HND in Computing

COURSE SPECIFICATION

The Higher National Diploma in Computing is designed for students who are looking to advance their knowledge and skills in the field of computing. It caters to those who wish to specialise in areas such as software engineering, applications development and testing, data analytics, network engineering, and cybersecurity. This programme is ideal for individuals aiming to progress to relevant occupational roles or pursue degree-level studies.

The diploma is also suitable for students who prefer a broader approach without committing to a specific specialism, offering flexibility through the general pathway. It is intended for those who seek to develop a strong understanding of computing principles, apply them in various contexts, and enhance their problem-solving abilities. The programme prepares students for effective performance in their chosen fields, equipping them with the necessary skills for employment and professional growth.

• A Levels or a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma / GNVQ Advanced or relevant work experience in a responsible IT role.
• GCSEs for English and Maths at grade C/4 or above however, equivalent qualifications and/or work experience will be taken into consideration.
• Applicants without GCSEs will be required to complete initial assessments and may wish to consider the part-time GCSE courses that the college offers both during the evening and daytime.
• Accreditation may be given for relevant work experience or prior learning for mature learners. 
• To be able to study on this course, you will need to have reached a certain standard of speaking English - please refer to the Course Specification for the IELTS requirement for your individual course.

The HNC is widely recognised and is are highly valued qualifications that enable you to develop a range of skills and gain relevant experience necessary to progress a career in computing. The programme is run from September to June.

Modules in year 1:

Programming

Programming involves creating processes and procedures based on algorithms, which differentiate developers from end users. Developers write source code in a language that devices can understand and execute. Algorithms describe solutions to problems by identifying necessary data and processes, and programming languages represent these through control constructs and data types. These constructs enable sequential processing, decision making, and iteration, essential for algorithm representation.

This unit introduces students to programming fundamentals, including algorithms and programming paradigms such as procedural, object-oriented, and event-driven programming. It covers security considerations, integrated development environments (IDEs), and debugging processes. By completing this unit, students will be able to design and implement algorithms in an IDE, developing skills like communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are vital for employment and academic success.

Networking

Computer networks are essential for the evolution of computer systems, enabling users to access data, hardware, and services from any location. Understanding networking principles is crucial for IT professionals due to the complexity and continuous development of networking environments. These networks connect the world through small networks linked via the internet, supporting global communications and access to digital information through various applications like email, audio, video transmission, and the World Wide Web.

This unit aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of computer networking essentials, including operations, protocols, standards, and security considerations. Students will explore and configure various hardware and software to understand networking systems, covering Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and their evolution into large-scale networks. By completing this unit, students will gain the skills to install, operate, and troubleshoot small networks, understand IP data networks, and develop critical skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are vital for employment and academic success.

Database Design & Development

Organisations rely on databases to provide essential information for daily operations and to leverage e-commerce opportunities. Understanding database tools and technologies is crucial for designing and developing supportive systems. As applications become more sophisticated, database systems require more complex data structures and interfaces. Organisations collect and store large volumes of data, both on-premises and in the cloud, for operational use and advanced applications. Databases serve as the backbone of most organisational systems.

This unit aims to equip students with an understanding of database design and development concepts and issues. It covers practical skills for designing and creating complex databases, including examining design tools, development software, and features for robust solutions like data integrity, validation, consistency, security, and advanced querying. Students will learn to create user interfaces, generate reports, test systems, and document their work. The unit focuses on relational databases, with a brief overview of object-oriented databases. Successful completion will develop students' communication, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation skills, essential for employment and academic success.

Professional Practice

In the workplace, being an effective communicator, critical thinker, analyst, team worker, and team leader is essential for carrying out daily tasks. Developing academic competence and engaging in lifelong learning and continuing professional development (CPD) ensures individuals possess valuable interpersonal skills applicable in various situations. This unit lays the foundation for good practice across different contexts, emphasising effective communication using diverse tools and mediums for professional tasks like research, design, reporting, and presentations. Critical reasoning and problem-solving skills are crucial for successful task completion and decision-making, while understanding team dynamics enhances teamwork.

The unit covers the development of communication skills and literacy, utilising qualitative and quantitative data for analysis, reasoning, and critical thinking. Students will engage in team-based scenarios, planning, and problem-solving tasks. Upon successful completion, students will demonstrate leadership skills through team dynamics and reflective practice, evaluating their contributions and those of others. This approach fosters self-improvement, professional development, and the ability to conduct effective research and academic reporting, preparing students for employment and academic success.

Security

Security is one of the most important challenges modern organisations face. It involves protecting organisational assets, including personnel, data, equipment, and networks, from attacks through prevention techniques like vulnerability testing and security policies, as well as detection techniques to expose breaches and implement effective responses. The aim of this unit is to provide students with knowledge of security, associated risks, and their impact on business continuity. Students will examine security measures involving access authorisation and regulation of use, implement contingency plans, and devise security policies and procedures. The unit also introduces students to detecting threats and vulnerabilities in physical and IT security and managing risks related to organisational security.

