HND in Computing & Systems Development

Who is the course for?

This two year course will develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enabling you to make an immediate contribution to employment. It will also provide flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career progression in computing and systems development.

What can it lead to?

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.

The HNC/HND in Computing and Systems Development offers a progression route to a number of roles in the IT and computing sectors fulfilling roles such as database management, systems design and networking.

Entry Requirements

BTEC Level 3 in IT (Diploma: MP, 90-Credit Diploma: MM, Extended Diploma: PPP), or two x A levels at grade D, or Access to Higher Education Certificate, or other related level 3 qualifications equivalent to 120 UCAS points.
In addition, GCSE English at Grade C or IELTS 6.0. Those who do not have formal qualifications at level 3 but can demonstrate extensive relevant work experience and/or achievement on a range of professional qualifications in computing are also welcome to apply.

What will I study?

The course compromises of 16 modules which you must pass to achieve the Diploma.

Year 1
Business Skills for e-Commerce
Computer Systems
System Analysis and Design
Object Oriented Programming
Information Systems in Organisations
Computer Systems Architecture
Employability and Professional Development
Programming in .NET

Year 2
Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation
Web Applications Development
Networking Technologies
Network Security
Work-based Experience
Computer Games Design and Development
Local Area Networking Technologies
IT Security Management

How will I be taught?

You will be taught by highly qualified subject specialists over 3 days a week by a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. There will also be the opportunity to attend lectures from expert speakers.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed entirely through coursework. A variety of assessment methods will be used which are designed to enable learners to meet the learning outcomes for the module and experience a range of methods in preparation for further study or employment. This includes written essays, reports, presentations, video, practical assignments and observations.

What equipment or materials will I need?

Up-to-date computers, printers and access to the Internet will be available for the completion of coursework. We have a number of programs available for you to use including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Visual C#, Visual Basic.Net and MS Project. Throughout the course workshops and computers for stand-alone, networking and hardware/software installations will be available to you. You will be given the option of purchasing various text books, though a number will be available in the library.

What should I bring to the first class?

Notepaper and pen.

What additional costs are there?

None

How do I Enrol?

You must apply through UCAS (www.ucas.com). You will be required to attend an interview and supply evidence for qualifications stated on your application. Once we have received your application we will contact you to attend an interview.

Course Offer Conditions

Harrow College normally runs courses that are offered. However, courses that do not recruit to a satisfactory level may be withdrawn or closed.

Fees and Refunds Policy

HE courses run by Harrow College will be charged annually at competitive local market rates. Fees for 2013/14 are £3,600 and will be fixed at this level for two years for students undertaking a two year course.

If the College cancels a course before it starts you will be given a full refund. If a course closes for any reason the fees for the remaining part of the course will be refunded. If the college receives a written notice of withdrawal from you at least three working days before a course starts you will receive a refund of the tuition fees. (If you enrol within the three days prior to the start of the course you will not be entitled to a refund). Examination fees are non-refundable.