Higher National Certificate in Applied Computing

This one year Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a stand-alone Level 4 qualification that enables you to enter the workforce after the year. It also forms the first year of a two year, Level 5, HND and many students sign up with the intention of progressing onto the second, HND (HTQ) year (please note the full HND has to be achieved to complete the Higher Technical Qualification). Click here for information about the Applied Computing HND.

The course has been designed to address the increasing need for high quality professional and technically skilled staff within the computing sector. The course will provide you with the critical skills and practical competencies sought by employers and required for progression to further higher education study.

Content has been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that students are equipped with the knowledge, understanding and critical skills that are essential for success in industry. Support for progression to employment is built into the course, through the delivery of relevant skills, as a result of wide consultation with employers and analysis of the regional job market.

Using the faculty’s IT lab facilities, with technical support and modern classroom settings, you will study a broad range of computing topics that give you an overview of this demanding and exciting industry. Practical sessions include troubleshooting and maintaining computer hardware, programming and configuring and managing local computer networks.

How will I be taught and assessed?

The programme is delivered through theoretical sessions and practical workshops. In addition, you will be expected to research topics and complete assignments outside class time. You will be assessed through coursework that can be either written work, question and answer sessions or practical demonstrations.

You could progress to…

By studying this HNC course, you have a range of opportunities within industrial and commercial organisations where a broad-based work-related education is desirable. This is an established qualification which is recognised by employers within the industry. This programme also gives you the possibility of progression pathways on to the Higher National Diploma (HND) course in year 2.

You could go on to careers in Network engineering, software engineering, cybersecurity or database development in job roles such as: systems analyst, programmer, systems tester, database administrator, IT project manager, IT support technician, security specialist.

Units (for guidance only)

• Computational Thinking
• Computer Systems and Control
• Database and Information Systems
• Business Intelligence and Big Data
• Software Development
• Fundamentals of Computing Networking

Assessment method

The programme is delivered through theoretical sessions and practical workshops. In addition, you will be expected to research topics and complete assignments outside class time. You will be assessed through coursework that can be either written work, question and answer sessions or practical demonstrations.

Click here to view the Quality Handbook for this course: Higher National Certificate in Applied Computing Quality Handbook

This programme is awarded by the University of Plymouth.

For entry to the HNC you will need 64 UCAS tariff points. GCSE Maths and English is required at grade C (or 4) or above (or equivalent O Level).

Students who complete the HNC will be offered direct entry onto the HND. For external students who hold a HNC from another organisation or other Level 4 qualification in a relevant subject may apply for direct entry to the HND. The offer of a place on the HND will be subject to a successful interview with the Programme Manager.

You will have access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) with a range of books and journals including many available electronically. Additionally, there is a suite of computers that can be booked to carry out individual work and research. You will also benefit from the faculty’s IT lab facilities, with technical support on hand. The IT Lab allows students to investigate the workings of modern PCs and networks in an accessible, controlled environment. There are multiple food outlets on the Hele Road site that sell refreshments and light snacks.

A reading list will be provided and there will be a number of recommended textbooks that you are encouraged to purchase. Some of these texts will be available through our Learning Resource Centre, both in print and electronically. The College provides every student with free access to Office 365 and associated OneDrive storage. In addition, students have access to Microsoft Imagine software resources, e.g. operating systems, development tools at no additional cost. Students may freely access vendor specific learning resources, e.g. Microsoft Technical Associate (MTA) and sit related certifications exams at a reduced price. Throughout the course students are encouraged to participate in educational visits which may be separately priced.