BTEC Higher Nationals and Higher Technical Qualifications
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 the Department for Education's 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?
Over 40 subjects to choose from with the option of taking specialist pathways.
BTEC Higher National graduates can top up and gain a degree from one of the 300 universities we partner with worldwide.
A more cost effective alternative to university with typically lower tuition fees.
- 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.
Leila Sorensen
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Practice
"My BTEC Higher National qualification has helped me feel more confident of my skillset and opportunities to get into the industry."
Lauren Saunders Love
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Photography
"I knew that choosing this route would be considerably less expensive that going to university."
Matthew Mortimer
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business
"Completing my HNC and HND has been a defining step in my journey, giving me the knowledge, confidence, and direction to take my next leap."
Charlie James Williams
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business
"The BTEC Higher National gave me the flexibility to continue building professionally while developing the academic foundation needed for long-term credibility and success in the business world."
Vindyani Saranga
Business Lecturer at Apex College - London
"Through BTEC, learners gain hands-on experience and transferable skills that make them workplace-ready and future-focused. Because BTEC turns potential into practice, and ambition into achievement."
Matt Wilson
Head of The Game Assembly UK
"BTEC Higher Nationals give us the flexibility to deliver higher education through a studio model that feels authentic to the games industry"
The missing middle: Unlocking the growth potential of Level 4 and 5 pathways
We sponsored research from the Lifelong Education Institute (LEI) which explores how higher technical qualifications at Levels 4 and 5 can play a stronger role in supporting progression, workforce capability and economic growth.
The smart choice to share
When students ask, “What’s next?”, they turn to you for guidance.
For those who want a higher education route that prepares them for employment, BTEC Higher Nationals offer a smart, practical option.
Getting started
If you're new to teaching BTEC or already offer our qualifications, explore HN's with our helpful guides.
Resources
Explore our range of Higher Nationals resources for students and tutors.
Assessment support
Discover our assessment support for Higher Nationals.
Collaborations
Find out more about our business and industry collaboration.