HTQs are Level 4 and 5 qualifications that combine technical learning with employer-approved skills, providing a route into skilled employment, further study or a university degree
HTQs at a glance
- Level 4 and 5 qualifications, approved to employer-developed standards.
- Available through qualifications such as Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), foundation degrees and the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
- They typically take one to two years to complete full time.
- A focus on skills needed for specific industries and occupations.
- Can lead directly to employment or progression to a degree.
- Eligible courses may qualify for student finance.
What are HTQs?
Available in England, HTQs are Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications that provide specialist skills and knowledge for higher-skilled technical jobs.
They sit between Level 3 qualifications, such as A-levels and T Levels, and Level 6 qualifications like Bachelors degrees.
HTQs are a mark of quality, indicating that specific vocational courses have been approved against employer-developed standards set out by Skills England.
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 GOV.UK - Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ): an introduction.
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.
What are the benefits?
- They are designed to equip students with the skills employers want.
- Graduates can enter their chosen job sector or pursue further study at university.
- HTQs can be studied within two years with student finance available.
- Distance learning options mean that working while studying is a possibility.
How do HTQs compare with other qualifications?
HTQs are available as:
- Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE) - Level 4
- HNCs - Level 4
- DipHE - Level 5
- HNDs - Level 5
- Foundation degrees - Level 5.
Please note that not all the above courses will receive HTQ approval, so check that your prospective qualification meets the criteria.
Approved courses display the HTQ logo or banner.
For the latest list of approved HTQ courses, visit Skills England - Qualification finder.
Discover how these awards compare to one another by reading our guide to qualifications.
Should I choose an HTQ, a degree or an apprenticeship?
The right choice depends on your career goals, preferred style of learning and whether you want to:
- progress directly into employment
- study full time
- work while learning.
The table below highlights the main differences between HTQs and other routes to help you decide which is most closely aligned with your goals.
| Route | Best for |
|---|---|
| HTQs | Students who want technical skills and a faster route into skilled employment. |
| Bachelors degree | Those seeking a broader academic education. |
| Foundation degree | Those wanting a vocational qualification that can progress to a full degree. |
| Higher or degree apprenticeship | Those wanting to earn while learning. |
What subjects are HTQs available in?
HTQs are available across a growing range of sectors, including those listed below. However, the following courses remain under review until suitable Level 4 and 5 occupational standards become available:
- hair and beauty
- transport and logistics.
Business, administration, legal, finance and accounting
- accounting
- administration
- business
- business analytics
- coaching and leadership
- digital community management
- finance
- legal
- operations management.
Construction, design and build
- architectural technology
- building services engineering
- civil engineering
- construction management
- construction site supervising
- quantity surveying
- sustainable construction and the built environment.
Computing and digital
- computer science
- computer systems engineering
- cyber security
- data analytics
- digital technologies
- network engineering
- software development.
Engineering and manufacturing
- engineering
- engineering technologies
- manufacturing.
Health and science
- care services
- childhood studies and early years care
- counselling
- early years practice
- health and social care
- healthcare practice
- mental health and wellbeing
- nursing.
Other subjects
- agriculture
- animal care
- catering
- creative and design
- environmental management
- hospitality
- marketing
- procurement
- protective services
- sales
- sports coaching.
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, you can apply to join 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:
- CertHE
- foundation degree
- HNC.
To give you an idea of what to expect, the two-year, part-time Level 4 HNC Construction Management for England (HTQ) 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 choosing candidates.
The two-year, full-time Level 5 FdSc Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence at Newcastle College, aligned with the software developer pathway, requires 64 UCAS Tariff points in computer science or a related digital technologies subject. See how to apply for university to check what your Level 3 grades are worth.
Students are also expected to have achieved grade 4/C or above in GCSE maths and English language, or the equivalent Level 2, such as functional skills. The college also welcomes applications from T Level students.
How are HTQs assessed and graded?
HTQs involve a combination of coursework and exams, but this does vary according to the subject and qualification level.
They are typically assessed through:
- practical and theory exams
- presentations
- project work
- reports and assignments.
These courses often involve a high degree of independent study and research.
On the other hand, the one-year Level 4 HNC in Healthcare Practice at Bury College, which involves 225 hours of mandatory work experience, is primarily graded 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.
Fees vary depending on the qualification, provider and mode of study, but many full-time HTQ courses cost between £6,000 and £9,790 per year (the maximum that can be charged for 2026/27 university entry).
Here are some examples of annual course fees in 2026:
- Barnsley College - sets its fees for the two-year full-time Level 5 FD Early Years Leadership at £6,995.
- University Centre Leeds - the two-year, full-time (or four-year, part-time) Level 5 FD Computer Science (Cyber Security) costs £9,000 (or £4,500).
- University of Greater Manchester - fees for the two-year Level 5 HND Manufacturing Engineering for England are £5,996.
- Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College - charges £6,185 for its Level 4 HNC in Community Coaching.
- Warrington & Vale Royal College - the 34-week, part-time Level 4 HNC in Construction Management is priced at £3,175.
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 GOV.UK - Student finance for undergraduates.
Both full-time and part-time students enrolled on an HTQ course lasting for at least a year can usually apply for tuition fees and maintenance loans. If your course is shorter than 12 months, you may be able to get an Advanced Learner Loan instead, which only covers your tuition fees.
Consider student loans and finance in more detail.
What careers can HTQs lead to?
Because HTQs are developed to meet employer-approved occupational standards, they closely align with the skills required in the workplace.
The qualification can support progression into a range of managerial, specialist and technical roles, including:
- Business - project coordinator and operations manager.
- Construction - construction manager and quantity surveyor.
- Digital - cyber security analyst and software developer.
- Engineering - engineering technician and manufacturing specialist.
- Healthcare - healthcare practitioner and health service manager.
Explore our other job profiles to see where your qualifications could take you.
How do I find and apply for an HTQ course?
According to the Association of Colleges (AoC) College Key Facts 2025/26 report, 131 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 The Open University.
You can look for courses and apply using UCAS Search, 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 Skills for Careers.
- Explore the full range of college courses.
- Consider adult education and changing careers.