Course summary
The Pearson HND in Digital Technologies (Artificial Intelligence Solutions & Applications pathway) is a higher technical qualification (HTQ) that helps you develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual, able to meet the demands of employers. This programme, as a Higher Technical Qualification, 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, 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 units during Year 1 lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to digital technologies and to a range of digital technology specialist functions. This develops and strengthens core skills, while preparing you to study specialist subjects 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 behaviour (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as 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 as well as general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of digital-technology-related business. This qualification is also delivered as an online option, and also at our Reading College and University Centre and at City of Oxford College and University Centre (Technology Campus). When you study with Activate Learning, you will belong to a group of students studying the HND and have regular one to ones, group interactions and taught sessions with a team of highly qualified and experienced teachers with business experience. 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 cyber security, 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.
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Modules
You will study sixteen units in total: Year 1 • Professional Practice in the Digital Economy • Innovation & Digital Transformation • Cyber Security • Programming • Big Data & Visualisation • Cloud Fundamentals – • Software Development Lifecycles • Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems Year 2 • Business Intelligence • Internet of Things • Emerging Technologies • Application Development • Risk Analysis and System Testing • Application Program Interfaces • Work-based Learning in the Digital Economy • Digital Sustainability The HND will also help you develop your academic writing and research skills providing you with the opportunity develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving.
Assessment method
Teaching and Assessment This course is delivered at campuses in Reading and Blackbird Leys. It can also be studied online, 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 in vocational activities, you will develop key behaviour 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 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, 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.
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
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
Scottish Higher - Not accepted
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
Reading College
Kings Road
Reading
RG1 4HJ
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