Higher Technical Qualifications
New for 2023 are Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) - level 4 and level 5 qualifications that sit between A levels, T levels and degrees. We currently offer HTQs in Construction Management, Computing and Healthcare Professions' Support*, all starting in September 2023.
Read on to find out more about these new technical qualifications and the opportunities available at Warrington & Vale Royal College.

What are HTQs?
HTQs are new level 4 and level 5 qualifications that sit between A Levels, T Levels and degrees. These high-quality, career-focused courses are ideal for those looking to gain the qualifications and experience needed to enter a specific sector, those looking to retrain and upskill to progress in their current role, or those looking to progress on to further study or training such as completing an undergraduate degree. If you're looking for a hands-on approach to studying at a higher level, a HTQ could be perfect for you.
Why study a HTQ?
HTQs have been approved by employers and businesses to ensure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills required for their chosen career. These courses will prepare you to work effectively and safely in your defined area of practice, within legal and ethical frameworks, whilst promoting critical, analytical and reflective thinking skills. You can be confident that you are learning the most up-to-date sector knowledge and in-demand skills that employers are looking for.
To study a HTQ, you must be aged 18 or over and live in England.
What HTQs can I study?
From September 2023, we will be offering the following HTQs:
Applications for September entry are open now! Scroll down the page for more information about these courses.
What are the funding options?
From September 2023, students can apply for student finance for HTQ courses, as they would a degree.
Learn more about a HTQ in Construction Management
This course is ideal for those seeking a career in the construction industry, those already in employment who are looking to retrain, upskill and boost their career or those wanting to complete the final year of a related degree or degree apprenticeship. Developed in close collaboration with employers and professional bodies and taught in our Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Training (AMET) Centre, this course will equip you with the key skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this thriving sector such as problem solving, design, planning and building.
Learn more about a HTQ in Computing
This course is ideal for those seeking a career in the digital sector, those already in employment looking to retrain, upskill and boost their career or those wanting to complete the final year of a computing-related degree or degree apprenticeship. This specialist technical course, taught in our Advanced Creative & Digital Skills (ACDS) Centre, emphasises work-related learning and focuses on the key concepts and practical skills required to succeed in the sector. These include programming, computer architecture, research skills and application development.
Learn more a HTQ in Healthcare
This course is ideal for those seeking a career in the healthcare sector, or those already in employment looking to retrain, upskill and boost their career. Created in collaboration with employers and professional bodies and taught in our Health & Social Care Academy (HSCA), this course will develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of the healthcare sector, leaving you career-ready with the professional skills and behaviours employers look for.