“Traditional” education has mostly followed the process of completing a qualification to learn the theory of a job or industry. Then you pick up the practical skills when you enter the workforce.
But that doesn’t work anymore. Employers are increasingly looking for staff who already have the skills they need to hit the ground running as businesses continue to deal with a widening skills gap.
This is particularly true when it comes to leadership roles.
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are a great alternative to “professional qualifications” as they blend theory and practical skills, enabling employees to apply what they’ve learnt into a practical environment from day one.
In this blog you’ll learn how HTQs stack up against professional leadership qualifications like those provided by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) or the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
By the end you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which type of management and leadership qualification is right for you.
Start your journey today. Visit our course page to discover how an HTQ can accelerate your career.
What Exactly Are HTQs in Leadership and Management?
HTQs in Leadership and Management provide theory and practical training for students so they can become confident and successful in leadership and management roles.
They cover a wide range of business topics including Accounting, Marketing, HR, Project Management and Digital, so students have a broad understanding of how to apply their skills across all areas of a company.
HTQs are typically developed with insight from employers so students learn real-world skills that are in-demand, along with theory.
This makes them highly valuable to employers because they’re confident students or learning and getting practical experience in relevant skills.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Unlike some professional qualifications, which might only cover an aspect of business like marketing or accounting, HTQs in Leadership and Management expose students to all areas of business.
This means they learn how to apply what they’re learning to real-world scenarios that can be translated into the workplace.
It means those with a HTQ can tackle a more diverse range of challenges as a manager and leader.
Flexible Learning
We deliver our HTQs online combined with optional campus support from the college partner delivering the teaching.
Students are more easily able to fit their studies around work or family life as only a certain number of hours are set. Outside of these hours, students can study when or where they like.
Stackable Pathways
Imagine starting a university degree, and after completing two years you have to drop out.
Now you have no qualification to show for two years of hard work.
HTQs allow students to stack individual qualifications while working towards a degree level level qualification.
Starting at a Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC), students can progress on to achieve a Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) before progressing on to Level 6 if they wish to.
There’s no obligation to continue onto each level, as students can simply earn the single qualification if they want to.
Step into your next chapter with confidence. Visit our course page to learn more about our Leadership and Management programme.
Which Leadership Qualification Fits Your Goals Best?
When it comes to leadership and management qualifications, HTQs and professional qualifications like CMI, ILM, or a Business Administration degree each offer distinct advantages. Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide:
|
Feature |
HTQs |
CMI |
ILM |
Business Administration Degree |
|
Focus |
Hands-on, practical skills for immediate application in the workplace. |
Strategic and theoretical management principles with accredited certifications. |
Practical leadership skills with a focus on team dynamics and personal development. |
Broad academic foundation across multiple business disciplines. |
|
Duration |
1-2 years for Levels 4 and 5 (HNC/HND respectively). |
Varies by level, typically shorter but with a strong emphasis on theory. |
Varies by level, often modular and shorter than HTQs. |
3-4 years, requiring a long-term commitment. |
|
Cost |
Affordable, with lower costs than traditional degrees. |
Moderate, varies by course level and certification. |
Moderate, with costs dependent on course structure and provider. |
High-cost investment, typically requiring loans or significant funding. |
|
Learning Style |
Flexible online and hybrid formats with practical, real-world assessments. |
Structured courses with a mix of independent study and workshops. |
Workshop-driven, with a focus on interactive and reflective learning. |
Predominantly classroom-based with exams, essays, and group projects. |
|
Career Outcomes |
Job-ready skills for roles like Team Leader, Supervisor, or Manager. |
Highly respected certifications valued in corporate environments. |
Strong focus on improving leadership capability for team management roles. |
Broad career pathways, though less emphasis on immediate job-readiness. |
|
Best For |
Individuals looking for practical, affordable, and flexible leadership training. |
Those aiming for professional accreditation with deeper insights into strategic management. |
Professionals seeking hands-on team leadership training with personal development elements. |
People wanting a comprehensive academic qualification with long-term career scope. |
Pros and Cons of Leadership Qualifications
Whether it’s a HTQ or professional qualification, there are many options to choose from.
Which you choose will ultimately depend on your goals or type of study you prefer.
HTQs
Pros
- Job-Ready Skills
HTQs focus on hands-on learning, equipping you with practical skills you can immediately apply in the workplace, along with theoretical knowledge. - Faster Time to Complete
With courses typically lasting 1-2 years, HTQs are perfect for those looking to progress rapidly in their careers. - Flexible Learning Options
Many HTQs offer online and hybrid delivery, making them accessible for those balancing work or family commitments. - Cost-Effective
HTQs are generally more affordable than full degrees or other qualifications. They’re also eligible for student finance.
