HNC Computing

Who is the course for?

This course is for students interested in computing and who have the ability to study at college two evenings a week. The programme offers you the chance to study up-to-date computing subjects at your local College, to a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma standard.

Do I need any formal qualifications?

You will need to have one of the following: A BTEC National Diploma or certificate in an appropriate subject. An Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate subject. A Level 3 qualification in IT or IT System Support. 1 A Level (grade D or above), together with 3 GCSEs (grade C or above) including Mathematics or an equivalent qualification. Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) without formal qualifications but with relevant experience and/or employer support are also welcome. It would be an advantage to students if they had a background knowledge of programming and mathematics

What will I study on the course?

You will study four core units and six optional units. The units include computer platforms, programming, database design, systems analysis, networking technologies, information systems and a project in which you will develop your own software.

How is the course organised

The Higher National Certificate course requires attendance two evenings per week for two years. In addition, you will be expected to work independently in your own time. Each year is split into two semesters.. The Higher National Diploma requires one additional year of study generally for two evenings per week where a further six units are completed.

How will my progress be assessed?

Your progress will be assessed by a combination of methods including assignments and group projects for each module.

Can I gain any extra qualifications while on the course?

Although the course has a heavy workload, you could study additional subjects such as CISCO, Microsoft, A+.

What final qualification will I get if I am successful?

EDEXCEL BTEC HNC Diploma in Computing and Systems Development (QCF) Level 4

Next Steps

After completing the three years of the there are a range of computer related degrees at universities or you could find employment in a computing company.

Can I receive any financial support whilst I am studying?

Many of our learners study for free with a "Fee Waiver" when they are in receipt of qualifying benefits or studying a first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification and meet age restrictions or are aged between 16-18. If you are not entitled to a "Fee Waiver" you may be entitled to receive Learner Support Funds to help with paying your course fees, or if you are aged over 23 and planning to study at Level 3 or 4 you will be able to apply for a 24+ Loan that cover all of your course costs. Higher Education learners are entitled to apply for HE Loans that cover the cost of tuition. In addition, depending on your chosen course of study and individual circumstances, you may be entitled to a maintenance loan.

Please note, from September 2016, anyone over 19 years of age can apply for a loan to cover all course fees for qualifying courses.

All learners can also apply for help with the cost of travel to college and the college may be able to help with the costs of childcare, travel, books, equipment and meals.

Please note for full cost courses funding may not be available.

For more information our Help Hub team is available on 01670 841 200 or email advice.centre@northland.ac.uk

How can I apply for this course?

Apply online by clicking here, alternatively please contact our Help Hub on 01670 330 660, email advice.centre@northland.ac.uk or drop in to one of our open events – dates are listed here http://www.northumberland.ac.uk/events/

Alternatively, if this is the course for you please click Book and Enrol Now – please note this option is only available to certain courses.

Where can I get any further information about the course?

You may find further information within this website including within case studies and our media gallery. You may also come along to an open event – dates of college events are listed here http://www.northumberland.ac.uk/events/

Download/Print Course Details Northumberland College has two main campuses at Ashington and Kirkley Hall and centres at Hexham and Berwick. We offer hundreds of full-time and part-time courses, work with students aged 14-18, mature students, higher education students and employers from numerous industry sectors.Our Ashington campus was opened in 1957 and is home to a wide range of subjects - all housed in specialist facilities including those for art and design, construction, engineering, sport, hospitality and beauty therapy. Our Kirkley Hall campus, in Ponteland, has a long established history as the main provider of land-based education and training in the region, stretching back more than 50 years. So if you want to study animal care, agriculture or horticulture, this campus will provide the perfect environment for you. Life at Northumberland College is about more than just studying; it's about meeting new people, enjoying new experiences, developing new skills and spending time with friends.