HNC in Computing for England (Network Engineering) (HTQ) - 1st Year

Mode of study

Full Time

Start date

08/09/2025

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission into the program, applicants should meet the following criteria: 1. Educational Qualifications: ' Possess an A Level 3 qualification in a subject related to the industry. ' Alternatively, have completed two A levels in science or technology subjects 2. GCSE Passes: ' Possess GCSE passes in English and Maths, specifically on the Higher paper. 3. Mature applicants without formal qualifications, but with evidence of sufficient, relevant industrial experience will be considered. You will also be required to attend an interview with the Course Leader. Please note that meeting these entry criteria will be essential for consideration into the programme

Teaching staff

Oaklands College has a team of highly qualified ICT teachers. All are experts in Microsoft software, as well as networking, programming and hardware installation. Most have come from the ICT and business industry and have a wealth of experience to share with you. They are supportive and motivational tutors who will do their best to make your time at Oaklands enjoyable, interesting and an excellent learning experience. You will also receive support in finding employment or a university place of your choosing.

Course Code

HTQCPA1F/1

Duration

2-Year

Location

Welwyn Garden City Campus

Awarding body

Pearson Education Ltd (Formerly EDEXCEL)

Assessment

Candidates are assessed by a variety of methods, including case studies, assignments, presentations and work-based projects. You will be provided with details of the assignment requirements for each Unit. Students will be encouraged to engage with personal and professional development, gaining formative feedback on progress towards Unit outcomes, and developing knowledge and competence in the discipline. Summative assessment is mainly through coursework. Students will evidence their progress through written academic essays and reports, or practical activities, which will vary according to each individual Unit assessment requirements. Each Unit will carry more than one assessment task in order to meet the learning outcomes and criteria for the Unit as a whole. There are no summative written exams for this course, however in some Units, your knowledge may be formatively assessed through in class tests.

About the course

The course will give you a comprehensive overview and thorough grounding in the main areas of modern computing, providing you with the practical skills required in this competitive international commercial environment. Network Engineering: The BTEC Level 4 & 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Network Engineering provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Network Engineering concepts and skills. The programme is structured to prepare students for careers in the field of network engineering, which involves designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Computer Networks.

Career options

On successful completion of this course, students may progress onto studies at Level 6 at another Institution.

Successful completion of your chosen course could lead onto a higher level course, university or into employment.

Potential careers:

Computer Games Designer
Computer Hardware Engineer
Database Administrator
Interactive Media Designer
IT Product Developer
IT Trainer
Network Manager
Software Developer/ Programmer
Systems Analyst
Technical Support Person
Web Designer/ Developer

Course Content - What will I learn?

Year 1 - The BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Computing for England builds underpinning core skills effectively, preparing students for further subject specialisation at Level 5. They will gain a wide range of sector knowledge that is tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios.. Year 2 - level 5 units help you move on to specific areas of knowledge and skills at Level 6 or to enter employment with the qualities and abilities necessary for roles that require personal responsibility and decision making. By the end of the second stage (level 5), you should have a sound understanding of the principles in your area of specialist study and will know how to apply those principles more widely in the business world. YEAR 1: - Programming - Networking - Professional Practice - Database Design & Development - Security - Planning a Computing Project Planning a Computing Project - Computer Systems Architecture - Plus 1 additional Module Year 2: - 16: Computing Research Project - 17: Business Process Support - 27: Transport Network Design - 28: Cloud Computing - 29: Network Security - Plus 2 additional Modules

There are no additional costs but use of a laptop would be useful (optional).

Please contact us to find out if you require any specific equipment for this particular course.

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