Computing & IT

HNC Computing for England

Start Date: September 2024

Site: College Main Site

Course Overview

The Higher National Certificate in Computing for England is a stand-alone Level 4 qualification which can be achieved in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. It is highly recognised and respected among IT Employers. It has been developed to equip learners with key theoretical knowledge and vocational skills to make them highly competitive in the job market and help them excel in today’s IT industry. The programme is suitable for individuals who have achieved Further Education Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject. Adults who have attained equivalent level of work experience in IT and are looking to gain a recognised higher education qualification are also encouraged to apply. Upon successful completion of the HNC Computing for England programme, applicants may reapply for the HND Computing for England [HTQ] top up programme. Alternatively, students who seek a two year full time programme from the outset can apply for the HND Computing for England (App Dev and Testing) HTQ instead of the HNC followed by HND top up combination. Full time study at either Level 4 and 5 usually requires two days a week attendance, while the part time learners usually attend one day a week. For the part-time route, please apply directly to the Yeovil College University Centre by calling 01935 845454 or emailing university.centre@yeovil.ac.uk.

Qualification Gained

Successful completion of this programme leads to the award of Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing for England. This programme is an industry recognised level 4 qualification which is the equivalent of first year Certificate of HE from a University programme.

Institute of Technology

What Will I Learn

Learners pursuing the HNC qualification will complete eight fixed level 4 modules. All of these have a 15-credit value and are listed below:

Programming
Networking
Professional Practice
Database design & Development
Security
Planning a Computing Project
Website Design & Development
Software Development Life Cycles

Please be aware that modules studied may change periodically in line with student and stakeholder feedback, awarding body changes, or to reflect developments in the discipline. Students can always find the most up-to-date information about modules and who is teaching them in the course handbook.

Our Lecturers

The lecturing team consist of highly qualified and experienced HE lecturers who are dedicated to ensuring students success through effective curriculum delivery and pastoral support. Most of the current lecturers have had relevant industry experience in IT.

Teaching Learning and Assessment

Learners benefit from a combination of tutor-led sessions, lectures, seminars, group discussions and research, visiting speakers, practical activities and online materials via virtual learning environments. Learners also have additional support sessions with their personal tutor. In addition to these, learners are expected to dedicate some time to individual research and self-study outside the timetabled sessions. As expected of all higher education programmes, learners’ individual engagement with the programme contents is very important for successful completion and achieving high grades in the programme.

Course Expenses

There may be some voluntary educational visits to seminars and IT Expositions outside the College campus. Students are expected to fund their own transportation to such events if they wish to attend.

For information about tuition fees, please refer to the YCUC Tuition Fees List and the YCUC Higher Education Fees Policy, available in the Policies & Reports area of the College website.

How Will I Be Assessed

The programme uses different types of formative assessments to test and prepare learners for the summative (graded) assessments. There are usually two summative assessments designed to cover all Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) for each module. The assessment tasks usually require students to produce coursework which may include written reports, presentations, practical implementation of IT systems etc. Each module is second-marked and graded as either Refer, Pass, Merit or Distinction. We aim to provide learners with written feedback within 15 working days of their assessment submission deadlines.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements are 48 UCAS Tariff Points. These could come from a BTEC Level 3 qualification, an A Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject area, or adequate performance in more than one subject, or other Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course or International Baccalaureate. Applicants are also expected to hold GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (or equivalent). We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over as of 1st September) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants. For more information, please get in touch. Applicants will be invited to attend an admission interview and will be advised of the criteria in advance. International applicants will be required to evidence English language skills - this could be an IELTS score of 5.5 (with both reading and writing at least 5.5), a grade 4 in GCSE English (or equivalent), or having recently completed a Level 3 qualification taught and assessed in the English language. For more information, please email university.centre@yeovil.ac.uk.

Required Experience

Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) without formal qualification would be considered based on other qualifying criteria (e.g. work experience) Applicants that have achieved a relevant HE qualification (e.g. FdSc or HNC/D) or required credit value at another higher education programme may be considered for entry. All applicants will be invited to an admission interview before an offer is made.

How To Apply

To study full-time, please apply through UCAS:
Institute name: YEOV
Institute code: Y25
HNC Course code: YCCP
For the part-time route, please apply directly to the Yeovil College University Centre by calling: 01935 845454 or emailing: university.centre@yeovil.ac.uk