Activate Learning has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The Pearson HND in Digital Technologies (Software Development and Programme Pathway) is a Higher Technical Qualification that helps you develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual, able to meet the demands of employers. HTQs are qualifications at Level 4 or Level 5, including Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Foundation Degrees, and are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviour sought after by employers. The aims of this Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Digital Technologies are to: -give students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to achieve high performance in the national and international digital technologies environment. -develop students with enquiring minds, who have the abilities and confidence to work across different- digital technologies functions and to lead, manage, respond to change, and tackle a range of complex digital technologies. -provide the core skills required for a range of careers in digital technologies, including cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, networking, animation, software testing, business analysis and change management. -offer a balance between employability skills and the knowledge essential for students with entrepreneurial, employment or academic ambitions. -develop students’ understanding of the major impact that digital technologies have on the business environment. -provide insight into digital technology operations and the opportunities and challenges presented by a global marketplace. -equip students with knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, diversity and values. -allow flexible study to meet local and specialist needs. This qualification is also delivered online or on campus at our City of Oxford College and University Centre (Technology Campus). The Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies (Software Development and Programming), accredited by Pearson, will provide you with the core skills required for a range of careers in digital technologies and develop your understanding of the major impact that digital technologies have on the business environment. Employer demand for digital technology skills and knowledge is increasing, and non-digital technology companies are becoming more reliant on digital technology specialists as business requirements evolve. Skills shortages in key areas of the digital economy mean there are many different IT careers available for people with the relevant qualifications and experience. Key growth areas within the IT and computing industry include social and digital media, data protection, cyber security, games design, website development and cloud/mobile technologies. The south-east of England is home to many global IT companies, so you will be well placed for job opportunities and career prospects.
This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.
Modules
Please note that as programmes are reviewed regularly, the module list may vary:
- Professional Practice in the Digital Economy (15 credits)
- Innovation and Digital Transformation (15 credits)
- Cyber Security (15 credits)
- Programming (15 credits)
- Big Data and Visualisation (15 credits)
- Networking in the Cloud (15 credits)
- Database Design and Development (15 credits)
Assessment method
This course is delivered online and will consist of ‘live’ (synchronous) workshops and seminars along with learning materials which you will be guided through and able to complete at a time convenient to you. You will learn through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. By participating invocational activities, you will develop key behaviours and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research, and analysis. Plus, you’ll be supported by a friendly, committed, and qualified team of lecturers who have both professional and teaching experience. You will be assessed through a mixture of written assignments, group assessment, peer assessment, portfolio assessment and practice-related coursework. You will also be supported with a wide range of learning resources made available via Activate Learning’s Online Learning Environment (ALO), including access to textbooks, articles, and multimedia
How to apply
29Jan
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
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - C
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | Reading and writing must be at 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 51 |
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees for September 2025 entry are £6,500 per year for UK students.
Please note: Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years for new students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students. There are a variety of funding options available to help finance your studies. If you are a UK (Home) student, you don’t have to pay your tuition fees up front; the government provides loans to cover your full tuition fee. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan to help cover living costs. Alternatively, your fees may be paid by your employer, or we could arrange a payment schedule if you are paying your own fees.
Additional costs: Students are advised that they will need access to a laptop or PC. We recommend that you budget £100 a year additional costs such as for stationary to undertake your studies. You can borrow textbooks and access journals from the recommended reading lists from our Learning Resource Centres either physically on campus or in the majority of cases, online. If you choose to purchase textbooks, they may cost up to £60 each.
Provider information
Reading College
Kings Road
Reading
RG1 4HJ