This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current and future employment or for progression to an undergraduate degree.

It aims to provide an educational foundation for those wishing to become computer professionals, specialised studies directly relevant to individual vocations and professions in which students are working or intend to seek employment and enable students to make an immediate contribution in employment.

The HND will give you a comprehensive overview thorough grounding in the main areas of modern computing, providing you with the real, practical skills needed in today's competitive international commercial environment. Successful completion of the HND will open up many career opportunities for you. This practical and intensive programme allows you to gain an internationally recognized business qualification in just 24 months.

It develops an appreciation of the need to implement a structured approach to program design, and the necessary skills.

It also provides a framework for a sound technical and professional practices and an opportunity to develop both independent and co-operative work.

Fully validated by edexcel, one of the world's leading examining and awarding bodies, this HND qualification is recognized and respected by employers and higher education institutions around the world.

• Normally a minimum of one A level (in an appropriate subject) plus three GCSEs grade C or above, or
• 5 GCSEs grade C or above or a BTEC National Award or GNVQ Advanced Qualification at pass level or equivalent. Or
• Any equivalent overseas qualification
• Completion of High School Certificate and relevant work experience
• English language skills equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (or 5.0 with compulsory Foundation English Programme classes).

What are the career prospects?
Students receive a Diploma from Edexcel and some go on to pursue careers in a wide range of computing. Students are also eligible to obtain a degree by completing the one year BSc(Hons) Computing or Computer Networking at any UK university.

Course structure
To achieve the HND qualification, students are required to complete sixteen units over the first 2 years; eight of them are Core units and eight of them are Specialist units.

Core units (Level 4)
All students must take the following 8 core units (total 125 credits):

1. Business Skills For E-Commerce (15 credits)
2. Computer Systems (15 credits)
3. Employability And Professional Development (15 credits)
4. Project Design, Implementation & Evaluation (20 credits)
5. Systems Analysis and Design (15 credits)
6. Human Computer Interaction (15 credits)
7. Website Design (15 credits)
8. Distributed Software Applications (15 credits)

Specialist units (Level-5)
All students must take the following 8 units (total 120 credits):

1. Information Systems in Organisations (15 credits)
2. Knowledge-based Systems (15 credits)
3. Data Analysis and Design (15 credits)
4. Programming in Java (15 credits)
5. Networking Infrastructure (15 credits)
6. Local Area Networking Technologies (15 credits)
7. Wide Area Networking Technologies (15 credits)
8. Network Security (15 credits)

Assessment
The course is assessed by end of term exams and assignments. Each unit is internally assessed and graded by qualified Tutors / Assessors and Internal Verifiers. The final assessment is done by an Edexcel External Examiner. Grades awarded are Pass, Merit and Distinction. There is no overall grade awarded for this qualification.

Awarding body
Edexcel (BTEC)

Qualification level
QCF Level-5

Qualification type
Higher National Diploma

Course Commencement
September and January

Duration of the course
2 Years

Hours per week in class
15 hours (full time daytime study)

Progression
You may also top-up your HND to BSc (Hons) Computer Science, Computing or Computer Networking at most of the UK universities.

Award and Certification
On successful completion of all the examinations, students are awarded the Edexcel (BTEC) HND certificate.