The Computing HND Level 5 programme is designed to develop your knowledge and skills across a range of computing and information technologies which play a major role in the running of businesses. This course also aims to help you gain key transferable skills which are highly valued by employers.

Throughout this course, our team of expert tutors will guide you as you gain knowledge as well as practical, professional and subject specific skills. Your studies will focus on the core knowledge that this is required by all computing professionals, including; programming ,networking, database design and development, security, professional practice, business intelligence and how to manage a successful computing project. You'll also be able to further your knowledge by taking optional units in areas such as games development and advances programming so you can put your creativity into action and manipulate software to create animations and cutting-edge interfaces.

We'll help you learn essential skills including problem-solving, supporting individual computer users and organisation and maintaining / managing their online systems. You'll undertake an individual research project, where you'll explore a relevant and current topical aspect of 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

• The course provides opportunities for you to make progress towards achieving eligibility for professional body membership and vendor certification, with organisations such as the BCS, CompTIA, CISCO, Microsoft, Oracle and AXELOS.
• The computer suites at Bolton College offer up-to-date, high-specification 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.
• On successful completion of this programme you’ll be awarded a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing.
• Bolton College scores highly in student satisfaction surveys for its 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 that you’ll need to progress successfully within or into the world of work or onto further study.
• Our approach to teaching and learning is ‘student-centred’, so we’ll work with you on an individual basis, providing tailored help and support throughout your studies.
• You’ll have the opportunity to develop and enhance crucial 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 have the chance to take part in project trips to gain first-hand experience in the industry; and gain knowledge and insights from guest speakers during 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
• Emerging Technologies
• Games Development
• Operating Systems

• Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3
• 2 GCSEs at grade C or above / 4 to 9 (or equivalent) in 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'll be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of your work.

The varied nature of this HND programme means that we use a wide range of teaching and learning methods. In order to ensure you acquire and develop the appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills, we combine timetabled classes with student-centred and independent learning. You can expect to attend lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and informal group study sessions. There will also be opportunities to go on site visits to view state-of-the-art projects, and attend guest lectures by specialists from industry, professional bodies or other academic institutions.

There are significant opportunities to spend time with the tutors and technicians during timetabled classes, practical work and tutorials. However, we’ll still expect you to devote a significant amount of time to personal study. For example, this time might be spent engaging in general background reading, revisiting practical work, attending technical meetings and lectures provided by professional bodies or working on assignments.

We use a range of assessment methods, depending upon the learning outcome in question and the type of module content being assessed. You’ll have opportunities to test your understanding of subjects informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark or grade. Each module/unit will normally contain 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 do not count toward your module/unit mark or grade.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module/unit. Methods include a range of coursework 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

The university 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

Please apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for September entry.

The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.

You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £24. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £13 is applicable.

You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:

• 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 of Bolton. Links for the next available intakes of this course are shown below. Please click here to be directed 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