Course summary
Why study this course? Are you ready to dive into a world of endless possibilities? The IT industry is booming, and the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. From the latest gadgets to ground breaking innovations, technology is shaping our world in incredible ways. This course will be your digital passport, granting you access to a vast array of IT topics and industries. Explore the cutting edge of technology, discover your passion, and become a key player in the digital revolution. Computing is a global language, spoken by innovators and visionaries around the world. About the course The purpose of the BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing is to enable students to develop industry current skills, to ensure that the future needs of the rapidly evolving IT sector are fully met. This qualification will provide you with knowledge and practical experience in programming, networking, database design and development as well as other core skills required for employment within the computing industry. The HND aims to equip students with a broad range of computing skills, enabling them to explore a range of subject areas and find their specialism. How will it make me more employable? Pearson is committed to delivering learning that is rooted in the real world and to develop work-ready graduates with the professional skills and behaviours that employers need. The course will help learners develop a wide range of skills including, but not limited to: Technical Skills • Programming (Language reviewed yearly to meet the needs of industry). • Systems Testing • Data Management • Design Tools and Techniques • Development Tools Employability Skills • Critical Thinking • Emotional Intelligence • Entrepreneurship • Leadership • Reflective Practice • Decision Making • Team Working Where will it take me? Students that successfully complete the HNC and HND programmes traditionally progress to one of the following areas: Related Degree Programmes -Students that wish to further their studies may undertake a related Level 6 qualification, either at a university or at SERC. Articulation agreements are currently supported by the following universities: • Queens University Belfast (Year 2 Entry) • Edinburgh Napier University (Year 3 Entry) Employment -This Higher National programme has been designed to equip students with the knowledge required to thrive in the changing world of work. Roles may include, but are not limited to: • Software Engineer: Create applications and systems using programming knowledge/code. • Network Engineer: Design, build, and maintain networks for individuals or clients. • UX Designer: Prototype systems and services to ensure that client needs, and accessibility requirements are met. • Games Developer: Design and develop entertainment software for PCs, consoles, or mobile devices.
Modules
Year 1 Modules (Level 4): Programming: Learn how to design and implement algorithms using industry relevant IDE’s and languages. Networking: Develop skills to help you install, operate and troubleshoot a small network. Professional Practice: Work as a group to develop leadership skills and positive team dynamics, relevant to the IT industry. Database Design & Development: Discover appropriate tools to design and develop relational database systems. Security: Use critical thinking, analysis, and reasoning to assess and manage IT security risks. Planning a Computing Project: Utilise research skills, project planning and problem solving to explore and present emerging technologies. Software Development Lifecycles: Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of software design tools, techniques, and methodologies. Maths for Computing: Learn mathematical principles to support the development of software. Year 2 Modules (Level 5): Computing Research Project: Gain confidence in problem-solving and research activities to support investigations in the workplace. Business Process Support: Optimise decision making and develop an appreciation for data through industry tools to report and present information. Data Structures & Algorithms: Using a suitable programming paradigm, expand your programming knowledge by implementing complex data structures. User Experience & Interface Design: Plan, build, and measure UI designed interfaces with specific user groups in mind. Games Development: Design and develop your game concepts using tools and techniques associated with the games industry. Internet of Things: Create prototype IoT solutions using a combination of hardware and software. Virtual & Augmented Reality Development: Plan and build a VR or AR solution to meeting your own needs or those of a client. Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list. In addition to the above units, you will also work towards a professional/personal development qualification and will be involved in a range of activities designed to improve employability within the IT sector.
Assessment method
Assessment is scheduled throughout the course using a combination of assignments and practical work/observations. Each unit is graded individually with an overall single final grade (Pass, Merit, or Distinction) awarded at the end of the course. Students are assessed using a range of methods. These may include: Class tests: Work will be completed exam conditions, typically during your timetabled session. Coursework: You will be asked to complete research and/or report on your development activities in a formal report. Presentations: Students will present their findings to peers with some external entities involved where appropriate. Practical: You may be asked to demonstrate your skills by completing assigned tasks/activities. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written or online feedback will be provided during the course to help improve and monitor performance.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
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
International applicants
We offer a diverse range of world class courses and study options, and we’re delighted to offer our international students a warm welcome to study at SERC. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/international/students
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - CC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Alternative approved qualifications will be considered upon application. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE admissions process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Other
All applicants must hold GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Minimum of 5.5 in all skills |
| PTE Academic | 51 | Minimum of 46 in each part |
All applicants must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test For further information please contact our International Department at [email protected]
Click here to find out more about becoming an international student at SERC.
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
| EU | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| England | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2940 | Year 1 |
| International | £7500 | 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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
There are a number of sources of financial support available to students. These vary depending upon your course of study. Apply as soon as possible as closing dates vary between funds. The main types of student finance are tuition fee and maintenance loans, which have to be paid back, and grants and bursaries, which do not have to be paid back. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/support/student-finance/full-time
Provider information
South Eastern Regional College
Castle Park Road
Bangor
County Down
BT20 4TD