Course summary

This 1-year Higher National Certificate is a stand-alone level 4 qualification that enables you to enter the workforce after the year. It also forms the first year of a 2-year, level 5, HND and many students sign up with the intention of progressing onto the second, HND(HTQ) year ( Please note the full HND has to be achieved to complete the Higher Technical Qualification). The course has been designed to address the increasing need for high quality professional and technically skilled staff within the computing sector. The course will provide you with the critical skills and practical competencies sought by employers and required for progression to further higher education study. This programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills that are essential for success in the current and future computing industry sector. Support for progression to employment is built into the course, through the delivery of relevant skills, as a result of wide consultation with employers and analysis of the regional job market. Using the faculty’s IT lab facilities, with technical support and modern classroom settings, you will study a broad range of computing topics that give you an overview of this demanding and exciting industry. Practical sessions include troubleshooting and maintaining computer hardware, programming and configuring and managing local computer networks. How will I be taught and assessed? The programme is delivered through theoretical sessions and practical workshops. In addition, you will be expected to research topics and complete assignments outside class time. You will be assessed through coursework that can be either written work, question and answer sessions or practical demonstrations. You could progress to… By studying this HNC course, you have a range of opportunities within industrial and commercial organisations where a broad based work related education is desirable. This is an established qualification which is recognised by employers within the industry. This programme also gives you the possibility of progression pathways on to the Higher National Diploma (HND) course in year 2. You could go on to careers in… Network engineering, software engineering, cybersecurity or database development in job roles such as: systems analyst, programmer, systems tester, database administrator, IT project manager, IT support technician, security specialist. Units (for guidance only) › Programming › Networking › Database Design and Development › Security › Professional Practice › Managing a Successful Computing Project › Computer Systems Architecture › Data Analytics

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