Pearson BTEC HND in Computing (Software and Games Development)

The purpose of the BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing is to enable students to develop industry current skills, to ensure that the future needs of the rapidly evolving IT sector are fully met. This qualification will provide you with knowledge and practical experience in programming, networking, database design and development as well as other core skills required for employment within the computing industry.



Academic Year: 2023/24

Course Code: 10622

Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn

Study Type: Full-Time

Education Level Higher Education

Sessions

The following sessions are open for application on this course:

Campus & Course Type Start
Full-Time
Bangor
04/09/2023
Full-Time
Downpatrick
04/09/2023
Full-Time
Lisburn
04/09/2023

Course Structure

The qualification aims to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake it.

This is achieved by providing a broad range of core computing principles in year 1 and a range of specialist units in year 2.

On completion of this course you will be certificated with a BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (General).

Modules studied in year 1 include:

  • Programming
  • Networking
  • Professional Practice
  • Database Design & Development
  • Security
  • Planning a Computing Project
  • Software Development Lifecycles
  • Maths for Computing

Modules studied in year 2 include:

  • Computing Research Project
  • Business Process Support
  • User Experience & Interface Design
  • Games Development
  • Internet of Things
  • Virtual & Augmented Reality Development
  • Data Structures & Algorithms

In addition to the above units, you will also work towards a professional/personal development qualification and will be involved in a range of activities designed to improve employability within the IT sector.

Please note, course fees are payable on each year of the Programme.

Contact Hours

15 hours contact time to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials.

Mandatory Additional Study

Maximum of 3 hours per week average over the academic year.

Personal Study

22 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, including use of online materials.

Entry Requirements

GCSE English

  • GCSE English Language Grade C or above OR Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy

GCSE Maths

  • GCSE Mathematics Grade C or above OR Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy

2 Additional GCSE’s

  • In addition to Maths and English, two additional GCSE’s at Grade C or above are required

UCAS

 

A minimum of 64 UCAS points including:

  • A level’s (2 C’s minimum) 

OR

  • (RQF from 2016) Level 3 National Diploma (MM minimum)

OR

  • (RQF from 2016) Level 3 Extended Diploma (MPP minimum) 

Access Diploma

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with an overall average of 45+%

English Language Requirements for International students:

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
  • IELTS 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • PTE 51 Or an approved equivalent test in English

Equivalent qualifications include:

  • Grade C (or above) in GCSE English
  • Successful completion of a Level 3 Vocational Programme with assessments completed in English Language
  • Essential Skills in Literacy (Level 2)
  • ESOL Level 2 

Tier 4 Students: 

  • SERC will only accept a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for issuing a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) 

 Admissions

APEL

  • Provide evidence of ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Further details on APEL can be found in the Admissions Section of our website

How will I be assessed and given feedback?

Assessment is scheduled throughout the course using a combination of assignments and practical work/observations.  Each unit is graded individually with an overall single final grade awarded at the end of the course. 

Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include tests, coursework, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance. 

Where will it take me?
This course is designed to prepare students for a career in the computing industry or progression to related degree programmes, normally at second year of entry.

 

How will it make me more employable?
This course will provide you with the skills to gain employment in the ICT industry or progression to related degree programmes.  The course includes programming using MS Visual Studio.Net (C#), MS SQL Server and Java.  The Industrial Qualification training and Networking Skills included in this course makes it unique in offering the widest possible job opportunities.

Additional Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this programme.

Accreditation
Course and Provider regulated by Pearson.
Terms & 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.

Available Sessions Summary

The following sessions are open for application on this course:

Campus & Course Type Start
Full-Time
Bangor
04/09/2023
Full-Time
Downpatrick
04/09/2023
Full-Time
Lisburn
04/09/2023

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.

Student Testimonial

Photo of Douglas Robinson
Douglas Robinson
Pearson BTEC HND in Computing (Software and Games Development)
I have gained a lot of knowledge in the practical units but loved the theory too, and how they are both efficiently blended into the course. I liked analysing and creating databases and excel spreadsheets in particular.
Read Full Testimonial
Higher Education

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.

Explore Higher Education
Available Sessions

The following sessions are available to apply for:

Course Type Title Campus Start Spaces Fee
FT
HE
Pearson BTEC HND in Computing (Software and Games Development) (Year 1)
Y10622BF1A
Swipe/Scroll

Bangor

04/09/2023

20+

£2700.00

FT
HE
Pearson BTEC HND in Computing (Software and Games Development) (Year 1)
Y10622DF1A
Swipe/Scroll

Downpatrick

04/09/2023

18

£2700.00

FT
HE
Pearson BTEC HND in Computing (Software and Games Development) (Year 1)
Y10622LF1A
Swipe/Scroll

Lisburn

04/09/2023

18

£2700.00

Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

Customer Enquiries

Need more information or have a question about this course? Send us a message below and we will get in touch.

Start New Enquiry