HN Flex, HTQS and the SYIoT – Higher Education Opportunities Unravelled!

Never has there been a time of more choice for Higher Education.

Higher Skills Courses now form part of a variety of options for students. We delve into two areas in this week’s blog focusing on HN Flex and Higher Technical Qualifications supported by the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.

The New Kid on the Block – HN Flex

HN Flex is a flexible delivery model for higher‐level qualifications (specifically units from higher national qualifications, typically Level 4/5) offered by institutions in the UK.

Rather than enrolling in a full Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) programme, a learner can pick and study individual “units” (typically 15 credit units) and stack them over time if they wish.

How it works

• Units: Learners choose one (or more) units that match their interests/needs. For example, one unit might cover “Networking” or “Cyber Security”.
• Credit stacking: Typically the units are 15 credits each, and you might do up to 4 units (so ~60 credits) in the HN Flex model. After that you could potentially progress to a full HNC/HND.
• Flexible timing/pacing: Instead of the full pace of a full qualification, you can fit study around work or other commitments. Some units might take about 6-8 weeks (or more) and may be part-time.
• Cost and commitment: Because you’re studying units instead of full programmes, commitment (time, cost) can be less, and you can choose what you need rather than full qualification straight away.

Why it matters

• For learners: It offers a more manageable way (especially for adults, part-time learners, career changers) to upskill or reskill without committing to a full programme immediately.
• For employers: Helps organisations enable staff to learn specific relevant units without immediately enrolling in full qualifications.
• For progression: The units are recognised and can be applied toward full HNC/HND later if you choose to.

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

HTQs are higher‐level technical qualifications (typically at Level 4 or Level 5 in the English framework) that are designed in collaboration with employers to meet occupational and technical standards required in industry.

They are meant to be a “middle” route between traditional academic degrees and more vocational qualifications, focusing on technical skills and knowledge for specific sectors.

Key features

• Employer-led: Developed with industry to ensure the skills taught are relevant and up-to-date.
• Levels: Typically Level 4 (e.g., HNC) or Level 5 (e.g., HND) or equivalent technical programmes.
• Funding / recognition: HTQs are recognised by the student finance system similarly to degrees in some respects.
• Progression: They provide pathways either into employment (skilled technical roles) or further study (degree level).

Why they matter

• Helps fill the skills gap: Many employers need technically skilled staff in engineering, construction, digital, manufacturing etc. HTQs aim to provide that.
• Alternative to traditional university: For learners who want a strong technical route rather than a full academic degree, HTQs are an attractive option.
• Flexible: Some HTQ programmes may offer part-time study or employer/apprenticeship integrated routes.
  

South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT)

What is it?

SYIoT is one of the UK’s Institutes of Technology (IoTs). It is a partnership of colleges, universities and employers in the South Yorkshire region delivering higher technical education, professional training, apprenticeships and HTQs.

It is supported by government investment (infrastructure, equipment etc) and is specifically geared to addressing regional skills needs (engineering, digital, manufacturing, construction). 

Key information

• Partnership: SYIoT’s partner organisations include several colleges and universities in the South Yorkshire region.
• Focused levels: Much of its provision is focused on Level 4 and Level 5 technical qualifications (HTQs) and apprenticeships.
• Employer engagement: Courses are developed/delivered in collaboration with employers so that students gain industry-relevant skills and experience.

Why it matters

• Regional skills strategy: For the South Yorkshire region, SYIoT represents a concerted effort to boost higher technical skills aligned with local industries.
• Flexibility and accessibility: For learners in the region it offers routes that may be more flexible or local than traditional full university degrees.
• Connection to HN Flex and HTQs: The SYIoT offers HTQs and also the modular unit approaches like HN Flex within their partner colleges – so these initiatives inter‐link.

Things to note

• Course offerings: Check which HTQs and units are available (they’ll differ by subject and provider). For example, SYIoT lists courses in computing, construction, engineering, etc
• Entry, funding and mode: Some courses may be full-time, part-time, or flexible; check what’s right for your situation.
• Progression: What the next step is after completing a SYIoT programme (job, degree, apprenticeship) – check the provider’s details.

Summary / How they tie together

• HN Flex is a flexible way to study units of higher national qualifications (Level 4/5) without committing to full qualification upfront.
• HTQs are higher technical qualifications (Level 4/5) designed in partnership with industry to equip learners for technical roles or further study.
• SYIoT is a regional delivery organisation (South Yorkshire) that offers HTQs and flexible modular learning (including HN Flex style units) in partnership with colleges, universities and employers.

So, if you live in South Yorkshire (or nearby) and are interested in a technical or vocational route rather than a traditional academic degree, you could look at the SYIoT’s HTQ courses.

If you’re part‐time, working, or just want to pick up one or two units, the HN Flex model gives you that flexibility and might feed into an HTQ later.