Computing – Higher National Certificate (HNC)

The one-year Higher National Certificate in Computing for England is aimed at students wanting to continue their education at university-level through applied learning. It is designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in the computing sector and provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that are essential for success.

The course develops students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet both the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualification aims to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake it.

Students gain a thorough grounding in computing principles at Level 4 relating to professions within the computing sector and are prepared to continue their studies at level 5. The delivery of the course has been designed so that where possible industry led courses such as CISCO and Oracle can be included.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

HNC Computing for England Programme Handbook (2024/25)

This programme is delivered through in-person teaching. Should government guidance or public heath advice change in-year, students will be able to continue their studies with a blend of in-person and remote learning, supported by additional safety measures on campus.

Modules studied:

• Programming
• Networking
• Professional Practice
• Database Design and Development
• Security
• Planning a Computing Project
• Software Development Cycles
• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligence Systems

How will I be taught?

Knowledge and understanding will be acquired through the following range of approaches to module delivery:

• Work related and work-based learning
• Mixed modes of delivery
• Tutor-led learning (lectures, with student interaction/discussion, class exercises and group work, as appropriate to the topic)
• Tutor-led workshops (practical sessions with student interaction)
• Self-managed learning/research (outside timetabled sessions)
• VLE delivery and support (learning materials, exercises and reference documents are made available as well as means of communication between students, tutors and support staff)
• IT and software available on campus as learning tools
• Self-directed learning using programming material via the VLE
• Mentoring sessions (one-to-one with the tutor)
• Learning logs (in paper or electronic form, e.g. blogs)
• Supported learning and resources available via the LRC
• A learner support unit for students with particular educational needs.

How will I be assessed?

The programme is assessed through submission of written reports and practical solutions such as programming, database development and web applications.

Formative assessment is primarily developmental in nature and is designed to give feedback to students on their performance and progress, with support. Feedback will be given on formal coursework submissions to enable you to learn and develop throughout the course. This will include feedback on draft or formative assessment work at least once per assignment for each of the modules.

Summative assessment is given where students are provided with the assignment grades contributing towards the overall unit grade.

Who is the course intended for?

This course is aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. It will provide a wide-ranging study of the computing sector and is designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in computing. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of the computing sector, it will give you the experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare you for further study or training.

Additional Costs

Students may be required to purchase their own materials for any specialist projects they undertake as part of the course.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.

Qualifications

The delivery of the course has been designed so that where possible industry led courses such as CISCO and Oracle can be included.

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.