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Higher National Certificate/Diploma, Level 4 / 5

Computing

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.

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; wWe 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 HNC*:

  • Programming (Core)
  • Employability and Professional Development (Core)
  • Networking (Core)
  • Database Design and Development (Core)
  • Security (Core)
  • Managing a project (Core)
  • 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 HND, 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 role
  • Positions at technician level (technical support position)

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.

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.

  • Successful completion of a Level 3 Programme at MMM
  • Grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths

Meet the students

Hear what our students have to say about their time at Selby College.

Lauren Mills

Lauren Mills

Higher National Certificate Computing and Systems Development

Meet Lauren

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