This unit covers network security design and operational topics, including address translation, DMZ, VPN, firewalls, AV, and intrusion detection systems. Remote access will be addressed, along with the need for frequent vulnerability testing as part of organisational and security audit compliance. As a result, students will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competence.

Website Design & Development

Wireless, public hotspots, mobile broadband, and unlimited network connections have made internet access and usage easier and more important than ever. As demand from the public, organisations, and businesses increases, so do user expectations. Designers must leverage technology to deliver high-quality and consistent User Experiences (UX) through friendly and functional User Interfaces (UI). However, the evolving nature of software and hardware presents ongoing design challenges. This unit introduces students to the essential services required to host, manage, and access secure websites. Students will explore methods to integrate back-end (server-side) and front-end (client-side) technologies, ensuring they can design and deliver sites with outstanding UX and innovative UI.

Topics covered in this unit include domain structure, domain name systems, web protocols, database servers, development frameworks, website publishing, content management, search engine optimisation, web browsers, HTML standards, CSS and CSS pre-processing (LESS, SASS), presentation models, responsive design, integrated development environments, user requirements, interface design, user experience, branding, navigation, optimisation, and validation. Upon successful completion, students will be able to explain server technologies and management services for secure websites, categorise website technologies, tools, and software, apply good design principles to create multipage websites, and use a Test Plan to review website performance and design. This unit helps students develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for employment and academic success.

Software Development Lifecycles

The software development lifecycle is an integrated process aimed at creating high-quality, secure software throughout the development stages. This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand and implement software development lifecycles using appropriate methodologies. Students will learn to make lifecycle decisions at various stages of the development process, examining different lifecycle models to understand their characteristics and suitability for different project environments. Practical skills will be developed through a real software development lifecycle project, enhancing students' confidence in using specific tools and techniques relevant to their chosen methodology.

Topics covered in this unit include iterative and sequential models of software development lifecycles, reference frameworks for capturing conceptual data, feasibility studies, requirement gathering techniques, and activities related to analysis, design, and software implementation. By completing this unit, students will develop essential skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for employment and academic success.

Planning a Computing Project

This unit is assessed through a Pearson-set assignment, with the project brief determined by the centre based on an annually changing theme provided by Pearson. The theme and chosen project will allow students to explore and examine a relevant and current aspect of computing within a business environment. As computing systems and technologies evolve, businesses must adapt to remain competitive. Understanding technological advancements and their applications across different sectors is crucial for computing professionals.

The unit aims to develop students' research skills, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of a subject and use evidence to inform decisions. Students will conduct independent research on a theme set by Pearson and investigate an industry sector as outlined in the centre-set project brief. They will use their research outcomes to plan a computer-based project and make recommendations on how the identified business can utilise the tools and technologies discovered. Upon successful completion, students will be equipped with the confidence to engage in decision-making, problem-solving, research activities, and project planning, and will be able to present evidence to stakeholders in a clear and understandable format.

Modules in year 2:

Application Development

This unit is assessed through a Pearson-set assignment, with the project brief determined by the centre based on an annually changing theme provided by Pearson. The theme and chosen project will allow students to explore and examine a relevant and current aspect of computing within a business environment. As computing systems and technologies evolve, businesses must adapt to remain competitive. Understanding technological advancements and their applications across different sectors is crucial for computing professionals.

The unit aims to develop students' research skills, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of a subject and use evidence to inform decisions. Students will conduct independent research on a theme set by Pearson and investigate an industry sector as outlined in the centre-set project brief. They will use their research outcomes to plan a computer-based project and make recommendations on how the identified business can utilise the tools and technologies discovered. Upon successful completion, students will be equipped with the confidence to engage in decision-making, problem-solving, research activities, and project planning, and will be able to present evidence to stakeholders in a clear and understandable format.

Data Structures & Algorithms

Understanding how to implement algorithms and data structures to solve real problems is essential for software engineers. Algorithms, which are sequences of instructions used to manipulate structured data, along with data structures, form design patterns for solving various computer problems such as network analysis, cryptography, data compression, and process control. This unit introduces students to data structures and their use in algorithms, enabling them to design and implement these structures. Students will explore the specification of abstract data types and their application in concrete data structures, developing solutions by specifying, designing, and implementing data structures and algorithms in various programming paradigms.

Topics covered in this unit include abstract data types specification, formal data notations, data encapsulation, complex data structures, programming language implementations using handles, pointers, classes, and methods, algorithm types, data structure libraries, algorithm complexity, asymptotic testing, and benchmarking. Upon completion, students will be able to identify program data requirements, specify abstract data types using formal notation, translate them into concrete data structures, and develop sorting, searching, and navigational algorithms that implement complex data structures. They will evaluate the effectiveness of these algorithms, developing skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for employment and academic competence.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has revolutionised IT service delivery, becoming a crucial part of the computing sector. It involves internet-hosted computing, allowing data and IT services like storage, printing, and server facilities to be delivered over the internet. This means end users and organisations no longer need extensive on-premises network environments, as services can be provided virtually. The key difference between traditional networking and cloud computing is that the technical details are hidden from the end user, with the infrastructure hosted off-site in the cloud. Users can access services without worrying about technical difficulties or disasters, as these are managed by the cloud service provider. Cloud computing is an evolution of networking, incorporating modern technologies such as virtualisation, service-oriented architecture, utility computing, and ubiquitous computing.

