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HNC Computing

Course Code: Full Time: B40010 Part Time: B70027A

Level: Level 4

Study mode: FT and PT

Duration: 1 year

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing is a Level 4 vocational qualification. Successful completion can help your career and academic development in several ways:

Entering employment
Continuing existing employment
Linking with the appropriate vendor accredited certificates
Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Progressing to university

A BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) is equivalent to the 1st year of a full university degree. However, BTECs focus on learning by doing and that means you will put what you learn into practice right away.

You will work on a series of assignments set in real-life scenarios throughout the course, which will help you develop the practical knowledge and skills employers and universities are looking for.

Length of the course

Full Time: One Year
Part Time: Two Years

Compulsory Modules

Unit 1 – Programming (15 credits)

Unit 2 – Networking (15 credits)

Unit 3 – Professional Practice (15 credits)

Unit 4 – Database Design & Development (15 credits)

Unit 5 – Security (15 credits)

Unit 6 – Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set) (15 credits)

Unit 7 – Software Development Lifecycles (15 credits)

Delivery

Full Time and Part Time available for 2025 entry:

You will attend College two days per week (FT) or one day per week (PT) where you will participate in a range of activities, including lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, group work, presentations, and practical activities.
A range of resources are available including books and journals from the Learning Resource Centre on Campus, as well as online learning materials posted on the college virtual learning environment and a range of open source software.

Assessment Method

There are no exams. You will engage in a range of learning and assessment styles and be encouraged to become effective and independent in researching and presenting individual and group work.

Work-based assignments are encouraged. Apprentices and others in employment are encouraged to engage with their own practice and to share knowledge and expertise with others through activities such as group work and presentations.

Example modes of assessments include: written assignments, presentations, case studies, reflective portfolio entries, problem-based learning, reflective journals, seminars, independent studies, workplace investigations, self-evaluation/needs analysis, evaluations, literature critiques.

Entry Requirements

48 UCAS points

A Level 3 vocational qualification in a relevant subject at grade PPP or above, or 1 A Level with one in a related area

This profile should be supported by GCSE grades A* to C (9 – 4) in Maths and English Language

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

How to Apply

Full-time students should apply via UCAS Apply, using the UCAS code: B410

Click here to watch a video on how to use UCAS Apply

Part-time applicants should apply via the ‘Apply’ link on the Halesowen College website.

If your qualification(s) are not listed, please contact Halesowen College’s Admissions Team for further guidance on 0121 602 7607.

Start date

September 2025

Course fees

Full Time: £5,995

Part time (two years): £2997.50 per year

HE Loan available to eligible applicants.

https://www.halesowen.ac.uk/he-finance-financial-support/

Should any applicants have questions or queries concerning finance, please contact Admissions for further guidance:

Phone: 0121 602 7607

Or via the live chat facility on the College’s website www.halesowen.ac.uk

Course Code: Full Time: B40010 Part Time: B70027A

Level: Level 4

Study mode: FT and PT

Duration: 1 year

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