Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing 

240 credits 

Whittingham Road Campus

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing is a Level 5 vocational qualification. Successful completion can help your career and academic development in several ways:

• Entering employment
• Continuing existing employment
• Linking with the appropriate vendor accredited certificates
• Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Progressing to university to complete a ‘top-up’ degree

A BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) is equivalent to the second year of a full university degree. However, BTECs focus on learning by doing and that means you will put what you learn into practice right away.

You will work on a series of assignments set in real-life scenarios throughout the course, which will help you develop the practical knowledge and skills employers and universities are looking for.

Full Time: One Year

Part Time: Two Years

The HND general pathway contains the following Level 5 compulsory modules:

Unit 16 – Computing Research Project (Pearson-set) (30 credits)

Unit 17 – Business Process Support (15 credits)

Unit 22 – Application Development (15 credits)

Unit 29 – Network Security (15 credits)

Unit 35 – Systems Analysis & Design (15 credits)

Unit 37 – Architecture (15 credits)

Unit 43 – Games Development (15 credits)

*optional units are subject to change

Full Time and Part Time available for 2024 entry:

• You will attend College two days per week (FT) or one day per week (PT) where you will participate in a range of activities, including lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, group work, presentations, and practical activities.
• A range of resources are available including books and journals from the Learning Resource Centre on Campus, as well as online learning materials posted on the college virtual learning environment and a range of open source software.

There are no exams. You will engage in a range of learning and assessment styles and be encouraged to become effective and independent in researching and presenting individual and group work.

Work-based assignments are encouraged. Apprentices and others in employment are encouraged to engage with their own practice and to share knowledge and expertise with others through activities such as group work and presentations.

Example modes of assessments include: written assignments, presentations, case studies, reflective portfolio entries, problem-based learning, reflective journals, seminars, independent studies, workplace investigations, self-evaluation/needs analysis, evaluations, literature critiques.

Full-time students should apply via UCAS Apply, using the UCAS code: B404

• Click here to watch a video on how to use UCAS Apply 

If your qualification(s) are not listed, please contact Halesowen College’s Admissions Team for further guidance on 0121 602 7607.

48 UCAS points

A Level 3 vocational qualification in a relevant subject at grade PPP or above, or 1 A Level with one in a related area

This profile should be supported by GCSE grades A* to C (9 – 4) in Maths and English Language.

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

Applicants are expected to have previously achieved the HNC in this subject

September 2025

September 2025 course timetable to be confirmed

September 2025 course timetable to be confirmed

Full Time: B40004

Part Time: B70037A

Full Time and Part Time available for Autumn 2025 entry