Computing, Digital and IT

Computing for England Higher National Certificate (HNC)

In Brief

Start Date / Duration

This course will start in September 2024 and lasts for one academic year. A typical timetable involves 11 hours of lessons across three days a week.

Entry requirements

64 UCAS points from either subject-relevant A Level, T Level or BTEC equivalent qualifications or an Access to HE Diploma. You will also need GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.

We welcome applications from students with prior learning and/or previous experience. Evidence should be submitted through the application and interview process.

You will achieve

You will achieve a Level 4 HNC in Computing for England (Pearson)

Awarding Body

Pearson logo

Validated by Pearson

UCAS Course Code

COMP

Course overview

This is a contemporary, cutting-edge programme aimed at those who are eager to follow a career in various job roles within the high tech and ever-changing world of Software Development, Cybersecurity and Networking. Students on this programme will have a range of different backgrounds and interests meaning the programme will have a rounded approach to delivery and content. 

Our course revolves around an everchanging industry of profession practice and techniques alongside ever-changing technology and computer advancements within the computing industry. We use up to date equipment and software, reflecting use within industry, and have a hand on practical approach to the course for certain pathways and practices. Our connections with clients across Barnsley allow us to sync our units with client briefs and needs to implement real work practice of what we learn in the classroom.

You will use industry standard equipment and technology; we have networking and data labs equipped with testing tools, practice networking components and cables, programming software and computers to run testing and set up from and robotics components to build and programme. Utilising this practical approach to teaching in these areas allow for a hands-on learning environment where learning meets the needs of industry and new knowledge can be tested and visualised in a safe environment.

This course is delivered as part of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT). Our HNC Computing has been aligned to the occupational standard for the industry. 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.

Course content

Having been developed in collaboration with employers in an ambition to meet the needs of the growing demands of the industry, our HNC in Computing for England provides the opportunity to gain the proper training, knowledge, and skills to be successful in the workplace. 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 (General pathway), you will be required to complete the following six mandatory units and one specialist unit:

  • Programming
  • Networking
  • Professional practice
  • Database design & development
  • Security
  • Planning a computing project (Pearson-set)
  • Website design and development
  • Cyber security

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. This could be CISCO or Microsoft.

Logo for the Institute of Technology logo

Specific assessment strategies include practical work, written assessments, examinations, case studies, presentations and reports offering the opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of both general and specific business principles. Such methods will also allow you to indicate both the breadth and depth of your directed and independent research.

Some modules are assessed partly using group activities as well as independent activities.

All equipment will be provided.

SciTech Digital Innovation Centre
Falcon Street
Barnsley
S70 2EY

After successfully completing the first year and achieving the Level 4 National Certificate in Computing for England, you can progress onto the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, which allows you to specialise by committing to a specific career path in Cyber Security/networking and progression routes directed towards degree level study.

See what careers are available in the Computing and Games sectors. Use our online careers tool, Career Coach, to find out what your next steps could be.

How much does the course cost?

Course fees: £5,995 per year for those that enrol in September 2024. £6,165* per year for those that enrol in September 2025 (*maximum fee per year is subject to approval)

Extra information

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.

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.

For further information please contact our friendly Information Team on +44 (0)1226 216 123 or email 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, Honeywell Sports Village where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates. You don’t have to be studying sport to get involved in the Sports Academy.

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

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

Computing for England Higher National Certificate (HNC)

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