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Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing

Programme Details:  

Award   Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing  
Award Level Level 5 
Awarding Body   Pearson 
Language of Study English
Fees £6,000 per academic year  
Start Date January 2025  
Study Mode  Full-Time, 2 Years 
Study Mode   Teaching is face-to-face combined with online learning resources available via Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - Moodle. Classes are usually held on our modern and well-equipped Limehouse campus. 

Programme Overview:   

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing offers students five specialist pathways designed to support progression into relevant occupational areas or on to degree-level study. These pathways are linked to Professional Body standards (where appropriate) and can provide professional status and progression to direct employment. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma offers the following specialist pathways for students who wish to concentrate on a particular aspect of Computing: 

  • Software Engineering   
  • Applications Development and Testing   
  • Data Analytics   
  • Network Engineering   
  • Cybersecurity  

There is also a non-specialist ‘General Computing’ pathway, which allows students to complete a Level 5 Higher National Diploma without committing to a particular professional specialism. This offers additional flexibility to providers and students. Holders of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma will have developed a sound understanding of the principles in their field of study and will have learned to apply those principles more widely. They will have learned to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems. They will be able to perform effectively in their chosen field and will have the qualities necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. 

Programme Structure:  

The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 4 and Level 5 qualification made up of 240 credits. It is usually studied full-time over two years. 

Level 4 Units:   

Unit Number  Unit Title Credits
Unit 1 Programming (Core)  15
Unit 2 Networking (Core)   15
Unit 3 Professional Practice (Core)   15
Unit 4 Database Design & Development (Core) 15
Unit 5 Security (Core)   15
Unit 6 Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set) 15
Unit 7 Software Development Lifecycles 15
Unit 11 Strategic Information Systems 15

 Level 5 Units:   

Unit Number  Unit Title Credits
Unit 17 Business Process Support 15
Unit 35 Systems Analysis & Design 15
Unit 39 Network Management  15
Unit 41 Database Management System  30
Unit 16 Computing Research Project (Pearson-set)  15
Unit 39 Network Management 15

Entry Requirements:  

For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:  

  • Holders of the BTEC Level 3 Certificate for Computing  
  • Holders of any local or international qualification deemed to be a similar level to either  
  • Holders of one ‘A’ level or equivalent or an appropriate School Leaver’s certificate deemed to be of a similar level passed and approved by Brit College.  
  • Mature students, able to demonstrate over two years’ relevant work experience and have an ‘O’ Level/GCSE/iGCSE English and Maths or equivalent.  

Our Recognition of Prior Learning policy means that students’ previous learning and experience can be considered, and they may be awarded certain qualifications or units of a qualification based on that learning or experience.   

English Language Requirements:   

  • Applicants applying for all our qualifications, which are taught and assessed entirely in English, need English language skills.  
  • Non-native English speakers who have not carried out their final two years of schooling in English should demonstrate ability at a standard equivalent to:  
  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2  
  • PTE Academic 51, or  
  • IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5)  
  • We assess the level of English as part of the selection process using a written statement and an interview.  

Other Requirements:  

Candidates must have basic ICT knowledge (Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet and Email literacy).  

Career Progression Opportunities: 

After achieving the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can advance their careers by:  

  • Entering new employment  
  • Continuing existing employment  
  • Linking with the appropriate professional body  
  • Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)  
  • Studying at university 

Progression to university: 

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognized by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many computing-related courses, for example: 

  • BSc (Hons) Computing 
  • BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing 
  • BSc (Hons) in Business and Computing. 

Application and Selection Process:   

The application process allows the admissions team to select applicants meeting the above entry qualifications and demonstrate English Language competency. The admissions team will consider applications on a case-by-case basis.  

Stage 1: Submission of the Application Form:   

The applicant should submit an online application form, fill in all the fields, and upload the required documents. The registrar will invite the applicant for an informal interview and a discussion of the rest of the admissions process within one day.  

Stage 2: Submission of the Written Statement:  

Applicants will proceed to the full Interview only after submitting a written 350-400 +/-10% word statement meeting the following basic requirements:  

  • Applicants should submit their written statements no more than one working day after the initial interview. Ideally, the formal interview will follow the submission of the statement subject to time constraints.  
  • The statement must be in the applicant's own words.  
  • All statements must be typed using Microsoft Word and must not contain any pictures or any comments copied from other sources.  

Please contact us for full details of the requirements and guidelines for preparing the statement.   

Stage 3: Interview Stage:  

Academic staff will mark the statements on the day or within one working day of their submission.  

Stage 4: Offers of Places:  

Prospective students who succeed at the Interview receive conditional offers of places no more than 24 hours after the Interview and should confirm their acceptance within seven days.  

Applicants will be informed of any significant changes to the course that occur during the application process.  

The admissions team will inform all successful applicants about the times and arrangements for enrolment, registration and induction.  

Stage 5: Enrolment and Induction:   

Once tuition fees are approved/paid, student enrolment onto the course and induction occur before students begin their studies. 

 

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