UNDERSTANDING HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (HTQS): KEY POINTS

When you see the HTQ logo alongside a qualification, it indicates that the course meets the standards set by employers. In simple terms, an HTQ (Higher Technical Qualification) is a qualification that has an employer-led ‘quality mark.’

HTQs include qualifications like Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas, and Foundation Degrees. The endorsement reassures students that they are acquiring skills and knowledge in high demand.

• HTQs are level 4 and 5 qualifications
• They meet the specific needs of various industries
• Think of them as job-ready qualifications
• They offer an alternative, or stepping stone, to a higher-level apprenticeship or degree

Who can enrol on an HTQ?

HTQs are an option for school leavers aged 18 and up. They can plug the gap between A-levels or other Level 3 qualifications and starting work or a degree. They are an alternative to apprenticeships and other routes, such as degrees, focusing on specific skills and knowledge required for particular jobs. 

Many universities, colleges, and training providers offering HTQs allow part-time study. This makes them a viable option for employed individuals who can use HTQs to upskill or gain new direction in their careers.

Entry requirements vary based on the specific diploma or certificate. Generally, a Level 3 qualification is required, such as an A-Level or T-Level.

What is the student experience like?

Qualifications that carry the HTQ endorsement are more likely to be taught through practical and hands-on sessions. They combine some classroom and technical learning with work-related skills. Students can expect workshops and close engagement with tutors who have industry experience.

Students can study courses either full-time, part-time, or online, providing flexibility to accommodate existing commitments. Level 4 typically takes a year to complete, with Level 5 taking two years.

What subjects are available?

HTQs already span a number of sectors, and new subjects will go live in September 2025.

Digital, construction, and health and science are already on offer. Today, more than 260 qualifications carry the HTQ endorsement. Example jobs that an HTQ can prepare you for include:

• Cybersecurity specialist
• Nursing associate
• Marketing executive
• Engineering technician

Hospitality, sales, creative industries, and care services are all in the pipeline.

It is worth checking out the England-wide list of approved HTQ courses and the organisations that can offer them.

What are the main benefits?

For students:

Students gain employer-recognised skills, leading to a boost in their employability. HTQs cost less and take less time than a degree. Likewise, they can act as a stepping stone to a level 6 degree qualification.

For employers:

For employers, the HTQ quality mark provides assurance that students possess industry-recognised skills and competencies. Firms and organisations can work closely with colleges and other training providers to accurately fill skill gaps.

What’s available in the Liverpool City Region?

Check out the complete list of organisations in England providing HTQs. It’s worth bearing in mind that training providers may offer distance learning. 

Here is a selection of local establishments providing HTQs:

• Hugh Baird College has received HTQ status for its foundational degrees in mental health and well-being, health and social care, and computing.

• Riverside College Halton is an approved HTQ provider with courses in construction and the built environment, digital and engineering, and manufacturing.

• City of Liverpool College courses include the HNC in Quantity Surveying and HNDs in Architectural Technology and Construction Management.

• St Helens College offers HTQ-endorsed courses in engineering; find them in the college prospectus.

• And for football fans, you can study a BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Community Coaching with Robbie Fowler Education & Football Academy

What about funding?

Funding is available for both full-time and part-time students. It mirrors the financial support available for degrees and other types of higher education. 

Students can apply for student finance to cover tuition fees, which typically range from £7,000 to £9,250 per year. Maintenance loans are available to assist with the cost of living. The amount you could get will depend on your circumstances. 

It is also worth checking if your course qualifies for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Find out more

Take a look at this comprehensive resource: HTQ toolkit. There, you’ll find a list of webinars for July 2025, alongside sections for potential learners, parents, and employers.

The government is investing in Higher Technical Qualifications to boost the uptake of study at Levels 4 and 5, so expect to hear lots more about them!