Computing (HTQ)

Higher National Certificate/Diploma, Level 4 / 5

Computing (HTQ)

This course is designed to help learners gain vocational as well as academic skills. You will learn a wide range of practical, in-demand vocational skills in web development, programming and networking. You will also gain a sound knowledge and understanding of the IT sector whilst developing research, critical thinking and problem solving skills which are essential employability skills for work within this field.

The qualification combines work-related practice with the academic skills that you will need to operate at a higher level to further your chosen career in IT or to progress onto a BSc (Hons) top-up degree.

Our HNC/D Computing has been aligned to the occupational standard for been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

What is a HTQ?

HTQ Computing

The IT industry has consistently driven change in business and in the every day lives of individuals. This course provides an exciting opportunity to acquire the key skills that are sought after by employers; we work closely with local employers to ensure that the skills attained during the course are relevant and transferable to work-based practice.

Academic and practical skills developed through the course focus on workplace and transferable skills to equip students for progression into employment, developed alongside academic skills such as research, problem analysis and critical thinking to support progression to higher level study. You will develop the ability to work independently and on your own initiative.

You will develop career-ready employment skills, which will include practical skills in developing static and dynamic websites and MVC applications using HTML5, CSS3, PHP, JavaScript and ASP.NET. You will also develop hardware and networking skills to allow you to create and plan secure network infrastructures as well as create and manage web servers to host web sites.

You will also learn a wide range of relevant transferable skills including project management, team working skills, presentation and report writing.

The course is divided into a number of core units that are designed to give you a broad overview of the subject area, together with a number of professional tracks which will provide you with the opportunity to specialise in one or more subject areas.

Building on previous knowledge and skills in Computing, the course is structured to provide opportunities across a broad academic and vocational base, progressively deepening learners’ knowledge.

Students undertake the following units to complete the HTQ*:

Programming
Professional Practice
Networking
Database Design and Development
Security
Project Planning
Web Design and Development
Software Development Lifecycles

There may also be an opportunity for you to research and experience emerging technologies such as:

3D printing
Robotics
Virtual Reality with the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift
Unity Games Development

Assessments for the course may take a variety of forms, from the creation of products like websites, applications and networks, group work and presentations, to formal written assignments and reports.

*Please note that these modules may be subject to change from year to year, due to curriculum updating/sector changes/changes in delivery staff specialisms or awarding body requirements. See Course Terms and Conditions for more information.

On successful completion of the HTQ, you will have the opportunity to progress onto the BSc (Hons) Top-up in Applied Computing at Selby College.

Other students may progress to employment or set up their own enterprise. The course aims to equip students with the skills required for a variety of employment opportunities, for example:

Junior Web Development
Software Development
Positions at Technician Level (Technical Support Position)
Application Developer
Security Specialist
Data Analyst
Database Designer

Students may progress to studying for membership of professional bodies such as the British Computer Society and the Chartered Institute for IT.

This is a nationally recognised qualification offering career and professional development for those entering, or already established, in the IT field, as well as opening up progression opportunities for successful students to further their academic study degree level.

The course is aimed at those who have completed a Level 3 course in Computing or IT or who have relevant industry experience and are looking to progress to a practical Higher Education qualification. It is also for students over 18 who want to study a subject to prepare them for skilled jobs, and also for adults looking to retrain or upskill.

This programme will appeal to those who wish to complete their studies in an inclusive setting which is accessible and can provide a highly supportive teaching and learning environment.

Although Higher Technical Qualifications are primarily designed for entry into skilled employment or those looking to retrain or upskill, you could also progress to further study and/or training.

64 UCAS points which can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff. All applicants must complete a satisfactory interview and should also have GCSE Maths at Grade 4 or C or above or have an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant area. Suitable diplomas include Computing/Science/Maths. Applications will be considered on an individual basis and applicants with extenuating circumstances may be accepted with a lower tariff at the discretion of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.

Computing (HTQ)

What is a HTQ?

Meet the students

James Ward

Tomas Lindsay

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