HN Flex: A new Approach to Higher Education

HN Flex is a new, modular higher education offering, designed to make higher-level learning more accessible, customisable, and career-focused. 

It enables learners to study individual units from BTEC Higher National qualifications at Levels 4 and 5 across more than 40 subject areas, including engineering, computing, business, and creative industries.

This flexible model is ideal for professionals looking to upskill, individuals transitioning careers, or those who prefer a more incremental approach to education.

Learners can enrol in stand-alone units, combine units for CPD (Continuing Professional Development), or work towards full qualifications like the HNC (Higher National Certificate) or HND (Higher National Diploma).

Upon completion of each unit, learners earn a Certificate of Unit Credit (CoUC), which can be used to build toward a full award in the future.

Learners can choose from several pathways

• Study stackable units within a single BTEC Higher National qualification, with the opportunity to progress to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND), achieving a Certificate of Unit Credit (CoUC) upon completion.
• Combine up to four units from different BTEC Higher National subjects as standalone short programmes. While these units cannot be combined to create an HNC/HND, students have the opportunity to progress to a full HNC/HND, focusing on a single subject discipline, having banked the units studied.
• Complete individual units of CPD as and when required.
• Complete only units required for professional body or vendor accreditation.

For educational institutions, HN Flex offers the ability to attract a broader student base, including adult learners and professionals seeking targeted skill development. It also facilitates stronger partnerships with local employers by addressing specific workforce training needs.

What we offer at the RNN Group

From September, RNN Group’s Higher Education offering at the University Centre Rotherham includes HN Flex courses including in Business, Construction, Digital and Engineering, alongside HTQs, HNCs, HNDs, Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships and traditional degrees including a Masters option in Teaching alongside the PGCE option (both full or part time) too. 

HN Flex will provide learners with a versatile and accessible route to acquire higher-level skills in a manageable format, supporting both immediate professional goals and long-term educational aspirations.

For more information, ring us on 01709 722806, email us at ucr@rotherham.ac.uk or come along to our Open Event to find out more on Wednesday 25th June to talk to staff about your options.