The Computing Level 5 HNC/HND is designed to relate to the IT and Telecoms Professionals National Occupational Standards in the IT and computing sector. The Higher National does not purport to deliver occupational competence in the sector, which should be demonstrated in a work context. However, the qualifications provide underpinning knowledge for the IT and Telecoms Professionals National Occupational Standards, as well as developing practical skills in preparation for work and possible achievement of Professional Competence qualifications in due course.
The BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing is aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. The course provides a wide-ranging study of the computing sector and is designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in computing. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of the computing sector, the HND in computing gives students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for further study or training.
Students on NESCOT higher education course are typically taught in class sizes of 16 or fewer. Details of the course timetable will be available at induction
The Higher Nationals in Computing and Systems Development has been developed to focus on:
Providing education and training for a range of careers in computing.
Providing opportunities for facilities managers to achieve a nationally recognised Level 4/ Level 5 vocationally specific qualification.
Providing opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised, vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in computing or to progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as a degree in computing or a related area
Developing the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners in the field of computing.
Providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher-level skills in a computing context.
Providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
The course has been developed with career progression and recognition by professional bodies in mind. It is essential that learners gain the maximum benefit from their programme of study.
Learners possessing an HNC/D Diploma in Computing and Systems Development and a number of years (usually between 3–5 years) of post HNC/D experience in the IT or computing industry are able to apply for ‘Associate Membership of the British Computer Society’.
Course Details - Modules
HNC course is made up of 8 units, all of which must be completed. All Full-time students take the following core units in year 1:
Higher National Certificate Level 4 (Year 1)
Mandatory Core Units (Level 4)
Unit 1: Programming (15 credits)
Unit 2: Networking (15 credits)
Unit 3: Professional Practice (15 credits)
Unit 4: Database Design & Development (15 credits)
Unit 5: Security (15 credits)
Unit 6: Managing a Successful Computing Project (Pearson-set) (15 credits)
Additional units (Level 4)
Unit 8: Computer Systems Architecture* (15 credits)
Unit 11: Maths for Computing* (15 credits)
*Potentially subject to change
Students study on Tuesdays and Thursdays only during the first year unless they are apprentices in which case they study on Tuesdays in the first year and Thursdays in the second year.
Higher National Diploma Level 5 (Year 2)
To make up the total of 16 units, a further 8 units will be taken. All students must study the following core mandatory units:
Unit 13: Computing Research Project (Pearson-set) (30 credits)
Unit 14: Business Intelligence (15 credits)
In addition, a further six units must be completed in order to achieve the HND.These units are potentially subject to change and some units not listed here may be studied.
Unit 15: Transport Network Design (15 credits)
Unit 16: Cloud Computing (15 credits)
Unit 18: Discrete Maths (15 credits)
Unit 19: Data Structure and Algorithms (15 credits)
Unit 40: User Experience & Interface Design (15 credits)
Unit 20: Advanced Programming (15 credits)
Course Details – Assessment Method
You will be assessed in various ways, including; Observations, Group work, Written assessment, Tests and Exams, Oral presentations, Project and time constrained assessments.
The course includes both formative or practice assessment and formal summative assessments. The purpose of a formative assessment is to develop and test your understanding in the subject area. Formative assessments do not count towards your final module mark but your course team will give you feedback to help you improve. Formal or summative assessments normally count towards your module/unit mark and therefore towards your final award (i.e. class of degree, distinction/merit/pass). Assessment methods may include written examinations, and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and often a major project or dissertation in the final year.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
104G
Institution code:
N49
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Plus GCSE Grade 4 in 5 subjects including Mathematics and English
Plus GCSE Grade 4 in 5 subjects including Mathematics and English
We will consider a range of alternative qualifications, or experience, such as Level 3 Cisco, Microsoft or Oracle.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
