The Pearson HNC/D in Computing (General Pathway) offers a dynamic and hands-on approach to developing essential skills for a career in tech. This two-year programme covers key areas like programming, networking, cybersecurity, and web design. This pathway is ideal if you?re passionate about technology but still exploring the many career options within IT. Designed to adapt to the latest industry trends, the course prepares you for entry-level roles or further studies, like a degree in computing. Graduates emerge with the critical skills needed to succeed in an evolving digital world. This HNC/D course opens doors to careers in software development, systems analysis, and more.
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What will I study?
On this HNC/HND course you will gain a broad introduction to the subject building your underpinning core skills You will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, and workplace scenarios. You will study the HNC - Higher National Certificate in the first year and the HND - Higher National Diploma in the second year.
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core Units
- Programming
- Networking
- Professional Practice
- Database Design and Development
- Security
- Managing a Successful Computing project
- Computing research project
- Software Development Lifecycles
Specialist Units
- Website Design and Development
- Business Process Support
- Application Development
- Database Management systems
- Operating Systems
- Network Security
- Client/Server Computing systems
*All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in either employment or further study (such as a 1 year top up degree) in the field of Computing.
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How is the course assessed?
- Pearson set projects
- Coursework to include report writing, presentations, group tasks and practicals
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- The concepts and fundamentals of data, including searching, storing, integrating and organising data
- The main features and benefits of digital information systems and how these are used to maintain information and to support organisations and best working practices
- The principles of organisational information security governance and the components of an organisation's cyber security technical infrastructure including hardware, operating systems, networks, software and cloud.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
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Instal and configure basic hardware system components, networks and devices
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Write code following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards
- Follow information security procedures
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Behaviours
What is required?
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Manage own time to meet deadlines and Manage stakeholder expectations
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Work independently and take responsibility for own actions within a given job role
- Work with a range of internal and external customers
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Progression and Career Opportunities
After successful completion of this HNC/HND course you could progress to Employment or Higher Education at level 6.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Students will require an appropriate Level 3 qualification which equates to a total of 48 UCAS points (such as 2 Ds or above in A Levels, an overall Merit Pass grade in BTEC Diploma, an overall Pass grade in BTEC Extended Diploma, an Access to HE Diploma or an Advanced Apprenticeship).
Students will also need to achieve a grade 4 [C] or above in English and maths at GCSE level. Applicants aged 21 or older who do not have the entry requirements may be eligible for acceptance based on an interview.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.