Qualification: HNC Computing

Location: Broadstairs College

Fee: £6000 p.a. FT for UK students, EU students, please contact the department for further information.

HNC Computing

The HNC in Computing is perfect if you are seeking a professional qualification and expertise to enter professional technical employment within the computing industry or to facilitate further progression to a higher level, degree, or Apprenticeship, to study the same or a related subject.

UCAS codes

Institution name: EKC Group
Institution code: C12
Course code: I100
Campus name: Broadstairs College
Campus code: 1

What does this course involve?

You will learn through a variety of taught lectures and seminars, practical workshops, and self-directed study sessions. Units and Microsoft MTA qualifications 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.

Units that are studied on the HNC programme

The HNC in Computing Level 4 broadens and expands the specialist work-related focus of the units and covers a variety of topics such as Programming, Networking, Database Design & Development, Security, Website Design & Development, System Lifecycle Models, Professional Practice, and a Research Project using Project Management techniques and methodologies. There is potential for the qualification to prepare learners for employment within the broader Computing sector, within an Apprenticeship role, or further study at Level 5. The HNC course is equivalent to the first year of a Computing-related undergraduate degree programme, and includes the opportunity to study for a number of Microsoft MTA qualifications.

What qualifications do I need?

A minimum of 48 UCAS points plus GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.

Assessment

You will be assessed through written report-based assignments, ongoing coursework, practical workshops, video-based submissions, project work, presentations, and group work. The MTA qualifications are assessed by the use of online multiple-choice examinations that you will undertake on campus within a designated testing facility.

The majority of emphasis will be on the practical application of the assessment criteria throughout the programme, providing you with realistic scenarios and making maximum use of work-related practical experience. Electronic resources (such as online tutorials, e-books, and research resources), as well as assessment submissions, will be co-ordinated via the College’s Moodle (VLE) site.

Progression

Upon successful completion of this course, students may apply to progress directly to the Level 5 HND in Computing programme. Alternatively, you can consider progression into industry at junior technician or developer level and begin working towards chartered status (CITP), or apply for a specialist university degree programme such as computing, computer science, network, and PC hardware engineering, web development, software development, games development or forensic computing & cybersecurity. Depending upon the degree applied for, it may be possible to begin your studies at Year Two (Level 5) of your chosen degree programme. Alternatively, you may consider a Higher Apprenticeship programme as an alternative progression path.

Typical career progression routes include:

Computer Programmer
1st Line Network Engineer
Database or Web Systems Designer/Developer
Junior 1st/2nd Line IT Support Technician

Additional information & other costs

Disclaimer: In accordance with consumer law for higher education providers, we make every effort to ensure that the information contained on its website is fair and accurate to provide educational services as described. The College reserves the right to change all information including fees, other costs, times, days and duration of courses and undertakes to keep applicants informed of any changes.