Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Computing for England (HC4C1F)

GCSE English and Maths at A* to C (or equivalent) and a UCAS Tariff score of 48-64 from a full Level 3 qualification such as BTEC, A Level or an Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution in maths, physics, engineering, science, computer science, electronic systems or similar.

All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent. We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications. Mature students with appropriate related industry experience are encouraged to apply.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing is aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals provide a wide-ranging study of the computing sector and is designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in computing.

Students will develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the computing sector at Level 4 through seven core units (mandatory) which include one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment and one further optional units at Level 4. The units are:

Core Units:

• Programming
• Networking
• Professional Practice
• Database Design & Development
• Security
• Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set)
• Software Development Lifecycles

Optional units:

• Website Design & Development

Cisco “CCNAv7” materials are embedded in the BTEC L4 HND in computing programme. The course will also develop a broad range of transferable skills, which include communicating, team work, planning & organising, problem solving, IT skills and numerical techniques.

Students will attend college for 15 hours – over three days. Students are expected to complete approximately 22.5 hours per week of independent study (i.e. on research in LRC and completing assignments).

• 75% classroom-based learning supervised by a tutor
• 20% work-based learning supervised by a tutor
• 5% e-Learning supervised by a tutor in real time, guest speakers and field trips (Optional).

Assessment is through a series of assignments including 95% written assignments, 3% group work, 1% presentations and 1% time-constrained assessments.

The grades in each subject unit are shown as:

• Pass
• Merit
• Distinction.

Please click here for the Course Handbook – containing full course details plus information on:

• Assessment and grading
• College rules and resources.

Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions for our HE students.

UCAS code: I420

For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS has published providers on its Register and HRUC (and HCUC as we were known before Jan 2023) has been registered since 10 December 2018. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.

It’s an exciting time to be a higher education student at HRUC, as alongside your course you also have the opportunity and support to become an HRUC Graduate.

As a higher education student at HRUC you will be able to participate in a range of extra-curricular enrichment opportunities and activities to gain essential employability skills to enable you to become even more work-ready. These are additional skills, over and above your main qualification, that will help you to further develop yourself, increase you knowledge and skills and prepare for university or the workplace.

The great news is that the additional skills you gain will not only make you highly employable but they will be recognised and you will be acknowledged for them!

Find out more here.

The skills offered as part of the Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the computing sector. Previous students have successfully gained employment in the following roles:, IT help desk, Computer Service and Repair Technician, Web Developer, etc.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in computing at Level 4, vendor-accredited certification and Professional Body membership, all of which students can build on and allow students to continue their studies to Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in computing at Level 4, vendor-accredited certification and Professional Body membership, all of which students can build on and allow students to continue their studies to Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing.

All applications for HND courses are through UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service). For an application pack, contact UCAS on 01242 227788 or visit www.ucas.com

For information and advice from the College you can also make an initial application by clicking the Apply Now button. Our Careers Team can provide you with support and advice to help you through the UCAS process.