Course summary

The Pearson HND in Digital Technologies (Digital Communications 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 covered in year one 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 year two 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 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. 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. This qualification is delivered at our Reading College and University Centre and at City of Oxford College and University Centre (Technology Campus), as well as being available online/ The HND in Digital Technologies also offers other pathways including: Cyber Security, Cloud Networking, Software Development and Programming, Data Analytics, Business Analytics & Change Management and Artificial Intelligence Solution & Applications. 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.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.