BTEC Higher Nationals and Higher Technical Qualifications

Register your interest

What are BTEC Higher Nationals and Higher Technical Qualifications?

BTEC Higher Nationals are internationally-recognised higher education qualifications at level 4 and 5 that are equivalent to the first and second years of a university degree, providing progression to both university and employment..

Universities and colleges in 60 countries around the world deliver BTEC Higher Nationals. They are an ideal choice for students seeking an affordable and relevant route to a degree or employment.

At Pearson, we are aligning certain Higher National programmes with IfATE requirements for Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) in England. This involves ensuring that the program covers the Occupational Standard it aligns with.

Why choose BTEC Higher Nationals?

Growth chart - Pass rate of Pearon apprentices 98%

Over 40 subjects to choose from with the option of taking specialist pathways.

Shield with green tick - Over 18,000 EPAs completed

BTEC Higher National graduates can top up and gain a degree from one of the 300 universities we partner with worldwide.

Stopwatch - Fast turnaround of EPA results

A more cost effective alternative to university with typically lower tuition fees.

Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Read the video transcript

  • Higher Nationals enable you to diversify your HE offering, allowing continuity for level 3 students, providing them with a clear progression route to level 4 and 5, whilst meeting the needs of local employers; 
  • They provide students with the opportunity to top up to a university degree; 
  • Build relationships with local employers by responding to the needs of the new Apprenticeship levy;
  • Participate in periodic reviews of the qualifications, working alongside Pearson, employers, HE providers and students to help shape future qualifications;
  • Benefit from complimentary teaching and learning resources that align with your area of expertise, and help with planning and delivery of the qualifications; and
  • Work with Pearson to design and validate your own qualifications that address skills gaps within specific sectors.

What sectors do BTEC Higher Nationals cover?

Business, Administration and Law Child Development and Well Being Computer Science and ICT Construction, Planning and the Built Environment Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts Engineering Health and Social Care Hospitality and Catering Land-based Leisure, Travel and Tourism Music Physical Education and Sport Public Services Science

View all disciplines

Students can apply for BTEC Higher Nationals through #Clearing2024

Clearing 2024

If traditional university isn't right for your students, they should consider BTEC Higher Nationals. Equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree, they offer a balanced mix of practical and academic learning. With many colleges accepting applications through Clearing, there's still time to secure a place.

Find out more

Success stories

"It was not just the knowledge that I gained studying BTECs at a variety of levels, but also the employability skills that have really helped me in the workplace."

Read Tim's story

"I knew that choosing this route would be considerably less expensive that going to university."

Read Lauren's story

Further information and support

Getting started

If you're new to teaching BTEC or already offer our qualifications, explore HN's with our helpful guides.

Learn more

Resources

Explore our range of Higher Nationals resources for students and tutors.

Learn more

Assessment support

Discover our assessment support for Higher Nationals.

Learn more

Collaborations

Find out more about our business and industry collaboration.

Learn more

Register for more information

To learn more about offering BTEC Higher Nationals and Higher Technical Qualifications, please complete the form. We will contact you soon.

Open form