Cons
- Recognition Limitations
While HTQs are gaining recognition, some employers still prefer traditional qualifications like CMI or degrees. - Narrow Focus
HTQs are highly specialised, which may limit your ability to explore broader business areas.
CMI/ILM
Pros
- Widely Respected
CMI and ILM qualifications are recognised and valued by employers across a wide range of industries. - Strategic Knowledge
These courses often include in-depth exploration of leadership theories, making them ideal for senior roles. - Professional Memberships
Certifications from CMI or ILM may grant you access to exclusive resources, networks, and post-nominals (like "CMgr").
Cons
- Less Practical Application
Many CMI and ILM courses lean heavily on theory, which might leave gaps in real-world experience. - Higher Costs
Advanced levels of these qualifications can be significantly more expensive than HTQs. - Time Commitment
While shorter than degrees, some CMI and ILM pathways still require a considerable time investment.
Discover your potential. Visit our course page to learn how an HTQ can advance your career.
Business Administration Degree
Pros
- Comprehensive Learning
Degrees cover a wide range of subjects, from marketing to global business strategy, giving you a broad skillset. - Prestige
A degree carries long-standing recognition and credibility in nearly every sector. - Career Versatility
Opens doors to leadership roles as well as specialised career paths in areas like finance or marketing.
Cons
- Longer Duration
A degree typically takes 3-4 years to complete, which might not suit career-focused individuals looking for quick advancement. - High Cost
Tuition fees and associated expenses make this a significant financial commitment. - Limited Practicality
Degrees often prioritise theory, leaving practical leadership skills underdeveloped. - Full completion required for qualification
If you study for a degree you only receive the qualification if you complete the full course (3 or 4 years), meaning if you don’t continue after the first or second year you have nothing to show for it. When studying towards a HTQ, each level has a standalone qualification.
What’s Right for You?
HTQs are perfect for those wanting practical leadership training with skills that employers value.
Other professional courses offer a broad foundation of theoretical knowledge, but require more time and money.
Your choice ultimately depends on your goals, timeline, and budget.
Where Can an HTQ in Leadership Take You
A HTQ in Leadership and Management opens up opportunities to gain promotions within your current company or stand out to get a better job elsewhere.
By equipping you with practical skills and knowledge in a broad area of business, you can be a confident leader and manager across business functions.
Roles You Can Achieve With an HTQ
HTQs equip you with versatile skills that open doors to a variety of roles across industries. Here are some examples of career pathways you can pursue:
- Team Leader
Lead and motivate teams to achieve goals, improve productivity, and foster collaboration in any workplace. - Operations Supervisor
Manage day-to-day business operations, ensuring smooth workflows, efficient resource allocation, and performance improvements. - Project Coordinator
Oversee projects from start to finish, managing timelines, budgets, and team dynamics while ensuring targets are met. - HR Officer
Apply leadership skills in human resources, supporting recruitment, employee relations, and organisational development. - Customer Service Manager
Lead customer service teams, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive client loyalty through effective management strategies.
Why HTQs Prepare You for Success
- Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience with leadership techniques that can be immediately applied to your role.
- Employer-Focused Skills: Designed in collaboration with leading businesses, HTQs align with what employers need most.
- Quick Progression: Short course durations mean you’re job-ready faster than with traditional qualifications.
An HTQ not only gets you started in leadership roles but also sets the foundation for long-term career growth. Many professionals use their HTQs as a launchpad, gaining experience and then pursuing higher-level qualifications or senior positions.
Making the Right Decision
Deciding between an HTQ in Leadership and Management, a professional qualification like CMI or ILM, or a Business Administration degree is a significant step toward shaping your future. Each pathway offers unique benefits tailored to different goals, learning styles, and career aspirations.
HTQs stand out for their practical focus, affordability, and flexibility, making them an excellent choice for those who want to quickly gain job-ready leadership skills.
Professional qualifications bring prestige and strategic insights, ideal for mid-to-senior professionals. Meanwhile, a Business Administration degree provides a broad foundation, opening doors to diverse opportunities across industries.
The right choice depends on where you are in your career and what you want to achieve.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re looking for a qualification that combines hands-on learning, employer recognition, and affordability, explore the possibilities of an HTQ in Leadership and Management.
Visit our HTQ in Leadership and Management course page to discover more about the course, the skills you’ll gain, and how it can transform your career.
Lead with confidence. Visit our course page to see how our HTQ can transform your career.
