Riverside College Halton

HND Computing

Whether you are already working in IT or would like to gain a higher level qualification to start your career, the HND will allow you to gain leading-edge skills in the field of computing and systems development through a nationally recognized qualification awarded by Pearson.

The HND course has several compulsory core units. These are:

Programming, Networking, Professional Practice, Database Design & Development, Security, Managing a Successful, Computing Project, Computing Research Project, Business Intelligence. The course comprises several optional units such as Strategic Information Systems, Software Development Lifecycles, Robotics, Games Engine & Scripting, Games Design Theory Development, Database Management Systems, Advance Programming.

You will gain industry qualifications and your main course; Adobe accredited centre, BCS Academy, CISCO IT Essentials, and CCNA. You will be taught by industry qualified staff who have worked in a wide variety of areas, each with their own areas of specialization. There will also be varied trips and visits during the course.

The two core units are:

Programming

This unit will introduce you to the core concepts of programming with an introduction to algorithms and the characteristics of programming paradigms. Among the topics included in this unit are an introduction to algorithms, procedural, object-orientated & event-driven programming, security considerations, the integrated development environment, and the debugging process.

Upon completing this unit, you will be able to design and implement algorithms in a chosen language within a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

Managing a Successful Computing Project

This unit aims to allow you to demonstrate the skills required for managing and implementing a project. You will undertake independent research and investigation to carry out and execute a computing project that meets appropriate aims and objectives.

Upon completing this unit, you will have the confidence to engage in decision-making, problem-solving, and research activities using project management skills.

Entry Requirements:

19+ Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in IT and/or Computing A-Level (min 64 UCAS points. GCSE Maths and English C or Level 2 equivalent. Assessment not accepted.

This course will prepare students for employment in a range of computing, e-commerce, project management, game development, multimedia, applications development, networking, and many more.

Upon completing the HND Computing and Systems Development course, you could progress onto a related degree program.