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Computing

EKC Group

UCAS Code: I101 | Higher National Diploma - HND

Entry requirements


A level

D,D

Access to HE Course in an appropriate subject.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Plus GCSE English and GCSE Maths, at Grade 4 or above. Or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

PPP

UCAS Tariff

48

About this course


Course option

2years

Full-time | 2024

The HTQ/HND in Computing is an established, two-year technical qualification that is highly respected throughout the computing industry. On successful completion of a BTEC Higher National qualification, learners can progress into employment, Higher Apprenticeships, or continue onto the third year of an undergraduate degree programme at University to study the same or a related subject.

You will learn through a variety of taught lectures and seminars, practical workshops and self-directed study sessions. Units are delivered through a combination of lectures and classroom-based activities, as well as practical workshop practice (both supported and self-directed), which are all reinforced by group and individual-based learning outside of your normal timetabled sessions, including the use of two formal study weeks at key points during the academic year.
The UK as a whole has a significant shortfall of specialist and skilled IT and computing personnel, and recent industrial statistics have shown that IT and computing skills are in demand, in particular when combined with the ability to manage projects.

The two-year HTQ/HND programme is a Level 5 qualification equivalent to the second year of a university-level course. You will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills over a wide range of computing applications using industry-standard software and equipment, whilst learning in a supportive, friendly and professional environment. It is suitable for those who have decided that they clearly wish to enter employment in a specialist field within the Computing sector, or wish to continue with their undergraduate degree studies.

Modules

Topic areas include Games Theory, Game Design & Development (including elements of Virtual Reality), Robotics, Network Management, e-Commerce & Strategy, Business Process Support, and an Academic Research Project. The HND course is equivalent to the second year of a Computing-related undergraduate degree programme, and can provide direct access to Level 6 - the final year of a Computing-related undergraduate degree programme.
You will have access to networking, gaming, robotic, security, Virtual Reality and PC hardware facilities, as well as industry-standard design and development tools. You will gain an insight into the knowledge needed to progress into employment in the IT and Computing industry, whilst retaining a strong focus on how the application of fundamental computing techniques and technologies underpin a broad range of industries.
On successful completion, you could apply to progress to the final year of a degree course at a UK university, within areas such as general computing, computer science, network and PC hardware engineering, web development, or software development. HND graduates could move into careers at technician or developer level and begin working towards chartered status (CITP).

Assessment methods

You will be assessed through written report-based assignments, ongoing coursework, practical workshops, video-based submissions, project work, presentations, and group work. The majority of emphasis will be on the practical application of the assessment criteria throughout the programme, providing you with realistic scenarios and making good use of work-related practical experience. Electronic resources, such as online tutorials, e-books, electronic journals and other research resources, as well as online assessment submissions, will be co-ordinated via the College’s Moodle (VLE) site.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

England
£6,000
per year
Northern Ireland
£6,000
per year
Scotland
£6,000
per year
Wales
£6,000
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Broadstairs College

Department:

Computing and Information Technology

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