Higher Education Explained

When we talk about higher education, we mean university-level qualifications, these generally include:

• Higher national certificate (HNC) - Level 4

  This qualification prepares you for work in a specific area, usually over a year. You can move from an HNC to an HND or a foundation degree. Some universities will accept you straight on to the second or final year of an honours degree.

• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

  HTQs have been approved against employer developed standards, also known as occupational standards. This ensures that learners gain the skills that employers want, and employers can be confident that learners have the knowledge, skills and behaviours for a particular specialist role. These are Level 4 and 5 qualifications such as Foundation Degrees, Higher National and Higher National Diplomas that have been approved for the HTQ quality Mark. Approved STCG University Centre courses are:

  • HNC Engineering for England (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) Full Time - KC
  • HNC Engineering for England (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) Part Time - KC
  • HNC Engineering for England (General Engineering) Full Time - KC
  • HNC Engineering for England (General Engineering) Part Time - KC
  • HNC Engineering for England (Mechanical Engineering) Part Time - KC
  • HNC Engineering for England (Mechanical Engineering) Full Time - KC
  • HNC in Construction Management for England - STC

• Higher national diploma (HND) - Level 5

  This is a work-related qualification in itself. You convert it over one or two years from an HNC. Alternatively the HND is a stepping stone to a degree course.

• Foundation degrees

  This course is equivalent to the first two years (Levels 4 and 5) of an honours degree. You can study a variety of work-related subjects, full or part-time, to fit around your work or other commitments. The option of taking an extra year to top up to a full honours degree is also yours.

• Honours degree

  We offer our bachelor of arts (BA Hons) and bachelor of science (BSc Hons) degrees in conjunction with our partner universities - Kingston, Canterbury Christ Church and Cumbria. After studying the first one or two years with us you'll complete your degree at university.

• Postgraduate qualifications

  Develop a deeper understanding of a specific subject with a postgraduate qualification. Choose from the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching (PGCE) or the Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (EDSML).

• Masters degree – Level 7

  You can usually complete a masters degree in one year following an honours degree. Choose either a master of arts (MA) or master of business administration (MBA).

• Higher/Degree Apprenticeship

  Higher Apprenticeships go from Level 4 to 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree and above. Degree Apprenticeships are available at Levels 6 and 7 and are equivalent to a full bachelor’s and Master’s.

  They combine work with study and may include a work-based, academic or combined qualification or a professional qualification relevant to the industry. STCG University has the following Higher/Degree Apprenticeships:

  • Level 4 Construction Quality Surveying Technician Apprenticeship
  • Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship
  • Level 4 Mammography Associate Apprenticeship
  • Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship 
  • Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship