Computing Higher National Diploma

Higher National Diploma in Computing

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing builds essential skills in technology and management for careers in IT, software development, systems analysis, technical support, E-business and network-related fields, with specialisations in Software Engineering, Network Engineering, Cyber Security and Data Analytics.

                                    Study Mode / Duration

                                            Full-Time / Part-Time / 18 Months (Weekday) / 24 Months (Weekend)

                                    Delivery

                                    Fully Physical (Saturday) / Fully Online (Sunday)

Programme Overview

Comprehensive introduction to the programme

This programme will provide you with a range of skills in a technological and management context. It is highly relevant to a range of careers in the IT sector such as information system design and management, IT manufacturing, IT maintenance and technical services, E-business strategy and/or technical support, systems analysts, software engineers and developers. Either general pathway or specialization in a specific area can be selected depending on your interest and flair, which may include Software Engineering, Network Engineering, Cyber Security and Data Analytics.

Programme Structure

Academic curriculum and module breakdown

Modules
- Programming
- Networking
- Database Design & Development
- Professional Practice
- Planning a Computing Project
- Security
- Website Design & Development
- Software Development Lifecycles
- Maths for Computing
- Computer Systems Architecture
- Cyber Security
- Strategic Information Systems
- Data Analytics
- Foundation in AI & Intelligent Systems
- Business Process Support
- Computing Research Project
- Discrete Maths
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Transport Network Design
- Cloud Computing
- Applied Cryptography in the Cloud
- Forensics
- Advanced Programming for Data Analysis
- Machine Learning
- Internet of Things
- Applied Programming and Design Principles
- User Experience and Interface Design
- Network Management
- Network Security
- Information Security Management
- Big Data Analytics and Visualization
- Applied Analytical Models
HND Specialisations
- Software Engineering
- Network Engineering
- Cyber Security
- Data Analytics

Entry Requirements

Academic prerequisites and admission criteria

BCAS Foundation in Business & IT
GCE A/L with two passes (any stream) in one sitting + six passes in GCE O/L
BTEC Level 3 certificate in a relevant field
NVQ Level 4 certificate in a relevant field
Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience
Any other qualification approved by the Senate

English language requirement: an acceptable standard in English.

What’s Next for You

Academic pathways and career progression

Career pathway: After O/L – Foundation in IT → After A/L – HND in Computing (Network Engineering / Software Engineering / Cyber Security / Data Analytics) → Top-up BSc (Hons) degrees in Computer Science and Computing at BCAS Campus.

Progression: Final year of a relevant top-up degree programme (Goldsmiths, University of London BSc (Hons) Computer Science pathways or London South Bank University BSc (Hons) Computing pathways).