Level 5 Computing Higher National Diploma (HTQ) Full-time
Course Overview
Level 5 Computing Higher National Diploma (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 necessary resources, high tech specifications and modern settings, you will study a broad range of computing topics that align with cyber security industry needs.
In your first year of studying for the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Computing (General pathway), 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.
At Barnsley College, you will specialise in the following area of Cyber Security and Networking, which has been aligned to the occupational standards defined by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE)
Specialist Route Modules:
Cyber Security – Studying applied cryptography in the cloud, forensics and information security management.
In addition to these core specialist units you will also cover units in
Network Management
Network Security
Cyber Forensics
These units have been designed in partnership with industry specialists, working closely with Rybec Security to design course modules that align to the skills needed by employers.
Located at: SciTech Digital Innovation Hub
Course Start: August 2027
Course length: 1 Years
Study Mode: Full-time
Course Code: QCOMPHND11
Awarding Organisation:
Course Fees and Funding
How much does the course cost?
£6,995
Other funding information
Course Content
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 05 November 2026.











