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Higher Technical Education

NTU has a proud history of developing higher technical and vocational qualifications to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that employers say they need.

There are significant skills gaps at level 4 and 5 across many occupations, and it is recognised that there is a need to provide flexible pathways for students to access these skills. In response, NTU is developing a range of micro credentials, short courses, and full awards to support our local community and businesses to acquire these much-needed skills.


The UK faces a large skills gap across many sectors, and students need flexible paths to access these skills. In response, NTU is developing a range of courses to support students, our local community and businesses to acquire these much-needed skills.

An orange cog that serves as the logo for HTQs.

Higher Technical Qualifications

Higher Technical Qualifications are level 4 or 5 qualifications that have been quality marked by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to indicate their alignment to employer-led occupational standards and to ensure they are prestigious and meet employer needs. The HTQ is a quality mark from the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education to ensure the courses meet employers’ needs.

You can find out more about Higher Technical Qualifications from the Department of Education.

HTQ Courses

We are currently developing courses in the following areas:

  • Computing
  • Construction
  • Engineering
The Pearson BTEC logo

Higher Nationals

These courses focus on developing practical skills that can be used in particular job roles and that lead straight into a career. Higher National Certificates (HNC) usually take about a year to complete and Higher National Diplomas (HND) are usually two years when attending full-time. Part-time options will take longer.

HND / HNC Courses

We are currently offering courses in the following areas:

  • HNC Future Homes and Construction
  • HND / HNC General Engineering – (in development)
  • HND / HNC Electrical Engineering – (in development)
  • HND / HNC Manufacturing Engineering – (in development)
  • HND / HNC Mechanical Engineering – (in development)

Microcredentials and Short Courses

Interested in gaining professional qualifications, with studies that fit your circumstances? Want to develop your career? Maybe you want to explore a new discipline, or perhaps you just enjoy learning for pleasure. A short course at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) can help you to develop new skills.

Find out more

Apprenticeships

Combine working with studying part-time at a leading university – giving apprentices and employers the best of both worlds. We have been successfully delivering higher and degree apprenticeships since 2015, providing training solutions to a wide range of businesses.

Find out more

Funding and Financial Support

Student loans

Did you know you only start paying your loan back after you have left university and are earning above the repayment threshold (currently £21,000) It is also worth knowing that loan payments are stopped if you are not employed, or your income goes below the threshold.

Find out more

Extra financial support

We offer extra financial support for undergraduate students. Make sure you don’t miss out – check to see if you’re eligible for additional funding.

Find out more

News stories

Nottingham Trent University partners with Pearson to deliver new Higher Technical Qualifications

Thu 31 Mar 2022

Applications and Enquiries

Get in touch with us at HTE@ntu.ac.uk if you are:

  • Interested in finding out more about a full or part time course at level 4 or 5, or would like help to apply
  • An employer interested in finding out how these courses could benefit your workforce
  • A training provider and want to discuss progression opportunities to Higher Technical courses