Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
Developed in partnership with industry, HTQs have been introduced in England to provide another alternative to Bachelors degrees and apprenticeships
What are HTQs?
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications available in England that provide specialist skills and knowledge for higher-skilled technical jobs. They sit between A-levels and T Levels (both at Level 3) and Bachelors degrees (at Level 6).
HTQs are a mark of quality that specific vocational courses have been approved to employer-developed standards, as set out by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
These qualifications are currently offered by further education (FE) colleges and universities, with over 250 approved courses available in a range of creative, digital, construction, health and science subjects.
HTQs require one to two years of full-time study. There are also part-time and distance learning options.
Read more about HTQs at .
Who are HTQs for?
They are ideal for young people at the beginning of their careers and 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.
How do HTQs compare with other qualifications?
Pitched at Levels 4 and 5, HTQs 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 .
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 from September 2025, you'll be able to study a variety 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.
Health, sports and science subjects include:
- care services
- childhood studies and early years care
- health and social care
- healthcare practice
- mental health and wellbeing
- nursing
- sports coaching.
HTQs have also been introduced in a range of other professions, such as:
- accounting
- administration
- agriculture
- animal care
- business
- catering
- creative and design
- engineering
- environmental
- finance
- hospitality
- legal
- manufacturing
- marketing
- procurement
- protective services
- sales.
Plans to include the following HTQs are still under review:
- hair and beauty
- transport and logistics.
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:
- CertHE
- foundation degree
- HNC.
To give you an idea of what to expect, the two-year, part-time Level 4 at Blackburn College asks for a Level 3 qualification in construction or a related subject, plus grade 4/C 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 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/C or above in GCSE maths and English language, or the Level 2 equivalent. The college also welcomes applications from T Level students.
How are HTQs assessed?
They involve a combination of coursework and exams, but this does vary according to the subject and qualification level.
For example, the two-year Level 5 at Derby College is assessed through:
- practical and theory exams
- presentations
- project work
- reports and assignments.
The course involves a high degree of independent study and research.
On the other hand, the one-year Level 4 at Bury College, which involves 225 hours of mandatory work experience, is primarily assessed through assessment tasks and activities.
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.
Therefore, HTQs typically cost £7,000 to £9,535 per year (the maximum that can be charged for 2025/26 entry), although there are exceptions.
Here are some examples of annual course fees in 2025:
- University Centre Leeds - the two-year, full-time (or four-year, part-time) Level 5 costs £8,745 (or £4,372).
- University of Greater Manchester - fees for the two-year Level 5 are £5,996.
- Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College - charges £3,093 for its Level 4 .
- University of Sunderland - the one-year, full-time Level 4 is priced at £8,750.
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 .
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 instead, which only covers your tuition fees.
Consider student loans and finance in more detail.
How do I find and apply for an HTQ course?
According to the Association of Colleges (AoC) report, 110 colleges in England are now delivering HTQs.
HTQ courses are also offered by 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 .
You can look for courses and apply using , 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 .
- Explore the full range of college courses.
- Read about adult education and changing careers.