and 5 - such as Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), and Foundation Degrees. They provide a more technical, career-focused alternative to a traditional university degree, helping students gain the skills employers are looking for.
In order to help you decide whether an HTQ might be right for you, in this article we answer some questions you may have about these qualifications. But firstly, here’s some facts about HTQs.
- HTQs are qualifications that have been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education (IfATE) as meeting the occupational standards for careers in the sector they cover. (Occupational standards are agreed with employers and are also used to determine the content of apprenticeships and T levels). The IfATE’s approvals process for HTQs is rigorous.
- HTQs ensure that when you graduate you are ‘work ready’. This is because they are developed by awarding bodies in association with employers, and cover the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary for a career.
- HTQs are level 4 or 5 qualifications – sit between A levels, T levels, BTEC Nationals etc and undergraduate degrees.
- Examples of HTQs are certain foundation degrees, Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) or Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHEs).
- HTQs may be new qualifications or existing ones. Pearson, for example, is aligning some of its Higher National qualifications with the IfATE’s requirements to ensure that they adequately cover the occupational standards.
- An HTQ can provide an alternative option to taking a degree or doing an apprenticeship.
- HTQs are primarily delivered in the classroom. Placements are not a particular feature of HTQs, but for some subjects work experience may be involved and/or you will spend time learning in a laboratory, studio, workshop or using industry facilities.
- HTQ courses last one or two years if taken full time.
Why are HTQs being introduced?
HTQs were introduced in 2022 because the Department for Education argued there was a growing demand for skills at levels 4 and 5, but the number of people achieving qualifications at this level was relatively low in the UK compared to other countries.
Who are HTQs for?
HTQs are available from age 18 onwards (though you can apply earlier), and are currently offered only in England. They may be a good option if you’re aiming for a skilled technical job, or if you’re already working and want to up-skill or retrain.
What are the entry requirements?
You will have to meet the entry requirements set by the provider for the course you want to take. These vary, but you may need GCSEs or A levels at certain grades and sometimes in certain subjects. BTEC, T level and a range of other level 3 qualifications are likely to be acceptable by many institutions and many use the UCAS Tariff.
What can I study?
It will soon be possible to take a wide range of HTQs. The following are the broad areas that HTQs will cover and, to give you a flavour of what you could study, we’ve included a few examples of occupations that might be aligned to specific HTQs …
- Agriculture, environment and animal care (arboriculturist, vet technician, countryside ranger)
- Business and administration (coaching professional, information manager, school business professional, policy officer)
- Care services (leader in adult care, early intervention practitioner)
- Catering and hospitality (senior chef)
- Construction (town planning assistant, construction site supervisor, facilities manager, civil engineering senior technician)
- Creative and design (journalist, junior animator, post-production technical operator, historic environment advice assistant)
- Digital (network engineer, DevOps engineer, cyber security technologist, software tester, data analyst, applications support lead)
- Education and childcare (early years lead practitioner)
- Engineering and manufacturing (engineer surveyor, space engineering technician, food and drink engineer, process leader)
- Hair and beauty
- Health and science (hygiene specialist, nursing associate, dental technician, healthcare science associate, healthcare assistant practitioner)
- Legal, finance and accounting (payroll assistant manager, insurance professional, actuarial technician)
- Protective services (intelligence analyst, police community support officer, youth justice practitioner)
- Sales, marketing and procurement (sales executive, market research executive, marketing executive, buying and merchandising assistant)
- Transport and logistics (passenger transport operations manager)
You can find a list of HTQs currently approved on the IfATE website.
When can I take an HTQ?
Since September 2022, it’s been possible to take an HTQ in certain digital subjects. Given the digital skills gap, it’s not surprising that these have been the first HTQs to be approved for delivery.
From September 2023, it has been possible to take HTQs in construction, and health and science, and by 2025, it’s envisaged that the broad range of HTQs (as listed above) will be rolled out.
Where can I take an HTQ?
HTQs are delivered by industry experts and are available at universities, further education colleges, and independent training providers across England. Any organisation offering an HTQ must be registered with the Office for Students.
Some HTQs are available through Institutes of Technology (IoTs). IoTs are existing further education colleges and universities that have collaborated with each other and major employers to strengthen the higher technical education they offer. With government investment, IoTs provide learners with a route into STEM-based careers. Each IoT delivers courses in one or more technical specialism.
How can I take an HTQ?
Depending on the subject you want to study, you may have some choice and flexibility in how you study. Apart from doing an HTQ full time, part-time, online and other flexible options may be available, for instance, some courses can be taken by distance learning through The Open University.
How much will an HTQ cost and what about funding?
As with other higher education programmes, full-time tuition fees vary, but are up to £9,535 a year for anyone starting a course in the 2025/26 academic year. Government-backed tuition fee and maintenance loans may be available to eligible students through Student Finance England (including those taking a part-time HTQ). Those who fulfil the criteria may also be entitled to a scholarship, bursary or grant; find out more about these through the UCAS website and it’s worth asking HTQ providers whether they are aware of any special funds. In some cases, funding is available through an Advanced Learner Loan.
What can I do after gaining an HTQ?
HTQs allow you to enter skilled jobs in a range of sectors. They can also enable to you to retrain or progress in employment. Alternatively, you may decide to go on to further study, perhaps by taking a full- or part-time undergraduate degree.
Find out more
- The HM Government Skills for Life website has information on HTQs and also has advice on developing and using your skills in employment in general.
- There’s more information on HTQs on GOV.UK, including a video called Welcome to Higher Technical Qualifications.
- You can also speak to National Careers Service advisers who can help you think through your options – they are available on 0800 100 900 or through webchat.
- Ask local colleges and training providers whether they offer HTQs.
- You can search for HTQs on the UCAS website.
Making the decision
As HTQs are based on the same occupational standards as apprenticeships, think about your preferred learning style. Do you learn better in the classroom or in employment? Do you know exactly what occupation you want to follow? HTQs may offer more flexibility than an apprenticeship. And if you’re trying to decide between an HTQ or a degree, bear in mind that undergraduate degrees are at level 6 and HTQs at level 4/5 so can be achieved in a shorter period of time. With further study, it’s usually possible to top up a level 4/5 qualification to a full degree.
If you’re keen to study for a practical qualification that’ll provide you with the skills and knowledge you need for a career, an HTQ may be for you. When researching programmes, look out for courses with the approved HTQ quality mark logo.
Based on an original article by Debbie Steel, updated November 2025
With a background working with apprentices and teaching in further education, Debbie was employed as an in-house careers author before establishing herself as a freelancer. As well as co-authoring numerous careers books, Debbie has produced resources and web content for a range of high-profile clients. She is an enthusiastic proponent of impartial and reliable careers information.
