The Higher National Awards in Computing (UCAS Code 004G) is designed for those who wish to work, or are already working with computers in some professional capacity. The aim of the programme is to develop a sound understanding of how computers work, and how they can be used in a wide variety of ways to support business, industrial, commercial educational and public sector organisations.
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The Higher National Awards in Computing (UCAS Code 004G) is designed for those who wish to work, or are already working with computers in some professional capacity. The aim of the programme is to develop a sound understanding of how computers work, and how they can be used in a wide variety of ways to support business, industrial, commercial educational and public sector organisations.
The programme offers two qualifications the 1. HND in Computing (Software Development) consisting of 16 units 2. HNC in Computing (Software Development) consisting of 10 units.The HND Qualification is a full time course and normally takes two years attending 12 hours per week. The HNC qualification is a part time course and normally takes two years either attending six hours per week during the day, or two evenings per week. Students may also need to complete a further 2-3 hours per week of directed study. The HNC can be converted to an HND normally taking one further year. By arrangement students can complete the HNC or HND in a shorter or longer time scale.
All students will study the following core units:Unit 1 - Computer Platforms Unit 2 - Systems Analysis Unit 3 - Programming Concepts Unit 4 - Database Design Unit 10 - Project HNDstudents will study the following additional core units:Unit 5 - Networking ConceptsUnit 6 - Personal SkillsUnit 7 - Quality SystemsPossible optional units include:Unit 12 - Networking TechnologiesUnit 13 - Data Analysis and DesignUnit 16 - Information SystemsUnit 18 - MultimediaUnit 19 - Web Site ManagementUnit 23 - Project ManagementUnit 30 - Java ProgrammingUnit 36 - Object-Oriented ProgrammingUnit 41 - Abstract Data TypesUnit 42 - Visual ProgrammingUnit 50 - 3D Graphics and Animation
Typically your teaching team or tutor will devise a series of learning activities that will assist you to develop the knowledge, understanding and range of skills necessary to achieve the assessment criteria and learning outcomes. The learning activities will be devised to be as realistic of the real world as possible, and will use whichever teaching method is most appropriate for particular learning outcomes. Tutors are always open to new ideas, and if any student believes they know better ways of achieving the set learning outcomes their suggestions will be welcomed.
A range of methods including assignments, reports, case studies, practical work and a project, using tutor, peer and self assessment.
Holders of this qualification can expect to be in a much better position to qualify for promotion within posts in all areas of industry, commerce and public sector employment. The HNC/HND is recognised by various universities as a suitable entry requirement for Degree level courses. In some cases (depends upon the units completed and the content of the BSc) an HNC will permit entry into the second year of a BSc course, and an HND will permit entry into the third year of an appropriate BSc Degree course. Progression at Stephenson College is also available via the BSc Computing Systems Engineering (HND top-up) programme. In conjunction with Sunderland University You could also progress to employment in the computing section of a private company, public authority or in a software house or a computer supplier. Recent research (published in May 2007) suggests that students with a Computing degree will on average earn £240,000 more over their working lives than people without a computing degree.
