Higher level qualifications (HLQs)
Higher level qualifications (HLQs)
What are Higher Level Qualifications?
The City & Guilds Higher Level Qualifications (HLQs) provide a real choice for individuals who want both the vocational expertise and academic focus that can lead them to the top of their profession.
The suite of HLQs comprises Higher Professional Diplomas (Level 4) and Master Professional Diplomas (Level 7).
The qualifications consist of outcomes-based units, covering core, specialised, and key management areas, which are assessed by means of written assignment. The programmes are designed to allow a flexible approach to learning and development to suit particular requirements of the individual.
- Higher Professional Diplomas (HPDs) comprise 12 units in total
- Master Professional Diplomas (MPDs) comprise 8 units in total
- coherent progression routes from Level 3
- nationally recognised qualifications at Level 4 and Level 7
- progression into a managerial/senior role
Most of the suite of Higher Level Qualifications are accredited on the National Qualifications Framework and, therefore, eligible for funding under Sections 96 and 97.
A PDF version of the Guide to Higher Level Qualifications is available to download.
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Higher Level Study Skills
This Level 4 Certificate is specifically designed for candidates with proven expertise at Level 3 who now wish to develop study skills to support their progression on to degree level programmes.
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Personal and Professional Development Awards
The Personal (Levels 2 & 3) and Professional (Level 4) Development Awards recognise knowledge, skills and learning which are gained outside (or alongside) a formal programme of study, through work experience or a wide range of other structured activities.
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Advanced Professional Certificate in Construction
This Level 3 qualification is suitable for people in a variety of roles in the construction industry who want to develop their skills to a higher level.
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Advanced Professional Certificate in Hospitality and Catering
This Level 3 qualification is suitable for people who work in a variety of hospitality and catering businesses, from small restaurants to large hotels, in roles such as facility supervision, advanced craft and catering, and food manufacturing.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Building Services Engineering
This Level 4 qualification is designed for high-achieving individuals developing careers in the building services industry. Learners can choose from two available pathways - either Electrotechnical or or Mechanical Engineering Services.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Business Administration
This Level 4 HPD is designed to prepare people for senior business administration roles and positions with responsibility for managing business administration systems.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Community Development
The Level 4 HPD in Community Development is for those currently working in the Community Development sector or with a community development remit in another professional setting. It develops both high level academic and vocational knowledge and skills.
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Higher Certificate in Community Justice
This Level 4 Higher Certificate is suitable for people who work in a variety of community justice roles. This might include probation, community safety, crime reduction, victim support or witness services.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Counselling
This Level 4 HPD is designed to meet the training needs of people working at a higher level in the sector. It enables candidates to focus on the core theoretical model of counselling as well as explore a range of counselling theories.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Creative Arts
This Level 4 HPD is suitable for people working in a variety of creative businesses, including fashion, ceramics, interior decor, stained glass, wood & metal work. It develops higher level knowledge and skills in design, production, marketing & business.
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Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Early Years
The Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Early Years offers individuals working in the childcare and education profession a flexible, alternative approach to NVQ provision by offering both high level academic focus and vocational knowledge & skills.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Engineering
This Level 4 HPD in Engineering has pathways in mechanical, manufacturing and multi-disciplinary engineering which provide a route to giving Incorporated Engineer status through links to the EC (UK) qualifications structure.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Health and Well-being
This Level 4 HPD is designed for those working in support roles within the health care sector, such as, (senior) health care assistants, who are aspiring to 'Assistant Practitioner' level of the NHS career band structure.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Hospitality and Catering
This Level 4 HPD is suitable for aspiring managers in large organisations, owner-managers and those at master craft level, within the hospitality and catering industries.
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Professional Diploma in Inspecting Learning Disability Services
This Level 4 Professional Diploma is designed for people who are moving into an inspection role within learning disability services. The qualification forms part of the Learning Disability Awards Framework (LDAF).
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Higher Professional Diploma in Information Management using ICT
This Level 4 HPD enables candidates to build on and update higher level ICT knowledge and skills within the current market.
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Higher Professional Diploma for IT Practitioners
This Level 4 HPD is aimed at people working in the constantly changing IT sector who require up-to-date technical skills and knowledge at a higher level.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Land Based Management
This Level 4 HPD provides learners with the opportunity to gain the high level skills and knowledge needed to manage current practices within land-based industries.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Learning Disability Services
This Level 4 HPD is suitable for people working in learning disability services at senior practitioner or management level. This qualification forms part of the Learning Disability Awards Framework (LDAF).
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Higher Professional Diploma in Photo Imaging
This Level 4 HPD is suitable for those who want to gain high level photo imaging skills, both technical and business-related. The programme covers a broad range of specialised areas for both traditional & digital means
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Higher Professional Diploma in Retail Management
This Level 4 HPD reflects the diversity of expertise which exists within the retail industry and develops knowledge and understanding of the variety of roles and skills involved.
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Higher Professional Certificate/Diploma in Technical Salon Management
This Level 4 Higher Professional Certificate/Diploma is suitable for people who want to gain both advanced technical skills and broader management knowledge, relating to hairdressing and/or beauty therapy.
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Higher Professional Diploma In Sport and Recreation Management
This Level 4 HPD is suitable for people who work in a variety of sport and recreation businesses, from leisure centres to event management. Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners become eligible for ISRM membership.
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Higher Professional Diploma in Travel and Tourism
This Level 4 HPD is suitable for people who are aspiring to, or seeking recognition of, a management role within the travel and tourism industry.
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Master Professional Diploma in Strategy and Development
This Level 7 MPD is designed to meet the needs of experienced individuals who are operating, or aspiring to operate, at senior technological or management level, or a combination of both.
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Master Professional Diploma in Strategy and Development (Education and Training)
This Level 7 MPD is suitable for people who work in a variety of learning and development environments, particularly colleges, universities, training providers and schools.
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Master Professional Diploma in Strategy and Development (Hospitality and Catering)
This Level 7 MPD is suitable for those working at the highest levels within the hospitality and catering industries eg operational management, area management for breweries and other licensed trade organisations, and catering facilities management.
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Master Professional Diploma in Strategy and Development (Sport and Recreation)
This Level 7 MPD is intended for managers working at the highest levels within sport and recreation industries, eg, event managers, managers in leisure centres, local authority officers responsible for leisure services and sports development officers.
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Master Professional Diploma in Construction
This Level 7 MPD is intended for people who want to apply their knowledge of construction processes and master-craft skills to complex, practical employment-related problems.