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What are Higher Technical Qualifications and the Modular Acceleration Programme?

The Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP) offers a fast-track route to gaining industry-relevant skills. Meanwhile, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) provide a practical, in-depth education tailored to prepare you for a specific career path. Both options are designed to equip you with the tools and experience needed to thrive in your chosen field.

What do you need to know about Higher Technical Qualifications and the Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP)?

Choosing the right path for your future can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for a practical, industry-focused education that prepares you directly for the job market, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) might be right for you. Let’s break down what HTQs and the Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP) are all about, and how they could help you shape your future.

What are HTQs?

These qualifications offer a practical alternative to traditional apprenticeships, designed to fill the skills gaps that industries and employers are currently experiencing.

HTQs are set at qualification Level 4 or Level 5, which means they are a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) award. But here’s the thing— an HTQ isn’t a qualification level itself; it's a quality kite mark. This kite mark assures employers that the skills and knowledge which you gain from an HTQ meet their needs, making you job-ready for your chosen sector

Each HTQ is approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), ensuring that what you’re learning is exactly what employers are looking for.

Whether you’re fresh out of school or someone looking to upskill or change careers, HTQs offer a solid pathway not just into employment but also into further study if you choose to continue your education.

The modular acceleration programme (MAP)

The Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP) is a pilot that covers your tuition fees for studying Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). You do not need to pay these fees upfront or repay them. However, using MAP funding will reduce the amount available in your future Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) account. For example, if you use MAP funding for your HTQ modules, you will have less LLE funding left for other courses or qualifications in the future. The programme needs to be completed by August 31, 2025, and you may be asked to provide feedback on your experience.

More information can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Where can you study HTQs?

If HTQs sound like the right fit for you, you’ll be pleased to know that we offer a variety of HTQ courses across our campuses:

CU London (Dagenham):

CU Coventry:

CU Scarborough:

Whether you’re aiming to step straight into a job after completing your studies or considering further academic pursuits, HTQs or the Modular Acceleration Programme might be the right choice for you.

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