Higher Technical Education
It Starts with Ambition
We are committed to providing high quality technical education that meets the needs of students, employers and industry.
There are currently huge skills gaps in many vital areas of the economy, meaning employers need people with technical skills more than ever. Our Higher Technical Education (HTE) courses open up a world of opportunity by helping you train or retrain for highly-skilled jobs within the key technical sectors.
The courses we offer are at Level 4, 5 (such as HNDs and Foundation Degrees) and some Level 6 qualifications and have been developed in partnership with awarding bodies, employers and businesses. On several of our courses you will gain a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) on completion.
Higher Technical Education (HTE) is for college and sixth form graduates (18+) who want to progress to a career, adults looking to upskill or retrain, and employers looking to upskill their staff.
Reasons to choose Higher Technical Education at Exeter College
unlock highly-skilled careers
access industry-standard facilities that replicate the workplace
benefit from small class sizes and focused support to develop your skills
study qualifications that are flexible and include part time options
HTE courses are often shorter and less expensive than university degrees
Supportive
You will benefit from small class sizes and one to one support. We think it is vital that we also provide you with a wraparound support programme and personal development opportunities.
Outstanding teaching
You will be supported in your studies by lecturers with real industry experience as well as academic experience, giving you a balance of academic and practical knowledge, which can help in finding a graduate position.
Collaborative partnerships
We’re proud to work in partnership with our well-respected awarding bodies and universities, allowing our students to study in Exeter and benefit from quality and a wide range of courses.
Shaping your future
With our focus on technical and professional education, we work hard to ensure you benefit from our industry partnerships. This means you can learn from professional speakers and acquire skills, knowledge and contacts to help further your chosen career.
Higher Technical Qualifications
Explore our Level 4 and 5 Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) such as HNDs/Foundation Degrees, approved as meeting occupational standards. Developed in collaboration with employers, HTQs offer the right training and skills for workplace success. Look for the HTQ quality mark on our courses.
Industry standard facilities
You will have access to an exceptional study environment. Our sites, including our Institute of Technology and Future Skills Centre, provide industry standard facilities with specialist equipment designed to simulate the workplace.
Browse Programmes by Sector
Hamish
"I feel the knowledge I have gained is my biggest achievement and an asset. This especially reflects with the higher education course inline with industry work. Engineering is extremely broad and it is clear that teaching this has been approached with a high level of care and diligence with the HNC I am a part of. This is especially impressive when considering individuals like me who are in industry and the commitments brought with this."
HNC Engineering
Anja
'The tutors are great, they are so experienced and act as mentors as well as tutors and my peers are just incredible...It's just been a warm, welcoming and supportive group. The quality of the course was incredible too, the way it was structured and delivered is excellent. It aligns to the national framework by the National Counselling Society, which is a brilliant link as it is the professional body who you will be part of when you qualify.”
NCS Advanced Professional Diploma in Counselling Theory and Therapeutic Practice
Mahir
"I thought when I started that the traditional way of going to university wasn't for me, this is a good way to break it down and carry on into the future. I felt like this course would keep my options open as I am still not too sure what I want to do."
BA Business Management
Have a question?
Contact our Adult Advice Team now with any questions you might have about Higher Technical Education at Exeter College.
Upcoming Events View all events
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Apprenticeship ExpoAre you ready to unlock your future? Join us at the 2025 Exeter College Apprenticeship Expo, held in the Sports Hall opposite Central Station, on Thursday 13th February 2025. Who is the Expo for? Students exploring Apprenticeship options to kickstart their careers. Adults looking to upskill or train while working. Career changers eager to embark…
- Exeter College Sports Hall (off Queen Street) 13 Feb 2025
- 13:00 - 17:00
13Feb -
Open Event (Adult and Higher Technical Education)Open Events are the perfect way to find out more about life at Exeter College. Our adult and higher education open events are for adult learners interested in professional or degree level courses, or leisure courses. Taking place on Wednesday 19 March 2025, 5.00-7.00pm, at the Digital and Data Centre, this Open Event is a…
- Digital and Data Centre 19 Mar 2025
- 17:00 - 19:00
19Mar -
Open Event – AprilOpen Events are the perfect way to find out more about life at Exeter College. Our Open Events are for school leavers, those looking for an Apprenticeship and adult learners interested in professional or degree level courses or leisure courses. Taking place on Wednesday 23 April 2025, 4.00-7.00pm, an Open Event is a chance for anyone interested in joining us to…
- 23 Apr 2025
- 16:00 - 19:00
23Apr