The first learners are set to start this month as part of a one-year pilot to fund tuition fees for learners who study specific modules of HTQs.

HTQs are courses mapped to a professional standard, and the kitemark demonstrates to employers that learners on the course are prepared for the workplace.

This year, for the first time, the university centre will be running its Early Years and Business foundation degrees as HTQs, with the Computer Networks foundation degree already having been accredited for two years.

Engineering for England HND, delivered from Rugby College, has also been recognised with the HTQ quality mark.

More than 70 students will be studying on the full HTQ accredited courses this year, with additional “modular learners” invited to study on selected modules and have their fees covered by the Department for Education.

Guy Thomas, Dean of Higher Education at Warwickshire College and University Centre, said: “It is great recognition for two more of our courses to have achieved the HTQ kitemark, as it proves to employers that graduates are ready for the workforce after studying with us.

“We have joined the pilot of the modular acceleration programme, which is part of the lifelong learning entitlement, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new learners to study on selected modules with us this year.

“Students can come and study with us, experience higher education and enhance their knowledge. It is fully funded and the credits gained can be used with us if they choose to return to study a full course with us at a later date.

“This is a great opportunity to take advantage of and we would urge any prospective learners to make contact with our team as soon as possible if it is of interest.”

The free module offer is only for the 2024/25 academic year. To find out more about studying on higher technical qualification courses at WCUC visit www.wcuc.ac.uk