Home » Courses » Computing for England Higher National Diploma (HND) - HTQ Full-time

Computing for England Higher National Diploma (HND) - HTQ Full-time

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Course Overview

Computing for England Higher National Diploma (HND) - HTQ Full-time

Our HND Computing has been aligned to the occupational standard for Cybersecurity. It has been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are Level 5 qualifications that have been approved as meeting occupational standards for the relevant sector. To Achieve the HTQ status both level 4 and level 5 pathways must be completed. Having been developed in collaboration with employers in an ambition to meet the needs of the growing demands of the industry, a Higher Technical Qualification provides the opportunity to gain the proper training, knowledge, and skills to be successful in the workplace. Studying for the HTQ in Computing at Barnsley College, you will access state-of-the-art facilities that align with the industry. Complete with lab facilities, high tech specifications and modern settings, you will study a broad range of computing topics that prepare you for your next steps. In your first year of studying for the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Computing for England you will have completed six mandatory units and one specialist unit in areas such as programming, networking, professional practice, database design & development, security, planning a computing project (Pearson-set) and software development lifecycles (specialist). In addition, you will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios. You will also be given the opportunity to study units aligned to professional vendor qualifications and allow you, if you wish to apply after unit completion, to be assessed externally for the vendor qualification. By progressing onto or joining us on the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, it allows you to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes directed towards degree level study.

Located at: SciTech Digital Innovation Hub

Course Start: September 2025

Course length: 1 Years

Study Mode: Full-time

Course Code: HCOMPHND

UCAS Course Code: CSDD

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Awarding Body:

Pearson education ltd logo
Higher Technical Qualification Logo
South Yorkshire Institute of Technology Logo

Course Fees and Funding

How much does the course cost?

£6,995 per year.

Other funding information

As a Higher Education student living in England you may be eligible for the non-means tested Tuition Fee Loan from the Government and a Maintenance Loan.

Students with children or dependant adults may qualify for a Childcare Grant or Adult Dependants' Grant. Students can apply for these at the same time as applying for a Maintenance Loan.

Remember: Eligible students will not have to pay tuition fees in advance and can apply for the Maintenance Loan before they start the course.

Visit the Student Finance page on the Government website for further details and to apply.

We offer a service to any student who has a diagnosis of anything persistent or long-term which might interfere with how they study and manage their day-to-day academic engagement. The service is flexible and shaped around the needs of each individual; it might be consistent support or intermittent support.


For further information please visit the Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) web page for more information.

Course Content

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing for England or equivalent qualification in a related subject.

Core knowledge and understanding is acquired via lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, computer assisted learning, case studies, video and other multi-media presentations. You will be taught through lectures, practical sessions and independent learning. We foster a culture of independent learning and decision making that will develop your problem solving and analytical skills. You will complete project-based assessments which will combine several units to give you an employment-based assessment. The teaching will reflect the project approach and will include aspects of teamworking.

All equipment will be provided.

Higher National Diploma

You will be able to progress onto the final year of a relevant degree programme or into employment in any of the related study subjects.

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.

Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.

Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 01 May 2025.