Higher Technical Qualifications
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are level 4 and level 5 qualifications that sit between A levels, T levels and degrees - just like HNCs and HNDs. These career-focused courses are a good alternative to apprenticeships and degrees, and give you the confidence that you're gaining the skills employers are looking for.
We offer a range of HNCs, HNDs and HTQs. Read on to find out more about these technical qualifications and the opportunities available at Warrington & Vale Royal College.
What are HTQs?
HTQs are new Higher National Certificate (HNC) level 4 and Higher National Diploma (HND) level 5 technical qualifications that sit between A Levels, T Levels and degrees - just like HNCs and HNDs. HTQ is the new name given to some existing HNC and HND courses. These high-quality, career-focused courses have been approved against occupational standards in their sector and 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 Higher Technical Qualification 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. They are a great alternative to degrees or apprenticeships.
If you're looking to enter a specific sector, retrain, or upskill, these courses will prepare you to work effectively and safely in your defined area of practice. Completing a HTQ could lead on to an accelerated apprenticeship, completing a full degree or going straight into employment.
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, we will be offering the following HTQs:
- HNC Construction Management (HTQ)
- HNC General Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering (HTQ)
We also offer a range of HNCs and HNDs:
- HNC in Applied Science (Biology)
- HNC Creative Media: Film
- HNC Creative Media: Games Development
- HNC Sports & Exercise Sciences (Coaching Pathway)
- HNC Sports & Exercise Sciences (Rehabilitation Pathway)
- HNC Public Services
- HND Creative Media: Film
- HND Creative Media: Games Development
- HND Sports & Exercise Sciences
- HND Public Services
Applications are for September 2025! Scroll down the page for more information about these courses, or click the course title above.
What are the funding options?
HTQ students can apply for student finance for HTQ courses, as they would a degree. This includes full-time and part-time tuition fees and maintenance loans. You can also make your own arrangements to pay for course fees, such as being sponsored by your employer.
Click here for more information about financial support at Warrington & Vale Royal College.
