Computing (Software/Network Engineering) (HTQ)

The Higher National Diploma in Computing (Software/Network Engineering) is a Full-Time two-year course awarded by Pearson. The programme is delivered within an approx. 14-hour workshop/lecture programme with staff contact over a period of 30 weeks. This two year HND in Computing leading either towards a 'software engineering' or 'network engineering' pathway is designed to enable you to demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviours and develop employability skills to attain the HTQ (Higher Technical Qualification) status recognised by employers. In year 1, students on both pathways study the same 7 core units and elect to choose either the 15 credit 'Software Development Lifecycles' (Software Engineer pathway) or 'Computer System Architecture' (Network Engineer pathway). In year 2 this pathway specialisation increases.

Higher technical qualifications are primarily designed for entry into skilled employment or those looking to retrain or upskill, you could also progress to further study and/or training. It will give students an opportunity to further academic progression as well as career progression in computing and software engineering. We will work with employers to provide the opportunity for practical skills to be learnt through a work placement/work-based environment.

Due to the practical nature of the course, you will be required to have access to an personal computer running the most current Windows operating system that will be able to run software development environments like Visual Studio and Packet Tracer.

Year one of this course will be focused on developing essential skills as a foundation before applying them to a wider context in year two. The modules you will study include; Programming, networking, professional practice, database design development, security, planning a computing project (Pearson-set), software development lifecycles, maths for computing, computer system architecture. Year two involves expanding your knowledge from the first year and building it into a workplace context, preparing you for the reality of industry work in a professional setting. Units include: Core Units - Computing research project (Pearson-set), Business process support. Software Engineering Pathway - Discrete maths, Data structures algorithms, Applied programming and design principles, Management Systems analysis and design. Network Engineering Pathway - Transport network design, Cloud computing, Network security, Emerging technologies, Network management.

There will be a wide range of assessment methods such as; 1. Project proposal – a formal account of the planning and intended scope of a project, written or presented early in the development cycle. 2. Presentations – either an individual or a group talk which is specifically structured to communicate relevant information. Practical demonstrations 3. Online electronic evidence 4. Report – write-up of a project using a formal and concisely-structured style. 5. Essay – a piece of writing that explores a topic in detail. Written in a formal, organised style adopting good academic practice and usually set with a minimum word limit. 6. Peer evaluation – is often used when undertaking projects as a stimulus for thinking about your own performance in relation to others. 7. Self-evaluation – an opportunity to reflect on individual performance and development – often tracked through a notebook log or Viva voce 8. Observation records 9. Witness statements 10. Use of blogs, vlogs 11. Discussions 12. Group work.