Post 18 choices

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ)

HTQ’s are qualifications, alternative to apprenticeships and degrees and give access to higher-level skills sought after by employers in different sectors to prepare for jobs in areas like: construction management, scientific and health jobs in a classroom-taught course. HTQ’s in business & administration, education & early years, engineering & manufacturing, legal and finance & accounting will be available from 2024. A full list of approved HTQs is available.

There are many different types of HTQs, such as:

Higher National Diploma: (HND) a two-year work-related course, which is equivalent to the first two years of a full honour’s degree. It is possible to progress from these courses to complete a full honours degree at a university.

Higher National Certificates: (HNC) a one-year work-related course, is equivalent to the first year of a university degree programme.

Higher Education Diploma: (DipHE) is a two-year accredited professional qualification highly recognised by employers in the UK and abroad. Can also advance onto degree programme once completed.

Technical Qualifications: based on year of entry this can be a one or two-year course. Developed in consultation with employers ensure the qualifications are fit for purpose and meets the needs of industry.

Location: college or university, some offer specialist subjects as part of an Institute of Technology or National College

• Duration: 1 to 2 years
• Age: 18 plus and live in England
• Entry requirements: varies, each educational provider may set their own requirements. Grades/qualification dependent on type of course applied for.
• Qualifications: level 4 and 5
• Leads to: skilled employment in higher technical job or higher levels of study
• Funding: bursary, scholarship, student loan If eligible to cover tuition fees, course costs between £7,000 and 9,025 depending on type of HTQ and circumstances. funding from student finance or a scholarship, grant or bursary. 

Degree

An academic undergraduate programme studied at a Higher Education Institution. Four of the top six universities in the world are in the UK. UK higher education is world class! Method of learning is through lectures, seminars, group work projects/tutorials, blended -online and independent study. There is funding available to support in your chosen field, whether this be full or part- time course.

Types of Degree:

Bachelor’s degree: The most common university course is a full-time, three or four-year undergraduate degree (except for specialist medical related degrees which are a minimum of five years); they normally involve lectures (blended, in person), seminars, groupwork, tutorial and are made up of different modules (subjects) that add up to a full degree.

Degree apprenticeship: These courses are a good fit for students who want to combine work and studying part-time at university, gaining the same degree status. This will take slightly longer than traditional degree course and are highly sought after as employers pays tuition fee and you will receive a competitive wage.

Foundation degrees: This route is a good option for students who need a course with lower entry requirements and fewer examinations, would prefer a vocational degree to study while they work, or are not yet ready to commit to three years at university. Foundation degrees can progress on to a full Degree.

Sandwich degree: This means that ‘sandwiched’ in between your years of study at university, you will have a year in industry or in the workplace. This can be a paid or unpaid year depending on your university or employer. 

Combined or Joint Honours Degree: This is when you study two or more subjects from different disciplines and combine them into one full degree, you do not receive two half degrees. You can do a 50:50 degree in which your time will be split equally between two subjects, or you may do a major and minor degree which mean your time will be split 75:25 in favour of one of your subjects.

• Location: at a university or college. You could go away to study, stay local or go abroad as a part of your course.
• Duration: 3 to 4 years, depending on course studied.
• Entry requirements: colleges & universities set their own entry requirements. You will need Level 3 qualifications & GCSEs level 2 in English and Maths.
• Qualifications: ordinary or joint honours degree -different specifications, Bachelor Art (BA), Bachelor Science (BSc)
• Leads to: postgraduate taught or research degrees, professional qualifications, graduate schemes, and employment.
• Find out more: UCAS information about undergraduate degrees