Did you know that you can study an industry-recognised undergraduate course and gain the skills employers want in your home town? The technical skills, industry knowledge, and practical approach a BTEC Higher National provides are in high demand from employers. What's more, Higher National graduates can achieve a higher earning potential compared to those with a degree (CVER report). BTEC Higher National qualifications cost £6,000 on average per year in the UK and are available to study across the country and around the world. Tell me more about BTEC Higher Nationals There are over 40 subjects to choose from and these internationally recognised qualifications are available at Level 4 and Level 5 (the equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree). At Level 4 you’ll study a Higher National Certificate (HNC), and at Level 5 you’ll study a Higher National Diploma (HND). After completing a Higher National, you can top-up your qualification and gain a full undergraduate degree.
“I chose to study at college instead of going to university, as I did not feel ready to be fully independent and live away from home. I was not entirely sure if I wanted to study for the BA
and going to college meant I could do a couple of BTEC Higher Nationals in my chosen subject and top-up to a BA if I wanted to.” - Lauren Saunders-Love (HND Photography graduate)
What are the tuition fee costs? On average, BTEC Higher Nationals cost 1/3 less each year, compared to university tuition fees. Different institutions will have varying costs that also depend on other factors such as in-person study in the classroom, hybrid study, or courses completely online, as well as options to study full or part time. Flexible study options and lower tuition fees make Higher Education study more accessible and better suited to your lifestyle.
“The fact that the course was local to me and the tuition fees and living costs were lower, were key factors in me choosing to study a Higher National.” - Tim Bailey (HND Sport graduate)
Can I study locally? BTEC Higher Nationals are delivered at Colleges, Private Institutions, Universities, and with Employers across the country. Different providers will offer different subjects too, so make sure to speak with providers local to you for more information.
“I was lucky enough to get a position at a local IT company who support Primary schools across Worcestershire with their IT needs. Meeting with my now current employer was all made possible through the contacts at the College, and it has given me the opportunity to get a "foot in the door" with a local employer and for that I am very grateful.” - Stuart Munn (HND Computing graduate)
What does practical undergraduate study mean? All BTEC Higher National courses have been expertly designed in collaboration with industry professionals, subject specialists, education partners, alumni, and learner groups to create an optimised blend of practical and academic learning.
“Unlike a university, the Higher National courses tend to have a smaller cohort, allowing for more practical and one-to-one work to take place within the College. This was something I was looking for when researching potential courses as the practical element has helped me to understand certain aspects of computing better, as opposed to listening and taking notes in a lecture format.” - Tom Ticehurst (HND Computing graduate)
Where can I go after finishing a Higher National? After completing your studies, you’ll have different options to progress in a way that aligns to your goals. 1. You have the option to top-up your Higher National and gain a degree with one of the
300+ universities we partner with worldwide. This means universities that recognise Higher National qualifications will let you study at Level 6 (the third and final year of an undergraduate degree) at their institution. 2. We also partner with an abundance of professional bodies where you can gain accreditation to further boost your knowledge and expertise in a specific sector. This can help further advance your career, establish yourself as an expert, and gain access to additional resources and networking opportunities offered by the professional body. 3. After your Higher National studies, you’ll be equipped with the practical skills and academic knowledge to enter the workforce.
“By doing the HNC followed by the degree makes me more appealing to employers, as opposed to the linear degree route only. I was able to mix and build a network with students from a range of career routes which has built my confidence and experience.” - Sophie Lydia-Perkins (HNC Construction graduate)
If studying at a lower cost, somewhere more local, with a practical approach that employers want sounds like the right fit for you, visit our website where you can find out further information. You can also speak to your local college to find out which BTEC Higher National courses they offer, and when their next Open Day dates are.
