HND Computing (HTQ)
Subject Area
Digital & IT
Student Type
Students aged 16-18 | Adults
Study Mode
Full Time
Course Type
Higher Education
What is the course about?
The Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ): HND Computing for England opens up an exciting world of opportunity, empowering you for the future. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a career in the digital sector or wish to progress to the final year of a computing-related honours degree or degree apprenticeship. If you’re already working in the digital sector, you can use this HND to upskill or retrain, acquiring valuable digital experience and gaining vital new skills to support your career progression.
The course will build on acquired computing knowledge to further develop you as a highly qualified and knowledgeable IT professional. This is a specialist technical course with emphasis on work related learning, focusing on key concepts and practical skills required in the sector such as further programming, computer architecture, research skills and application development.
The course is full time for two academic years. Consolidated timetable meaning you will study 2 days per week.
Why should I choose the course?
Higher Technical Qualifications (or HTQ’s) are Level 4 and 5 qualifications that sit between A levels, T levels and degrees.
This qualification was developed in close collaboration with experts from employers and professional bodies to ensure you gain the skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed in the future. Your learning will be rooted in the real world so that you leave the course, work-ready with the professional skills and behaviours that employers need.
HND Computing provides strong foundations for entry into a wide range of careers in the computing sector. Its aim is to produce a highly qualified and knowledgeable IT professional who can meet the requirements of employers for both users and suppliers of computer services.
What will I learn?
The qualification includes the following units:
Year 1: Programming, Networking, Professional Practice, Database Design and Development, Security, Managing a Successful Project, Website Design and Development, Software Development Lifecycles.
Year 2: Computing Research Project, Business Intelligence, Data Structures & Algorithms, Application Development, Architecture, Games Development and Operating Systems
We do not guarantee that a non-mandatory unit will always run in any given academic year as options may be dependent on student numbers, sector requirements, and staff expertise.
Units will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, projects, portfolios, presentations, case studies, reports, and a research project. Alternative assessment methods may be used where appropriate.
What will the course lead on to?
Following completion of the HND you can either progress onto university to complete a top up course to a BA hons degree or enter employment.
Are there any links with industry and university?
The HND (HTQ) Computing is a higher education course that enhances employability outcomes; it is an excellent choice if you are looking to boost your employability skills and will provide you with a direct route into a career in the digital sector.
To inform the curriculum design the lecturers have strong working relationships with a creative and digital steering group making sure that course content is relevant and current. Furthermore, the computing team at Warrington & Vale Royal college have strong connections with universities as well as local employers including 10:10 Games and Innovate Her journey.
What support is available?
All HE students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.
We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed. All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.
Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support
Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/study/higher-education
Why should I choose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
The course is based within our brand new Advanced Creative and Digital Skills Centre providing you with access to all of the latest digital technologies. We have highly experienced staff to support you to develop the essential digital skills so that you can flourish in future progression opportunities.
The course provides access to higher level education in your local area. It is typically timetabled over two days to give flexibility for undertaking work experience and maintaining employment commitments.
It is expected that the students will complete work outside of the classroom for assignments and independent research.
What are the entry requirements?
You will typically have one of the following:
- A BTEC level 3 or other level 3 qualification in a related subject, minimum MPP or MM
- T Level with overall grade Pass
- A minimum of two A-Levels (A2) with one in a related subject at grade C or above
- Access to HE with relevant options
- Appropriate relevant work experience – mature students who have appropriate work experience in a related sector or role and/or have professional qualifications in a related industry are welcome to apply.
AND
- A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (language or literature)
- A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE Maths
Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below. This is necessary before being recruited to the programme, as the programme is both taught and assessed in English:
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
- IELTS 5.5; reading and writing must be 5.5.
All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement prior to an admissions interview being offered. You will also be required to provide a reference from one of the following options:
- A previous course leader/teacher (if progressing from a recently attended further or higher education course)
- A recent or current employer
- An appropriate professional who can provide a character reference (if you have not been in recent education or employment).
What are my funding options?
Students applying to study on a Higher Education course can apply for a HE student loan at www.gov.uk/student-finance
For further Finance support and enquiries please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education
Are there any additional costs associated with the course?
The college provides all students with £3 print credit, any further printing will incur a cost.
Students would benefit from having access to a personal computer and will need broadband access with a reliable connection.
They may also wish to purchase additional software or hardware, including personal devices and digital storage.
Guidance on the latest version of relevant software will be provided by your course leader.
There may be an option to attend a range of national and international trips.
Careers Information
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