Course summary
If you are looking for a general course in computing, the Pearson HND in Computing provides an overview of the subject area. A higher technical qualification (HTQ) will help you develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual who can meet employers' demands. This qualification is delivered ONLINE, and is also available on campus at our Reading College and University Centre and at City of Oxford College and University Centre (Technology Campus). As a Higher Technical Qualification, this programme is approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and developed with employers. A Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) from Activate Learning provides an alternative high-quality route for you to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your career. HTQs are qualifications at Level 4 or Level 5, including Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), and Foundation Degrees. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education approves them to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours sought after by employers. The units covered in the first year lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to computing. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing you to further develop your studies during the second year at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility. You will gain a wide range of knowledge tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. You will be involved in vocational activities that help you to develop vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills include communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace. You will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills, general skills, and qualities relevant to key areas of digital-technology-related business. The aims of this Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing are to: • give students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to achieve high performance in the national and international computing environment. • develop students with enquiring minds who have the abilities and confidence to work across different computing functions and to lead, manage, respond to change, and tackle a range of complex computing. • 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 computing can have on the business environment. • provide insight into computing 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. We understand the unique needs of students studying online. We appreciate that they may be juggling work, family, and other commitments, and at Activate Learning, we are experienced in supporting people in those situations. We have a dedicated team of Higher Education Study Support Tutors who are on hand if you need additional help. If you are looking for specialist pathways then it may be helpful for you to consider the HND in Digital Technologies, which offers a range of specialist pathways including: Cyber Security & Cloud Networking, Software Development and Programming, Digital Communications Management, Business Analytics & Change Management, and Artificial Intelligence Solution & Applications.
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Modules
You will study sixteen units in total. YEAR 1 Professional Practice: will provide you with a foundation for good practice in a variety of contexts and an opportunity for you to examine and apply critical reasoning and solve problems. Database Design and Development: will give you the opportunity to develop and understanding of the concepts and issues relating to database design and development. It includes the examination of different design tools and techniques, software options and also encompasses development features such as data-integrity, data validation, data consistency, data security and database querying facilities. Security: designed to give you knowledge of security, the associated risks and how it has an impact on business continuity. Programming: introduces you to the core concepts of programming, along with an introduction to algorithms and the characteristics of programming paradigm. Networking: will give you a wider background knowledge of computer networking principles, how they operate, protocols, standards, security considerations and the prototypes associated with a range of networking technologies. Planning a Computer Project: provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate the research skills required for developing a deeper understanding of a subject and the ability to use evidence to inform decision-making. Software Development Lifecycles: introduces you to the lifecycle decision-making at different stages of the software development process and allows you to examine various lifecycle models. Management in the Digital Economy: introduces you to the concept of organisational behaviour and encourages you to apply it to the digital sector, developing an awareness of how organisations are organised and formed. YEAR 2 Computer Based Research Project: provides the opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field of study and so be able to demonstrate the capacity and ability to identify a research theme develop research aims, objectives and outcomes. You will present the outcomes of your research in both written and verbal formats. Internet of Things: will introduce you to the role, basic concepts and benefits of IoT in the design and development process of computer applications. The key aim of the unit is to enhance understanding of the methodology, terminology and benefits of IoT in the design and development of software applications. Emerging Technologies: introduces you to prioritising testing software features according to the risk of failure, which is evaluated as a function of criticality or importance and impact of failure. Applied Analytical Models: you will be introduced to applied analytical models used in business to discover, interpret and communicate meaningful patterns of data held in silos or data warehouses and to derive knowledge to gain competitive advantage. Big Data and Visualisation: introduces you to the concepts of big data and visualisation and how that is used for decision making, exploring industry software solutions available to investigate and present data. Digital Sustainability: you will gain a wide range of knowledge and understanding of the issues and topics associated with sustainability and low-impact digital technology solutions. You will also explore the interdisciplinary context of sustainability and how the development of a low carbon economy is essential in computing sector. Business Process Support: you will be introduced in this unit to a range of tools, techniques and technologies used for acquiring data and processing it into meaningful information that can be used to support business functions and processes. The HND will also help you develop your academic writing and research skills, providing you with the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Further details about this course are available in the course specification.
Assessment method
Teaching and assessment 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 convenient time. You will learn through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. By participating in vocational 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 with 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 content. Support You will have a range of support made available to you, including academic and pastoral support, learning support and access to additional support funds (if eligible). Please see our Support Pages for further information. Additional study support Whether you have a recognised disability, or specific learning difficulty, or not, you will be eligible to access additional learning support in all the following areas: assistive software training IT upskilling essay planning and structure proofreading and editing written work bibliographies and referencing time management and personal organisation revision and exam tips presentation techniques
How to apply
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.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
Student Outcomes
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
Provider information
Activate Learning
Oxford City Centre Campus
Oxpens Road
Oxford
OX1 1SA
Clearing contact details
HE Admissions Team
0800 488 0378
Additional information
Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 6.30pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 6.30pm Friday 9am - 4pm Additional dates available for telephones calls: Saturday 19th August - 9am - 1pm Sunday 20th August - 9am - 1pm Saturday 26th August - 9am - 1pm Sunday 27th August- 9am - 1pm