THE COURSE
The course is two years full time. The BTEC Higher National Diplomas in Computing are 16-unit qualifications of which six are core units and two are specialist units block A.

The remaining eight units must be taken from a selected range within the specialist units block B. The BTEC Higher National Diploma programme must contain a minimum of eight units designated at H2 level Teaching takes place at the Hub site. The course is run over 4 semesters.

Core units
1 Computer Platforms H1
2 Systems Analysis H2
3 Programming Concepts H1
4 Database Design Concepts H1
5 Networking Concepts H1
6 Personal Skills Development H1

Specialist units block A
9 Networking Project H2
12 Networking Technology H2

Specialist units block B
7 Quality Systems H2
13 Data Analysis and Design H2
14 Management in IT H1
15 End-User Support H1
20 Internet Server Management H2
21 Work Experience H1
23 Project Management H2
24 e-Business Strategy H2
28 Professional Development H1
29 Knowledge Systems H2
31 Networking Infrastructure H2
33 Formal Methods H2
34 Supporting NOS and OS H2

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• A BTEC National Certificate or Diploma for IT Practitioners, in Business Studies, e-Business, or a similar discipline.
• An AVCE/Applied GCE in an appropriate vocational area (eg in ICT or Business) or a similar discipline.
• A GCE A Level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at level A-C.
• Other related level 3 qualifications.
• An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution.
• Related work experience.

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

SELECTION PROCESS
All applicants will be invited to attend either an information and advice day or informal interview. At both there will be an opportunity to meet current diplomats and view the IT and college facilities.

CAREER PROSPECTS
Subject to appropriate grades, diplomats may transfer directly on to the BSc (Honours) Computing course awarded by University of East London. This is a one year full-time degree course. Alternatively, diplomats may look for trainee management positions in both the public and private sector where there is a shortage of people with both technical and business skills.