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Computing

Sheffield College

UCAS Code: 4R2Q | Higher National Certificate - HNC

Entry requirements


•2 A-Levels or a BTEC Diploma in a relevant subject •Grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths (or a Level 2 equivalent) Please note that mature students with relevant experience will also be considered on an individual basis.

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About this course


Course option

1year

Full-time | 2024

HNC Computing
This HNC course has been developed to enhance your computer skills to meet the demands of business needs in support of the economic growth and computing skills gaps in the Sheffield City Region; providing a crucial service to businesses and organisations with systems support and computer specialists. This course will suit you if you wish to gain a solid understanding of the skills & knowledge to be successful in the computing industry / develop your existing skills and knowledge of computing technologies and get an introduction to more progressive techniques to an advanced level.

About the Course

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing offers students a broad introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of skills and experience through the selection of optional units across a range of occupational sectors at Level 4. This effectively builds underpinning core skills while preparing the student for subject specialisation through further study at Level 5 (HND).

Students will gain a wide range of sector specific knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios. At Level 4 students develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the computing sector through six core units, which include one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment.

This course will suit you if you wish to gain a solid understanding of the skills & knowledge to be successful in the computing industry / develop your existing skills and knowledge of computing technologies and get an introduction to more progressive techniques to an advanced level. Learners should be able to demonstrate dedication and a passion for the computing industry in order to succeed on this course.

This qualification will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for successful employment in the computer industry, including effective team-working, organisational competence and problem solving. The course enables progression to a top up to a Diploma (HND) or undergraduate degree or further professional qualifications in related areas.

Location of Delivery
Your primary location of study will be City campus, just 10 minutes walk from the city centre.

Learning Hours
As a guide, 15 credits typically represents around 39 hours of tutor contact time (e.g. lectures, seminars, workshops, feedback) and 110 hours of self-study time, usually over the course of a semester. These numbers may increase or decrease depending on the nature, length and level of the module, especially towards the end of the course. 

Staff Expertise
Our tutors have industry experience and will support you to achieve the relevant skills for your chosen career path. This course will enable you to undertake relevant work based activities and projects through assessment scenarios in order to explore issues and challenges that are specific to the computing industry.

Modules

Students will study six mandatory core units (15 credits each) and two elective units (15 credits each) to make up a total of 120 credits.

Core Units
Programming (15 credits)
This unit introduces students to the core concepts of programming with an introduction to algorithms and the characteristics of programming paradigms. Among the topics included in this unit are: introduction to algorithms, procedural, object-orientated & event-driven programming, security considerations, the integrated development environment and the debugging process.

Networking (15 credits)
The aim of this unit is to provide students with wider background knowledge of computer networking essentials, how they operate, protocols, standards, security considerations and the prototypes associated with a range of networking technologies. Students will explore a range of hardware, with related software, and will configure and install these to gain knowledge of networking systems. 

Professional Practice (15 credits)
This unit provides a foundation for good practice in a variety of contexts. The ability to communicate effectively using different tools and mediums will ensure that practical, research, design, reporting and presentation tasks are undertaken professionally and in accordance with various communication conventions.

Database Design & Development (15 credits)
The aim of this unit is to give students opportunities to develop an understanding of the concepts and issues relating to database design and development, as well as to provide the practical skills to translate that understanding into the design and creation of complex databases. 

Security (15 credits)
The aim of this unit is to provide students with knowledge of security, associated risks and how security breaches impact on business continuity. Students will examine security measures involving access authorisation, regulation of use, implementing contingency plans and devising security policies and procedures. This unit introduces students to the detection of threats and vulnerabilities in physical and IT security, and how to manage risks relating to organisational security. 

Managing a Successful Computing Project (15 credits)
The aim of this unit is to offer students an opportunity to demonstrate the skills required for managing and implementing a project. They will undertake independent research and investigation for carrying out and executing a computing project which meets appropriate aims and objectives.

Additional Units
Software Development Lifecycles (15 credits)
Maths for Computing (15 credits)

Assessment methods

Presentations
Written reports
Practical Assessments (using hardware and software)

Tuition fees

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

England
£7,500
per year
Northern Ireland
£7,500
per year
Scotland
£7,500
per year
Wales
£7,500
per year

The Uni


Course location:

City Campus

Department:

Computing

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