Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing
The Higher Level Apprenticeship allows you to gain certification while working for a local company, requiring attendance at college one day per week.
You will complete a Foundation Degree in Computing along with work related qualifications over a three-year period. The Foundation Degree in Computing aims to develop industry current skills to ensure that the future needs of the IT sector are fully met.
This programme is based on a hybrid learning model with a focus on face-to-face delivery.
MANDATORY MODULES
Year 1:
- Programming Fundamentals
- Database Design and Development
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Computer Technologies
Year 2:
- Mathematics for Computing
- Web Development
- Cyber Security
- Event Driven Programming
Year 3:
- Mobile Development
- UX Design
- Work-based learning (40 credits)
This course may grant you privileges as an Associate student of Ulster University and you may have access to a number of University services and facilities, including membership to the Ulster University sports centre and access to physical and online library materials. To find out more visit UU Associate Student
Typically, weekly contact hours are scheduled for a minimum of 7 hours per week per semester.
Student workload usually includes 2 to 5 assessments (which may contain a combination of coursework, class tests, practical assessments and/or examination) per module.
General Entry Requirements
The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme.
Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.
You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.
Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.
GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements
• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
AND
• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
AND
• 2 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
Course Entry Requirements
A minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points including:
• GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile CC
OR
• [RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in with overall award profile MPP
OR
• [RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma with overall award profile MM
OR
• Access to HE Diploma (NI): 45% overall and 45% in level 2 Access Mathematics.
OR
• An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.
International Students
English Language Requirements International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:
- IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
- PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
- Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test
For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk
Higher Level Apprenticeship Eligibility
To be eligible for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), in addition to the entry requirements identified above, you need to:
- be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, allowing you to gain appropriate industrial experience, with a Northern Ireland based company (does not include public sector) who is willing to support you as an HLA candidate,
- work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training),
- be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.
Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, project based learning, presentations, practical assessments and class tests. This is dependent on the requirements of each module of study. Both oral and written feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
The course provides the opportunity to undertake employment within the computing industry whilst completing the Foundation Degree in Computing. This will enable you to gain industry experience at the same time as completing your academic qualification.
You will learn transferrable skills such as communication, organisational skills, problem solving and critical thinking which will help you to apply to relevant jobs within the computing industry. The programme is designed to facilitate your development of a range of graduate qualities that are highly valued in the workplace. Throughout the course, industry standard software and equipment is utilised with a focus on the core industrial skills required for the computing industry.
Enquiries Information
For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.
Available Sessions
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Start New EnquiryTerms & Conditions
Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.
We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.
In addition to the above Terms & Conditions students must also adhere to the following:Students are required to:
- To have employment within the IT sector
- Comply with College Policies and procedures
- Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates, coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted
- Pass all modules in each year of study in order to proceed to the next year of the programme. *The minimum overall pass mark of 40% is required to be achieved in all modules.
Higher Education
If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.
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