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Higher Technical Qualifications

Industry-ready education

Developed by employers and designed to align closely to industry requirements and standards. Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) can give you the knowledge and skills so that you can apply for specialist roles and job opportunities.

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What are HTQs?

A Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) is a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification such as a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or a Higher National Diploma (HND). Please note that the HTQ is a quality kite mark recognised in the UK, not a qualification level.

  • They are designed to meet the knowledge and skills gaps/needs of industries and employers.
  • They provide a good foundation for further study, such as a degree.
  • They are suitable if you are a school leaver (age 18+) or are looking to upskill or reskill.

Learn more about what Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website. View an introduction to the Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) on the GOV.UK website.

Skills for Life Higher Technical Qualifications

Who are HTQs suitable for?

HTQs are suitable for individuals looking to gain practical, skills-based training and education. They are particularly suitable for:

  • those looking to start a technical career
  • adults looking to change careers
  • adults wanting to reskill in a specific technical area
  • individuals who have completed vocational qualifications and want to upgrade their skills and knowledge 
  • employed individuals looking to boost their career within industry or switch to a technical field.

Whether you are looking to learn or reskill in a specific technical area, HTQs might be the perfect educational path for you.

Key details

Learn more about the multiple intakes at CU Scarborough, and find out how to apply for one of our Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).

Upcoming HTQ courses

We plan to offer Higher Technical Qualification courses across a range of sectors at either Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND). Coming soon are HTQ routes in:

  • Care Services

Register your intererst

To register your interest in an HTQ course, please complete the form below:

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Modular Acceleration Programme

An opportunity to gain valuable qualifications, skills and training to support your chosen career path or pursue a business idea, by completing one module of a HTQ.

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