Computing - Software Engineering
The HND in Computing (specialising in Software Engineering) has been designed to help you develop the skills you need to start your career in the software engineering field, whether you are interested in Software Development, Cyber Security, Data Analytics or Business Process Support, this course will give you an excellent start on your chosen career path. You will be taught by highly experienced staff in our computing labs which come fully equipped with industry standard hardware and software. You will also be given opportunities to gain additional industry qualifications, such as Microsoft Office Specialist qualifications.
| Award Name | BTEC Higher National Diploma at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Pearson |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTEC Higher National Diploma at UK Level 5 | Pearson |
Duration
2 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Higher Education Entry Criteria
Each Higher Education programme has its own distinctive entry requirements. This is set as a minimum UCAS points for entry. On some programmes, applicants must also hold subject specific qualifications to gain a place. Therefore, it is essential that you check entry requirements for each programme you are applying for. Please note, these are qualifications that applicants must have completed and certified to gain entry onto the respective programmes.
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in both English Language and Mathematics. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number and Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths and English.
We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.
Please also note: The College reserves the right to increase the entry requirements for all Higher Education provision based on demand and required academic standards, as specified by the Awarding Body/validating organisation.
Applicants applying to programmes validated by university partners (UU, QUB and OU) who hold international qualifications must provide certificates to determine equivalence before an offer can be made.
80 tariff points. You should also have minimum Grade C in GCSE English (or equivalent) and Grade C in GCSE Maths or equivalent.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Careers / Further progression
Careers
This qualification will equip you with the technical skills, knowledge and experience of industry-relevant software for a career as an IT professional. Students completing the course may progress to employment in industry, or gain admission to the first/second year of university honours degree courses.
For students who have satisfactorily completed the HND Computing at Belfast Met, the course can lead to Year 2 at Queen's University Belfast for the courses:
- BEng (Hons) Software Engineering with Professional Experience
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Professional Experience
- BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Technology with Professional Experience
Possible jobs are: Software Developer, Web Developer, Software Tester, Cyber Security Engineer, Data Analyst, IT Systems Administrator. Our courses will get you ready to kickstart your career in the exciting world of IT and Software Engineering!
Further information
Start Date: 02/09/2024. End Date: 31/05/2026.
Millfield
Academic period 2024:
Tuition Fee = £3050.00
Academic period 2025*:
Tuition Fee = £3050.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees for 2024 and 2025 have not been finalised and will be updated as soon as agreed.
Entry Year: 02/09/2024.
How to Apply
Make sure you apply as early as you can to increase your chance of getting onto your first choice course. Remember, you can apply for up to five courses!
Ready to make your application? Please click on "Application Weblink".
Overview
In Northern Ireland, the Software and IT industry has continued to develop at an astonishing rate and there is currently a massive shortfall in the number of skilled Software Engineers and Software Developers. This is predicted to continue. The HND in Computing (specialising in Software Engineering) has been designed to help you develop the skills you need to start your career in the software engineering field, whether you are interested in Software Development, Cyber Security, Data Analytics or Business Process Support, this course will give you an excellent start on your chosen career path. You will be taught by highly experienced staff in our computing labs which come fully equipped with industry standard hardware and software. You will also be given opportunities to gain additional industry qualifications, such as Microsoft Office Specialist qualifications.
Many of the students who graduate from this course will continue their studies at the local Universities or travel further afield to top up to an honours degree. For those who want to go straight into work after successful completion of this course, there are a wide range of opportunities in the local industry.
The course provides a specialist and work-related qualification and prepares students for employment or access to further study. It is based on the needs of students, employersand professional bodies in the regional economy.
The focus of the course is on providing you with skills in software engineering and system support, with security embedded throughout the various units. The course also covers database design & development. You will also cover units in mathematics for computing, focusing on computer related mathematical scenarios.
Year 1
In year 1 you cover key skills in:
Programming
Website Design & Development
Networking
Security
Professional Practice
Planning a Computing project
Database Design & Development
Software Development Lifecycle
Year 2
In year 2 you cover programming, along with specialist units in data processing and forensics:
Internet of Things
Applied Programming and Design Principals
Data Structures and Algorithms
Business Process Support
Forensics
Computing Research Project
Discrete Maths
This programme of study is likely to include enrichment units and professional certifications which are an additional component to enhance your employability.
All units are delivered through the completion of practical exercise. There are no exams, the assessments involve practical exercise, programming tasks, writing report, etc
Contact Us
Tel: 028 9026 5321
Email: creativedigital@belfastmet.ac.uk