Computing - Software & 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.
| 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.
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
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.
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.
Careers / Further progression
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.
Further information
Start Date: 02/09/2024.
Bangor Campus
Lisburn Campus
Downpatrick Campus
Bangor 20+. Downpatrick, Lisburn 18.
£2850.
Year: 2024/25.
Applications are now open for 2024.
Visit apply.serc.ac.uk and apply online (see "Application Weblink").
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.
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).
This programme is based on a hybrid learning model with a focus on face-to-face delivery.
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.
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.
South Eastern Regional College
Bangor Campus
Castle Park Road
Co Down
BT20 4TD
Email: info@serc.ac.uk
Phone: 0345 600 7555
South Eastern Regional College
Lisburn Campus
Castle Street
Lisburn
Co Antrim
BT27 4SU
Email: info@serc.ac.uk
Phone: 0345 600 7555
South Eastern Regional College
Downpatrick Campus
Market Street
Downpatrick
Co Down
BT30 6LZ
Email:info@serc.ac.uk
Phone: 0345 600 7555