Computing (Software Development) HNC

Course Level 4/5

Description
The Higher National Awards in Computing (UCAS Code 004G) is designed for those who wish to work, or are already working with computers in some professional capacity. The aim of the programme is to develop a sound understanding of how computers work, and how they can be used in a wide variety of ways to support business, industrial, commercial educational and public sector organisations.

Course Length
The programme offers two qualifications the
1. HND in Computing (Software Development) consisting of 16 units
2. HNC in Computing (Software Development) consisting of 10 units.
The HND Qualification is a full time course and normally takes two years attending 12 hours per week. The HNC qualification is a part time course and normally takes two years either attending six hours per week during the day, or two evenings per week. Students may also need to complete a further 2-3 hours per week of directed study. The HNC can be converted to an HND normally taking one further year. By arrangement students can complete the HNC or HND in a shorter or longer time scale.

What will I study?
All students will study the following core units
Unit 1 - Computer Platforms
Unit 2 - Systems Analysis
Unit 3 - Programming Concepts
Unit 4 - Database Design
Unit 10 - Project
HND students will study the following additional core units
Unit 5 - Networking Concepts
Unit 6 - Personal Skills
Unit 7 - Quality Systems
Possible optional units include
Unit 12 - Networking Technologies
Unit 13 - Data Analysis and Design
Unit 16 - Information Systems
Unit 18 - Multimedia
Unit 19 - Web Site Management
Unit 23 - Project Management
Unit 30 - Java Programming
Unit 36 - Object-Oriented Programming
Unit 41 - Abstract Data Types
Unit 42 - Visual Programming
Unit 50 - 3D Graphics and Animation

How will I learn?
Typically your teaching team or tutor will devise a series of learning activities that will assist you to develop the knowledge, understanding and range of skills necessary to achieve the assessment criteria and learning outcomes. The learning activities will be devised to be as realistic of the real world as possible, and will use whichever teaching method is most appropriate for particular learning outcomes. Tutors are always open to new ideas, and if any student believes they know better ways of achieving the set learning outcomes their suggestions will be welcomed

How will I be assessed?
A range of methods including assignments, reports, case studies, practical work and a project, using tutor, peer and self assessment.

Where could it lead?
Holders of this qualification can expect to be in a much better position to qualify for promotion within posts in all areas of industry, commerce and public sector employment. The HNC/HND is recognised by various universities as a suitable entry requirement for Degree level courses. In some cases (depends upon the units completed and the content of the BSc) an HNC will permit entry into the second year of a BSc course, and an HND will permit entry into the third year of an appropriate BSc Degree course. Progression at Stephenson College is also available via the BSc Computing Systems Engineering (HND top-up) programme. In conjunction with Sunderland University You could also progress to employment in the computing section of a private company, public authority or in a software house or a computer supplier. Recent research (published in May 2007) suggests that students with a Computing degree will on average earn 240,000 more over their working lives than people without a computing degree.