This Higher National Diploma Computing for England course is taught by Bolton College on behalf of the University of Bolton.

Our Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing for England can help turn your interest in technology into a rewarding career in the digital sector. This approved Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) focuses on developing your digital and transferable knowledge and skills, ready to impress employers or continue with further study. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) approved the course as meeting the Business Analyst occupational standard at Level 5 and this is highly regarded by industry. This stamp of quality shows that the course has been developed in collaboration with industry-leading employers to produce business-ready graduates prepared for the ever-evolving digital sector.      

Throughout the course, our dedicated experts will guide you to gain in-demand knowledge and understanding with cutting-edge practical and professional skills. This exciting qualification delivers learning on artificial intelligence, web development, cloud computing and games development with the use of VR technologies, alongside a range of the latest high-tech equipment, including walking robots, a six-legged spider robot, robotic arms and 3D AI software.    

We'll support you to train for skilled, practical employment in the digital sector through stimulating workshops and a diverse curriculum. As well as learning through lectures, seminars and practical classes, you'll undertake an individual research project focused on a business computing topic. We'll support you in gaining vital employability skills such as problem-solving, teamworking, leadership, decision-making, planning, self-reflection and cultural awareness. We'll also help build your academic and lifelong learning skills, empowering you to research new technologies and keep abreast of innovations and enhancements in the digital sector throughout your career.  

• This approved Higher Technical Qualification provides opportunities for you to progress towards achieving eligibility for professional body membership and vendor certifications with organisations such as the BCS, CompTIA, CISCO, Microsoft, Huawei, Oracle and AXELOS.
• The computer suites at Bolton College offer up-to-date, high-specification equipment and software.
• We'll encourage you to undertake a work placement during the summer break. This is recommended but is not a course requirement.
• Upon successfully completing this programme, you'll be awarded the Higher National Diploma in Computing for England qualification by the University of Bolton.
• Bolton College scores highly in student satisfaction surveys for its HE provision, and we take pride in offering you the opportunity to learn from our industry-experienced staff.

• You'll have the chance to participate in project trips to gain first-hand experience in the industry and gain knowledge and insights from guest speakers during class time.
• This cutting-edge HTQ course offers essential and in-demand computing and digital knowledge alongside vital academic and employability skills. Focused on equipping you for a career in the digital sector, it also prepares you for higher-level study, including a full degree programme or degree apprenticeship.
• Dedicated to continuous learning and development within the digital sector, our staff foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning to ensure they're always at the forefront of digital trends, developments and practices.
• Our student-centred approach to teaching and learning means we'll work with you individually, providing tailored help and support throughout your studies.
• You'll have the opportunity to develop and enhance crucial skills such as communication, teamwork, organising and planning, numeracy, problem-solving, flexibility and adaptability, action planning, self-awareness, initiative, personal impact and confidence, environmental sustainability, and social, public and ethical responsibility.

Holders of the Higher National Diploma in Computing for England are eligible for Associate Membership of the BCS. The BCS represents IT professionals both in the UK and internationally and is a member organisation of CEPIS (Council of European Professional Informatics Societies).

• 48 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications
• Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant computing-related subjects are preferred.
• You should also have GCSEs in Mathematics and English at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent).
• This course is also open to applicants who have extensive appropriate work experience in the IT sector. If you don’t possess the academic qualifications listed above but have extensive appropriate work experience, we’ll be delighted to consider your application.
• You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
• If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 5.5 with no less than 5.5 in reading and writing (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
• If you apply or enrol on this course, Bolton College and the University of Bolton will share the information you provide. You’ll also receive communications from both organisations.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

Please contact Admissions by telephone on 01204 903903 or email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

Admissions
University of Bolton
Deane Road
Bolton, BL3 5AB
United Kingdom

Tel: 01204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

The varied nature of this Higher National Diploma programme means that we use a wide range of teaching and learning methods. We combine timetabled classes with student-centred and independent learning to ensure you acquire and develop the appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills. You can expect to attend lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and informal group study sessions. There will also be opportunities to go on site visits to view state-of-the-art projects, and attend guest lectures by specialists from industry, professional bodies or other academic institutions. 

There are significant opportunities to spend time with the tutors and technicians during timetabled classes, practical work and tutorials. However, we'll still expect you to devote a significant amount of time to personal study. For example, you might engage in general background reading, revisit practical work, attend technical meetings and lectures provided by professional bodies, or work on assignments. 

We use various assessment methods, depending upon the learning outcome in question and the type of module content being assessed. You'll have opportunities to informally test your understanding of subjects before completing the formal assessments that count towards your final mark or grade. Each module/unit will typically contain at least one piece of practice or 'formative' assessment, for which you'll receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental, and any grades/marks you receive for them do not count toward your module/unit mark or grade. 

There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module/unit. Methods include a range of coursework assessments such as exams, essays, reports, portfolios, presentations, and final year major project. The grades from the formal assessments count towards your module/unit mark or grade.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

• Programming
• Networking
• Professional Practice
• Database Design and Development
• Security
• Website Design and Development
• Planning a Computing Project
• Software Development and Lifecycles
• Computing Research Project (Pearson Set)
• Network Security
• E-Commerce and Strategy
• Game Design Theory
• User Experience and Interface Design
• Business Process Support
• Internet of Things

Assessment methods

Learning activities

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.