• HNC/HND in Computing and Systems Development
• HNC/HND in Business
• HND in Business (Accounting)
• HND in Business (Human Resources)
• HND in Business (Management)
• HND in Business (Marketing)
• Certificate in Computer Networking

< • Hotel Management
• Tourism Management

Course Description

The Higher National Diploma in Computing and Systems Development has been developed to focus on:

• Providing education and training for a range of careers in computing.
• Providing opportunities for facilities managers to achieve a nationally recognised Level 4/ Level 5 vocationally specific qualification.
• Providing opportunities for full-time learners to gain a nationally recognised, vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in computing or to progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as a full-time degree in computing or a related area
• Developing the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners in the field of computing.
• Providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher-level skills in a computing context.
• Providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

This Higher Nationals Diploma in Computing and Systems Development is designed to relate to the IT and Telecoms Professionals National Occupational Standards in the IT and computing sector. Higher Nationals diploma does not purport to deliver occupational competence in the sector, which should be demonstrated in a work context. However, the qualifications provide underpinning knowledge for the IT and Telecoms Professionals National Occupational Standards, as well as developing practical skills in preparation for work and possible achievement of Professional Competence qualifications in due course.

The Higher Nationals diploma in Computing and Systems Development has been developed with career progression and recognition by professional bodies in mind. It is essential that learners gain the maximum benefit from their programme of study.

Learners possessing an HNC/D Diploma in Computing and Systems Development and a number of years (usually between 3–5 years) of post HNC/D experience in the IT or computing industry are able to apply for ‘Associate Membership of the British Computer Society’.

Aims of the qualification

This qualification meets the needs of the above rationale by:

• Equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment in the computing industry.
• Enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in computing or a related area.
• Providing opportunities for specialist study relevant to individual vocations and contexts.
• Supporting individuals employed or entering employment in the computing industry.
• Developing the individual’s ability in the computing industry through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme.
• Developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enabling learners to make an immediate contribution to employment.
• Providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development in computing.

Syllabus Overview

Higher National Certificate (Year 1)

Unit 01: Business Skill for e-Commerce
Unit 02: Computer Systems
Unit 03: Employability and Professional Development
Unit 51: Computer System Architecture
Unit 09: System Analysis and Design
Unit 14: Website Design
Unit 17: Database Design Concepts
Unit 24: Networking Technologies

Higher National Certificate (Year 2)

Unit 04: Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation
Unit 33: Data Analysis & Design
Unit 35: Web Applications Development
Unit 41: Programming in Java
Unit 43: Networking Infrastructure
Unit 44: Local Area Networking Technologies
Unit 45: Wide Area Networking Technologies
Unit 46: Network Security

Entry Requirements

The entry profile is likely to include one of the following:

• A BTEC Level 3 qualification in IT
• A GCE Advanced level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C
• Other related level 3 qualifications
• An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
• Related work experience.