The objectives of the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing for England are as follows: ● to equip students with fundamental Computing skills, knowledge and the understanding necessary to be job ready in the field ● to provide education and training for a range of careers in Computing, with specific emphasis on roles in networking, data analysis, cyber security and software development ● to provide opportunities for students to enter or progress in employment in Computing roles or to progress to higher education qualifications such as an Honours degree in Computing or a related area ● to provide insight and understanding into international Computing operations and the opportunities and challenges presented by a globalised marketplace.
For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following. ● A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Computing or strongly related discipline. ● A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent). ● Other related Level 3 qualifications. ● An Access to Higher Education Diploma, awarded by an approved further education institution. ● Related work experience. ● An international equivalent of the above. HNC in Computing or equivalent qualification.
The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing for England offers students one general pathway and five specialist pathways, designed to support progression to relevant occupational areas or degree-level study. The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing for England offers the following specialist pathways for students who wish to concentrate on a particular aspect of computing:
● Software Engineering
● Applications Development and Testing
● Data Analytics
● Network Engineering
● Cyber Security
The non-specialist ‘General’ pathway allows students to complete a Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma without committing to a particular professional specialism. This offers additional flexibility to providers and students. Holders of the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma will have developed a sound understanding of the principles in their field of study and will have learned to apply those principles more widely. They will have learned to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems. They will be able to perform effectively in their chosen field and will have the qualities necessary for employment in situations that require the exercise of personal responsibility and decision making.
The pathways at both Level 4 and Level 5 are mapped to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s Occupational Standards, professional body standards and vendor-accredited certification (where appropriate) and can provide professional status and progression to direct employment.
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing for England (General)
Mandatory 16: Computing Research Project (Pearson-set)
Mandatory 17: Business Process Support
Optional Units Level 5 (75 credits from FIVE optional units selected from those listed below):
Unit 33: Applied Analytical Models
Unit 34: Analytical Methods
Unit 35: Systems Analysis & Design
Unit 36 User Experience & Interface Design
Unit 37: Architecture
Unit 38: Analytic Architecture Design
Unit 39: Network Management
Unit 40: Client/Server Computing Systems
Unit 41: Database Management Systems
Unit 42: Game Design Theory
Unit 43: Games Development
Unit 44: Games Engine & Scripting
Unit 45: Internet of Things
Unit 46: Robotics
Unit 47: Emerging Technologies
Unit 48: Virtual & Augmented Reality Development
Unit 49: Systems Integration
Unit 50: Operating Systems
Unit 51: E-Commerce & Strategy
Unit 52: Digital Sustainability
Unit 53: Digital Technology as a Catalyst for Change
Unit 54: Prototyping
The course is a classroom based course at Grantham College and is taught for 10 hours per week with an expectation of 10 hours self study. The course equates to 240 credits and is a two year course.
The course is assessed in a variety of ways including practical assessments, written assessments, research projects and presentation work.
All staff delivering the course have subject-specific and level-specific academic qualifications up to Masters level, as well as up-to-date industry experience.
No costs other than fees.
The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many computing-related courses, for example: ● BSc (Hons) in Computing ● BSc Data Science ● BSc (Hons) in Information Technology ● BSc (Hons) Business Computer Systems ● BEng (Hons) Software Engineering ● BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensic Computing.
Possible career pathways include:
Network Technician
Computer Systems Analyst
Technical Support Associate
Cyber Security Specialist
