Higher Technicals

Gain the knowledge, skills and support needed to gain employment across multiple industries in the UK and internationally.

Our Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) have been developed with the help of employers and internationally-recognised awarding bodies to ensure they provide the best education and training pathway for students looking to accelerate their pathway to future employment.

Recent analysis from the Department for Education shows that technical courses can lead to better career outcomes; students with a HTQ earn between £2,700 - £5,100 a year more at age 30 than those with a degree.

Approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, these qualifications provide an alternative route into Higher Education for students looking to upskill, retrain or gain a recognised Level 4 and 5 qualification, while still maintaining the high-quality teaching and learning environments of degrees and apprenticeships at the University of Roehampton.

The courses have been specifically chosen and designed as part of our commitment to make education more accessible, and provide employability-led programmes for industries that require highly-skilled workers for the future.

If you are interested in studying within Higher Education, recognise the importance of developing academic and vocational skills, but do not wish to commit to a full, three-year undergraduate degree, a HTQ at Roehampton may be the perfect opportunity for you to gain a high-level qualification.

HTQ colour logo.png

We offer two types of HTQs

Higher National Ceriticate (HNC)

An HNC is a Level 4 vocational qualification, which takes one year to complete (full-time). It is equivalent to a first year of an undergraduate degree.

Higher National Diploma (HND)

An HND is a Level 5 qualification which takes two years to complete (full-time). It is equivalent to two years of study on an undergraduate degree.

If you complete an HND, you will be eligible to enter a Level 6 Top-Up programme at Roehampton (equivalent of a final year of undergraduate degree).

Assignments

Assignments that allow you to work on real-world industry briefs and projects.

Practical-based learning through a combination of vocational, academic and practical skills.

Industry and facilities

Industry-expert tutors, university-standard student support, specialist facilities and resources, as well as outstanding library and careers services.

Time

Reduced time-commitment - 12 hours per week; 2 days a week.

Fees

Lower fees compared to undergraduate degrees and additional financial support through the Roehampton HTQ Scholarship.

HTQ Scholarship

We offer a scholarship for home and overseas students enrolling on Roehampton HTQs.

The scholarships are worth £2000, paid for the length of your course. The scholarship is subject to your progression to the next academic year of study (or course completion) and your ongoing attendance.

It is available to all students with home or overseas fee status.

This scholarship can be combined with other scholarships and bursaries.

How you'll learn

The full-time courses include four modules each semester.

Totalling eight modules (15 credits x 8) a year.

Lessons will be taught across two days per week (full-time).

You will be taught using a range of methods, including lectures, practical sessions, seminars, workshops and work-based learning (placements).

Industry-expert tutors will provide you with employer-led teaching materials that enable you to learn what it is like to work within relevant industries.

Programme leaders will also provide engagement and networking opportunities with local employers so you can develop relationships with potential future employers.

You will also be provided with additional academic support through an academic guidance tutor.

Placements - throughout the course, you will be supported to undertake relevant paid or voluntary work in order to build your skills and experience.

How you'll be assessed

You'll be assessed using a variety of methods.

These will be tailored to both meet the needs of specific industries, that best prepare you for the requirements of employment within their specialist areas.

Assessment methods will include: written coursework, potfolios, presentations, academic posters, interviews, professional discussions, pracitcal assessments and exams. (Other assessment methods may be used depending on subject specialism).

Assessments will be scheduled appropriately throughout semester 1 and 2 to provide you with the opportunity to utilise regular feedback opportunities with tutors.

You will be provided individual tutorial support prior to all assessment submissions.

What happens after you've completed your HND?

The courses are designed for entering industry and employment after course completion.

You will receive individual careers support during your final semester to ensure you are able to successfully enter the industry, employment or further study.

If you wish to enter the top-up (Year 3) of the relevant Roehampton undergraduate course, you will be given additional tutorial support during your final semester, meet the relevant undergraduate programme convenor and prepare for advanced entry onto the course.