The Level 5 HND in Computing is designed to develop your knowledge and skills in computing and information technology disciplines which are crucial to organisations in this progressive sector. The course also provides you with key transferable skills which employers are looking for.

You will be guided throughout your course by our expert tutors to help you gain practical, professional and subject specific skills. Your course will cover the key knowledge required by all computing professionals and cover programming, networking, database design and development, security, professional practice, business intelligence and managing a successful computing project. You'll also be able to advance in your computing knowledge by taking optional units in areas such as games development and advanced programming, which gives you an opportunity to use your creativity transform and manipulate software to create animations and cutting-edge interfaces.

We'll help you gain crucial skills including problem-solving, providing support to individual computer users and organisations as well as maintaining and managing their online systems.

You'll also complete an individual research project, where you'll have the opportunity to investigate a current topic relating to computing in the context of a business environment.  We'll support you as you develop cognitive, intellectual and thinking skills, and gain valuable key, personal and transferable skills ready for employment or further study.

Course Highlights

• Our Computing course provides opportunities for you to make progress towards achieving  eligibility for professional body membership and vendor certification professional organisations such as; BCS, CompTIA, CISCO, Microsoft, Oracle and AXELOS.

• You'll learn in modern computer suites with up-to-date, high spec equipment and software.
• We'll encourage you to undertake a work placement during the summer break - this is recommended but is not a course requirement.
• Upon completion of this programme, you'll be awarded the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing.

• Bolton College scores highly in student satisfaction surveys for our HE provision, and we take pride in being able to offer you the opportunity to learn from industry-experienced staff.

Key Features

• This course offers essential subject knowledge to help you progress into the world of work, advance in your current role or onto further study.
• We adopt a 'student-centred' teaching and learning approach. We'll work with you on an individual basis so that you receive tailored support throughout the duration of your studies.

• We'll give you the opportunity to  attain essential skills such as communication, teamwork, organising and planning, numeracy, problem solving, flexibility and adaptability, action planning, self-awareness, initiative, personal impact and confidence, environmental sustainability and social, public and ethical responsibility.
• You'll be able to participate in trips to a range of project trips so that you can first hand industry knowledge and insights from guest speakers during your class time.

The modules listed below are a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules as part of the course.

• Programming
• Networking
• Professional Practice
• Database Design and Development
• Security
• Managing a Successful Computing Project (Pearson Set)
• Computer Systems Architecture
• Website Design and Development
• Computing Research Project (Pearson Set)
• Business Intelligence
• Advanced Programming
• Network Security
• E-Commerce Strategy
• Game Design Theory
• User Experience and User Interface

• Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3
• 5 GCSEs at grade C or above / 4 to 9 (or equivalent) including English and maths
• Entry is also available to those who have extensive relevant work experience within the IT sector - if you don't have the academic qualifications required but have extensive appropriate work experience, we'll consider your application
• If English isn't your first language you'll need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications - click here to find out more.

You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of your work.

Due to the nature of this HNC programme being so diverse, we use a range of teaching and learning methods, so that you can achieve the relevant concepts, knowledge and skills. To do this we combine classroom learning with student centred and independent living. You will be attending lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and informal group study sessions. There will also be opportunities for you to go on site visits to view cutting-edge projects and take part in exciting guest lectures by talented specialists who work in the industry, professional bodies or other academic institutions.

You will have significant opportunities to spend time with your tutors however, you will still be expected to dedicate a significant amount of time to personal study i.e. You might spend this time engaging in general background reading, revisiting practical work, attending technical meetings and lectures provided by professional bodies or working on assignments.

The assessment methods for your course will vary depending on the learning outcome and the type of module content being assessed. You will be able to test your understanding of the modules informally before completing the formal assessments that count towards your final mark or grade. Each module/unit contains at least one piece of practice or 'formative' assessment for which you'll receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades/marks you receive for them will not count towards your final module/unit mark or grade.

There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module/unit. Methods include a range of assessment such as exams, essays, reports, portfolios, presentations, and final year major project. The grades from the formal assessments count towards your module/unit mark or grade.

Disclaimer

We will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up to date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.

Assessment methods

Learning activities

Home/EU

September Start

You can apply directly online by clicking here.

Please apply through UCAS for September entry. You can find the application form and application guidance notes on the UCAS website.

You are able to apply to 5 courses through UCAS for a fee of £24. If you want to only apply to one course at one institution, a reduced applicant's fee of £13 will be applied.

To complete your UCAS application you will need the following information:

• Institution Code Name: BOLTN
• Institution Code Number: B44

International

How you apply is determined by your current location and what you are choosing to study:

1. Apply direct to the University. Links for the next available intakes of this course are shown below. Please click the link which will direct you to the online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this.
2. Apply via one of our approved in-country referral partners. A list of our partners may be found on the International pages of this website.
3. Apply via UCAS for courses starting in September only – visitwww.ucas.com.

Should you have any queries please contact the International Team on +44 (0) 1204 903110 or email international@bolton.ac.uk