Study Pathway
29 October, 2025 2025-11-26 3:02Study Pathway
Study Pathway
The BTEC Higher Nationals Programme offers clearly defined academic and professional pathways, beginning with broad industry areas at Level 4 and progressing to specialised fields at Level 5.
At Level 4 (HNC), learners select a main discipline such as Business, Engineering, Technology, or Art & Design. Each programme builds a strong foundation of core knowledge, skills, and professional understanding relevant to that industry.
At Level 5 (HND), learners continue in the same industry area but choose a specialised pathway that aligns with their career ambitions. This enables deeper learning, hands-on projects, and practical application tailored to real-world contexts.
This structure allows learners to start from a broad foundation and advance into specific expertise, preparing them for international Top-up Bachelor’s degrees or career entry at a professional level.
| Level 4 (Main Pathway) | Level 5 (Specialised Pathway Examples) |
|---|---|
| Business | Marketing Management, Accounting & Finance, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management |
| Technology | Software Development, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Digital Innovation |
| Engineering | Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering |
| Art & Design | Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Interior Design, Creative Media Production |
Progression Opportunities
In Vietnam
After completing BTEC Level 4, students can continue to Level 5 at partner colleges or universities in Vietnam, and then progress to a Top-up program (final year of the Bachelor’s degree) at local universities in relevant study areas.
Business Pathway:
Banking Academy
Academy of Finance
National Economics University
University of Commerce
FPT University – Business Faculty
Technology & Engineering Pathway:
Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT)
FPT University – Technology Faculty
Hanoi University of Science and Technology
Phenikaa University
RMIT Vietnam
All of these institutions offer international or joint programs with foreign universities, enabling BTEC students to pursue transfer studies or obtain dual degrees.
International Opportunities
After completing BTEC Level 5, students may progress to the Top-up year to earn an international Bachelor’s degree at global partner universities such as:
University of South Wales (UK)
University of Sunderland (UK)
University of Northampton (UK)
Deakin University (Australia)
Griffith University (Australia)
PSB Academy (Singapore)
A complete list of recognized universities and partner institutions will be provided at the following link (to be updated).
| Level | Qualification | Place | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTEC Level 4 | Higher National Certificate (HNC) | At the centre | 1 year | Provides core theoretical and practical foundations in the chosen field (Business, Technology, etc.), equivalent to the first year of university. |
| BTEC Level 5 | Higher National Diploma (HND) | At partner colleges or universities in Vietnam | 1 year | Develops advanced knowledge, management, and research skills, preparing learners for university-level study or global employment. |
| Top-up | Top-up Year | In Vietnam or abroad | 1 year | Students can complete their final year (Top-up) with local or overseas partner universities to earn an international bachelor’s degree. |
Career Opportunities
After completing the full BTEC pathway (from Level 4 to an International Bachelor’s degree), students gain solid professional knowledge, practical skills, and a global mindset. With its competency-based learning approach, the BTEC qualification prepares graduates to enter the workforce confidently or pursue higher academic degrees abroad.
Career opportunities span across various fields such as business, technology, engineering, communication, and management — in both local enterprises and international corporations.
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