This unit aims to develop students' understanding of cloud computing concepts, segments, and deployment models, highlighting the need for cloud computing. Students will appreciate the issues associated with managing cloud service architecture and develop critical awareness of cloud-computing-based projects. Topics covered include networking paradigms, cloud computing fundamentals, architecture, deployment models, service models, security, technological drivers, and cloud service providers. Upon successful completion, students will understand cloud computing concepts, architecture, and services, gaining hands-on experience configuring cloud services from major providers like ECM, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM, and implementing a simple cloud platform using open-source software. Students will develop essential skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, crucial for employment and academic competence.

Architectures

Computer architecture engineers work in industries such as telecoms, automotive, and aerospace. This unit aims to provide students with knowledge of computer systems, their functionality, and organisation. Students will examine systems architecture, elements of computing machines, and the principles and fundamentals of how computer systems operate. The unit introduces hardware and software architecture, low-level language program development using CPU registers, and explores how program instructions and data types can be represented, stored, and used to perform computing tasks.

Topics covered in this unit include computer architecture elements, CPU instruction sets, fetch-execute cycle, CPU registers, binary calculations, use of PC and stack, reading/writing to peripherals, architectural security aspects like protected memory segmentation, synchronous/asynchronous channel I/O operations, parallel machines, emerging computer architectures, and security considerations. Students will develop essential skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for employment and academic competence.

Games Development

Games development in computing is a multidisciplinary art form that combines player psychology, problem-solving, and artificial intelligence with knowledge of hardware and software platforms. This field requires significant effort and practice, but as students gain experience, their skills and abilities improve rapidly. The flexibility and capabilities of a skilled games developer can be easily transferred to other roles in the business sector. This unit introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of a games developer, simulating a studio environment where they work with a team to create a game concept, design, develop, and test a functional game.

The unit covers topics such as game design documentation, problem analysis, research, system and user requirements, design and development methodologies, unified modelling language (UML), game engines, hardware platforms, graphic manipulation, physics, maths for games, sound, networking, collision detection, teamwork, peer review, development tools, integrated development environments, debugging, testing, software versions, and quality assurance. Upon successful completion, students will be able to develop a Game Design Document, select and use various design and development methodologies, work individually and as part of a team to produce a functional video game, and evaluate its performance. They will develop essential skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation.

Computing Research Project

This unit is assessed through a Pearson-set assignment, where students choose their own project based on an annually changing theme provided by Pearson. The project must relate to their specialist pathway of study, unless they are studying the general computing pathway. This approach allows students to explore and examine a relevant and current aspect of computing within a business environment and their chosen specialist pathway.

The unit aims to give students the opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field of study. Students will demonstrate their ability to identify a research theme, develop research aims, objectives, and outcomes, and present their findings in both written and verbal formats. Reflecting on their engagement in the research process is encouraged, with personal development recommendations being key learning points. Upon successful completion, students will have the confidence to engage in problem-solving and research activities, equipped with fundamental knowledge and skills to investigate workplace issues, determine solutions, and present evidence to stakeholders. They will develop essential skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, reasoning, and interpretation, crucial for employment and academic competence.

Business Process Support

Data and information are fundamental to any organisation, driving effective decision-making and problem-solving. Business intelligence leverages data science, utilising tools and methods like data mining, integration, quality, and warehousing, alongside other information management systems. This unit introduces students to various tools, techniques, and technologies for acquiring and processing data into meaningful information that supports business functions and processes.

Students will explore how data and information underpin business processes, learning to source, utilise, and transform data into valuable outputs. They will tackle real-world business problems, understand the rise of data science, and apply data science techniques to support business processes. Upon completing this unit, students will recognise the importance of data and information in optimising decision-making and performance, and develop essential skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are vital for employment and academic growth.

Your work for both qualifications will be continually assessed throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, developing portfolios, examinations, presentations, and a Pearson set project.

Students will receive ongoing one-to-one guidance and support. Learning resources are provided and available from home via the college's Moodle system. Our dedicated Student Support Tutor for Higher Education also provides support with assignment planning, organisation and time management, presentation skills, reading and notetaking.

The HND HTQ is a widely recognised and valued higher education university level qualification. This programmes is designed to prepare and develop people for advancement in Computing and IT. 

On achieving the HND qualification, graduates may continue academic study to top-up to a BSc(Hons) degree, or move directly into employment in a range of Computing and IT roles.

To join this course you will first have to register with UCAS at www.ucas.com and then apply through UCAS. (Choose: Sign In-Students-Undergraduate-Apply-Register and follow the instructions.) You will then receive a confirmation email from UCAS and the College will be in contact with an interview date. Current Shrewsbury Colleges Group students should seek support from their tutor before applying.

If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the programme most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events or ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.