What is a BTEC Higher National?
BTEC Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs) are the higher education choice for students who want a more practical qualification. One that prepares them for their working life ahead.
BTEC qualifications are established and recognised, both in the UK and internationally. They are available at over 400 universities and colleges throughout England and Wales.
BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational experience. They’ll give you a thorough grounding in key concepts and practical skills. Because they’re recognised by employers, once you’ve finished your course you can easily progress directly into employment.
Whatever subject area you study, all BTEC courses involve real work experience and work-based projects. This means the skills you are learning are the ones employers want, and can immediately be put to effective use in the workplace.
Developing real skills
All BTEC Higher Nationals will help you develop some essential skills that you will use throughout your whole career:
- Creative problem solving
- Planning and scheduling your work
- Working by yourself and as a team
- Applying complex theories to work-related challenges
- Handling difficult work-related situations
- Managing other people
- Multi-tasking different projects
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for each course, but to be accepted onto a BTEC Higher National you will usually need one of the following:
- At least 1 A Level
- A VCE (formerly Advanced GNVQ)
- A BTEC National Certificate or Diploma
- A Level 3 NVQ
Your BTEC Higher National – stepping stone to a degree
If you want to carry on studying after your Higher National, you can. Many of our students decide to do just that, and with a BTEC Higher National you can often go straight into the second or even third year of a related degree.
Alternatively, many students go on to professional qualifications with exemptions from certain studying areas of the course, or on to occupational National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in their chosen area of employment.
