Computing & Systems Development HNC/HND - Warrington ...

Programme Handbook Higher National Certificate in Computing and Systems Development

Higher National Diploma in Computing and Systems Development

Course enquiries and applications: e-mail [email protected] Further information: visit our website http://www.warrington.ac.uk/higher_education

Higher National Certificate in Computing and Systems Development Higher National Diploma in Computing and Systems Development The BTEC Level 4 HNCs and BTEC Level 5 HNDs are widely recognised by employers, universities and professional bodies. A Higher National student will develop higher level technical skills and management skills required by employers.

Programme outline The Higher National programmes are designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding underpinning a range of Computing and Systems Development disciplines (such as Web Applications Development, Systems Analysis and Design, Web Design and Procedural Programming ), whilst also developing your research, personal and professional skills. There will be a particular focus on relating theory to the range of practical settings which support the computing and ICT professional at all levels (including data analysts, programmers and system analysts). Aims of the qualification • To equip individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment in the computing industry • Enable progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in computing or a related area • To provide opportunities for specialist study relevant to individual vocations and contexts • Support individuals employed or entering employment in the computing industry • To develop an individual’s ability in the computing industry through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme • Develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enabling earners to make an immediate contribution to employment • To provide flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development in computing and systems development.


The Team Amrinder Romana Having completed a degree in Animation and Special Effects, Amrinder has been involved in lecturing for 7 years across a range of computing courses. Specialising in Computing and Systems Development, he has been working closely with industry specialists to develop and manage computing solutions, whilst building strong professional contacts in Systems and Data Analysis. Amrinder is currently working on a PhD to create an Artificially Intelligent Sports Coach on the Xbox system using the Kinect technology, which is due to be released within the next few years.

Fiona Baxter Having completed a degree in Software Engineering, Fiona has been involved in lecturing for 15 years across a range of IT, Media and Games courses. Specialising in Programming and Networking, she has worked for a company producing IT solutions for the health sector and worked on leading edge technology. Through her years of teaching she has developed industry links with a leading worldwide IT company and has had students undertake work experience for the company. Craig Downey Craig has been teaching in FE for 10 years on the interactive media course and games development course, predominantly teaching graphic design, 3D modelling and animation. His degree is in media communication and he specialised in 3D in films. Prior to this he was working as a graphics designer for several companies in the North West both in house and freelance. This ensures he understands deadlines, time constraints and being creative under pressure which is at the core of the creative media industry sector. His practical skills and experience in the industry is a real benefit to his teaching and he strives to pass on these skills to the students. Simon Rayson Having completed a Master degree in Graphic Design, Simon has been involved in lecturing for 4 years across a range of IT, Media and Games courses. Specialising in Website development and 2D Animation, he has worked for a number of media companies producing online and offline products. In addition to his teaching Simon is the Creative Director of his own web design agency and is an active member of the Chartered Society of Designers the world’s largest design society, through links with industry Simon has introduced live briefs to students ensuring they gain professional experience.


Programme Design

Level

4

Duration

1 year full time or 2 years part time

Qual

Systems and Design

Programming

Research and Personal Development

Employability and Professional Development

Systems Analysis and Design

Data Analysis and Design

Procedural Programming

Computer Systems

Programming Website Design

Object Oriented

Systems Analysis and Design*

Multimedia Design*

Procedural Programming*

Employability and Professional Development*

Computer Systems*

Web Applications Development*

Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation*

Business Skills eCommerce*

Higher National Certificate

3 years part time

5

1 year full time or 2 years part time

Higher National Diploma


Business Skills eCommerce

Summary of selected modules: Business Skills for e-Commerce - enable learners to apply the business skills needed to design an eCommerce solution for an organisation.

Computer Systems - enable learners to understand computer systems and apply theoretical knowledge to practical application when building, configuring and maintaining computer systems.

Employability and Professional Development - provide learners with the opportunity to acquire employability skills required for effective employment and to manage their own personal and professional development.

Systems Analysis and Design - provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to undertake a systems analysis investigation by following a recognised methodology.

Website Design - enable learners to understand the concepts of website design and apply their own creativity in designing and developing interactive websites

Procedural Programming - provide learners with an understanding of the principles of procedural programming and to enable them to design and implement procedural programming solutions.

Object Oriented Programming - provide learners with an understanding of the principles of object oriented programming as an underpinning technological concept in the field of programming, data management and systems development.

Data Analysis and Design - provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, design, query and implement database systems.

Web Applications Development - enable learners to understand the concepts of web applications and apply the skills to develop and test web applications using server-side technologies.


Assessment Assessment activities have been carefully designed in conjunction with employers in the sector to ensure they meet industry needs and relate to professional practice within a range of settings. The assessments are intended to provide maximum opportunities for you to demonstrate the links between theoretical knowledge and understanding and practice. The assessment process will be facilitated via consideration of work-based practical scenarios in addition to reference to your own work-related practical experience, where appropriate. To support this process, there will be a range of assessment methods including written reports, group projects, case studies, practical work and individual research projects. All units will be individually graded as ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a pass grade for the unit, learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications.

Progression Warrington Collegiate is currently developing progression pathways with local Universities to provide an opportunity for students to progress on to Honours Degree programmes. Following completion of the HND (Level 5), you will be eligible to apply for the final year of an Honours programme within Computer and Systems Development and you will be supported in this process by your Personal Tutor as an integral part of your Personal Development plan. Those wishing to complete the HNC (Level 4) will have the option of applying for a place on the 2nd year of a Degree programme.

Additional Information Please read this Programme Handbook in conjunction with the Qualification Handbook and the associated Module Handbooks. The Programme Team hope that you will enjoy studying on the HNC/D in Computing and Systems Development.
