University Centre Bishop Burton to deliver innovative Higher Technical Qualifications
22 Mar 2024 | Degree Level
University Centre Bishop Burton (UCBB) is supporting the growing demand from employers and learners for higher-level skills with three university level qualifications that have been quality marked by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).
HTQs are level 4 or 5 qualifications that have been acknowledged by IfATE as meeting the occupational standards of employers. Status of a qualification as a HTQ identifies learners will develop skills and acquire knowledge and understanding that meets employer expectations and industry standards; providing them with an experience that will support their entry into a chosen profession or onto further study.
UCBB will launch its first HTQ in Community Coaching for England at its Riseholme College campus, near Lincoln in September 2024. With a hands-on and practical approach that integrates assessment into the teaching process, learners will develop a broad understanding of key disciplines including sport coaching, psychology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, training, fitness, testing and lifestyle coaching - meeting the quality standard of a HTQ.
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science Dr Craig Fairbairn, who will be teaching the HTQ said “This is a fantastic course for anyone considering a career in coaching and the added benefit of the HTQ ‘kitemark’ badge of honour, is that employers will be able to immediately see that students who complete the course have had the right training and experiences to ensure they are work-ready. Students will leave us as capable and highly employable individuals; comfortable and confident with the high standards the Sport and Exercise Science industry demands of its practitioners.”
UCBB submitted two of its specialist and technical programmes for the HTQ approvals process and have successfully received the HTQ quality-mark recognising their alignment to approved occupational standards on two qualifications that will be delivered at its Bishop Burton campus near Beverley, East Yorkshire from September 2025. The University Centre’s FdSc Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Management and FdSc Applied Animal Health and Welfare are the first specialist qualifications of this nature to receive HTQ status in the country.
Interim Assistant Principal Higher Education, Debbie Jenson commented “We are delighted that our specialist programmes have been recognised by the IfATE as delivering against the criteria for HTQs. We are also incredibly proud to be the first provider approved for HTQs in Environmental Conservation and Animal Sciences in the UK. The very nature of the HTQ is the perfect fit for UCBB as all our programmes are specifically designed to prepare students for the world of work, by developing the skills, knowledge and expertise they need to succeed within their careers.”
UCBB has plans to extend the HTQ offering further across more of its specialist programmes.
Debbie continues “As an institution dedicated to empowering our students for the future within their specialism, we are always conscious of the needs of employers. Implementing HTQs across our wider provision provides current and prospective students with confidence that they will leave us highly employable, whilst also acting as an assurance to employers that graduates from HTQs at UCBB will be valuable and extremely skilled employees.”
UCBB is currently accepting applications through UCAS for entry in September 2024.
Take a look at the HTQ being delivered at our Riseholme College campus
View our degree level programmes at the Bishop Burton campus
