HND Computing and Systems Development

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The HND Computing and Systems Development’s aim is to use technology to enhance the speed and efficiency of the transfer of information. You will learn about the key computing areas: networking, computer hardware, programming, web design and information systems such as databases. You will have a chance to explore and develop new skills, including some of the latest computing elements, such as HTML5.

What you will get from HND Computing and Systems Development

The enormous growth of the Internet, the proliferation of computer networks, programmable devices and information systems in various forms and the highly accelerated rate of change ensure a continuing requirement for employees with contemporary computing-related skills and qualifications. The Internet, in particular, is a major technological revolution that has and will continue to have an enormous impact on society. The radical, transformational change observed in the computing arena and organisations’ dependence on technology for competitive advantage are compelling reasons to incorporate new ideas, paradigms and technologies into computing-related programmes.

The qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in their related sector and allow for direct progression to employment or progression to higher education.

HND Diploma in Computing and Systems Development will provide you with a range of skills in a technological and management context. You will study hardware and software associated with storage, data management, and information retrieval. The award has good coverage of programming languages. Still, in recent times computing has come to include networking and the software associated with data storage and information retrieval and management. The broad choice of computing modules and significant project work enables you to customise your award in your area of interest.

During the second year, you will undertake a major project, which allows you to customise your award in the area you are interested in. You will develop transferable skills such as teamwork, verbal and written communications and personal organisation and be encouraged to take responsibility for your own decisions and learning. You will be supported and facilitated throughout your study period to ensure it is an enriching experience.

Course Length: 2 years;
Start dates: January/April/August/September;

Career opportunities

The course is highly relevant to a range of careers in the IT sector such as information system design and management, IT manufacturing, IT maintenance and technical services areas, e-business strategy and/or technical support, systems analysts, software engineers and developers.

Entry requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years old;
Applicants are required to submit proof of prior certificated learning (e.g. Secondary School Diploma/Baccalaureate/Level 3 qualification) or relevant work experience;
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language;
An interview with the college is compulsory prior student registration.
Applicants must bring their original certificates when coming for registration;

Course structure - Modules

Year 1

Business Skills for e-Commerce
Computer Systems
Employability & Professional Development
System Analysis and Design
Website Design
Database Design Concepts
Procedural Programming
Network Technologies

Year 2

Project Design, Implementation & Evaluation
Data Analysis & Design
Web Applications Development
Internet Server Management
Digital Image Creation & Development
Programming in Java
Wide Area Networking Technologies
Computer Games Design and Development

* The units can vary, depending on the optional modules which your institution will choose for the course structure.

Assessment

Assessment is based on assignments, typically one assignment per unit. These assignments will vary and include a mix of formal reports, presentations and practical tasks, but there will be no formal exams. You won’t have to write any exams during your HND; instead you will focus on gaining practical, applicable skills through real-world case studies and group and individual assignments. Learners are assessed using a variety of methods, including group work, tutorials, lectures, seminars presentations, role play and case study analyses, written assignments. All units will be individually graded as ‘passes, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a full qualification you must pass all 8 units to achieve the higher certificate and all 16 units to achieve the higher diploma.

Progression

This course can lead to direct progression to the second or third year of an honours degree in computing, or a closely related discipline, at a university. It will also enable progression on to further study such as a Professional Development Qualification or vendor qualifications offered by Cisco, Microsoft, IBM, CompTIA, Oracle and VM Ware. For Top-up you can choose courses like Applied Computing, Computing Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems and more.

Funding

Self-Funding

The Tuition Fee of the course will vary depending on the institution you wish to study in, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU and International Students as well. Please contact us to find out the tuition fee for a specific course you’d like to know about.

Government Funds – Student Finance England

If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on Indefinite stay, you can receive support from the government via Student Loan Company to cover tuition fees and some living costs while studying, depending on your circumstances. Tuition fee loans, to cover the full cost of your course, are paid directly to the course provider. Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time, lending you money at the start of each term. You won’t have to pay back the loan until after your course, when you’re earning above a certain level. Students can still apply for grants if they’re eligible for certain benefits, disabled, or need help with childcare costs.