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Computing Higher National Certificate

Computing Higher National Certificate

Level 4
Cheltenham

Course Overview

Full Time
Certificate
Shortlist and Apply

The HNC in Computing, awarding body Pearson Educational Ltd. is based at our Cheltenham Campus. The course provides a solid grounding in Computing, vendor-accredited qualifications and professional body membership.


The course has been designed to equip you with all you need to establish or further your career in IT and Computing. You will be studying a range of topics spanning security, programming and networking. This nationally recognised qualification offers direct progression into our Higher National Diploma following the successful completion of this first year. The HND offers the opportunity for you to specialise in your chosen field, with a choice of three pathways software engineering, cyber security and network engineering.


The emphasis in teaching on the HNC is to use a mixture of practical and theoretical assignment briefs so that you can develop your chosen skills. Where possible we use ‘live’ scenarios and topics, including those provided by local businesses. The College offers excellent Computing resources, including our own departmental network and a wide range of professional software and hardware resources.

What will I study?
· Programming
· Web design
· Networking
· Professional Practice
· Database Design and Development
· Security
· Managing a successful computing project

And 2 optional from
· Software Development Lifecycles
· Data Analytics
· Strategic Information Systems
· Artificial Inteligence
· The exact combination of Units delivered can be discussed with students in the application stage.
· (This list is not exhaustive)

Please enquire for further information.


If you need information about a loan for your fees and other related information, try The Student Loan Company www.slc.co.uk/services/higher-education.aspx Fees quoted on Gloscol website page are per year of study.


Please be aware we do require you to apply via UCAS https://www.ucas.com/apply .

Information you will need to complete your UCAS application is as follows:

UCAS code for HNC Computing & Systems Development is ITHC.

UCAS institution code for Gloucestershire College is G45

Please see Gloucestershire College’s Admissions Policy and Code of Practice available at http://www.gloscol.ac.uk/about-us-and-jobs-at-gc/partnerships-and-governance/governance/policies (subject to agreed amendments).  Gloucestershire College’s Admissions Policy and Code of Practice has been written based on guidance from external bodies that regulate consumer law, customer protection and education standards.  If you have any queries about either Gloucestershire College’s Admissions Policy or Code of Practice, please contact Gloucestershire College’s Admissions department via telephone 0345 155 2020 or applications@gloscol.ac.uk .

Please note that modules could be subject to change but any such changes, to module delivery, would be in consultation with the students.

  • Course Entry Point: Year 1

    Typical Offers

    • 48 UCAS tariff points:

      • A Levels at grade DD
      • BTEC National at grade PPP
      • T Level at grade P (D or E)
      • Access to Higher Education at grade P45
      • Advanced Apprenticeship

    Course Entry Point: Year 2 (Direct Entry)

    Typical Offers

    • Higher National Certificate PASS (120 Credits) in a comparable and relevant subject

    GCSE Maths and English Requirements

    To study Higher Education at Gloucestershire College, normally applicants will be required to have GCSE English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or above or have comparable/equivalent qualifications.

    English Language Requirements

    If English isn’t an applicant's first language they will be required to have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 across all components. The College also accepts a range of international English qualifications and English language tests that demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency.

    Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements.

    Applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion.

    All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.

Shortlist and Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply
Computing Higher National Certificate

What You Will Pay

British and European Union students

You will pay

£7,400

for your course

When you enrol you’ll need to pay any course fees for the first year, which you can do by direct debit, cash, debit card or credit card.

Please contact us for more information.

0345 155 2020

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply

Overseas students

Please contact us to discuss your fees for this course

0345 155 2020

There is little left in our modern lives that isn’t affected by computers and technology. You’ll find computing at the centre of almost all businesses and, as a result, employment opportunities within the sector are huge.

We offer a range of qualifications that support a variety of interesting careers, from games and apps development, through to forensic computing and cyber security. Our industry-experienced lecturers will give you the knowledge and skills you need to develop your own computing competency, in an area that interests you.

A computing course is an ideal route to employment, or to progress on to higher-level qualifications at GC or university. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment and software, including a dedicated network for computing students, so that you can get familiar with the latest technology and prepare for the systems you’ll use in the business world.

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Amelia Thomas

I studied at Wyedean School and Sixth Form where I took History, Maths, Computer Science and Physics for A Levels. My interest in cyber was sparked when I went on a CyberFirst Advanced residential course which I loved, so thought why not pursue cyber security as a career choice! If you have an interest in IT and problem solving, then definitely consider studying cyber.

Amelia Thomas

DIGITAL FORENSICS AND CYBER SECURITY, HND

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Matt Dee

Studying at Gloucestershire College was one of the best decisions I have made in terms of my education and setting me up for my future career. It’s made me realise what field I would like to go into.

Matt Dee

HND (Level 5), Digital Forensics and Cyber Security

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Taylor Watson

I feel like if you’re a student who feels ready to work, or someone who wants to learn more than you can at school, I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship; I can only praise how quickly it’s enabled me to evolve as a person and in my career.

Taylor Watson

CYBER SECURITY, DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP

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