Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (603/0471/6)
Overview
In Northern Ireland, the Software and IT industry has continued to develop at an astonishing rate and there is currently a massive shortfall in the number of skilled Software Engineers and Software Developers. This is predicted to continue. The HND in Computing (specialising in Software Engineering) has been designed to help you develop the skills you need to start your career in the software engineering field, whether you are interested in Software Development, Cyber Security, Data Analytics or Business Process Support, this course will give you an excellent start on your chosen career path. You will be taught by highly experienced staff in our computing labs which come fully equipped with industry standard hardware and software.
Many of the students who graduate from this course will continue their studies at the local Universities or travel further afield to top up to an honour’s degree. For those who want to go straight into work after successful completion of this course, there are a wide range of opportunities in the local industry.
The course provides a specialist and work-related qualification and prepares students for employment or access to further study. It is based on the needs of students, employers, and professional bodies in the regional economy.
The focus of the course is on providing you with skills in software engineering and system support, with security embedded throughout the various units. The course also covers database design & development. You will also cover units in mathematics for computing, focusing on computer related mathematical scenarios.
Year 1
In year 1 you cover key skills in:
- Programming
- Website Design & Development
- Networking
- Security
- Professional Practice
- Planning a Computing project
- Database Design & Development
- Software Development Lifecycle
Year 2
In year 2 you cover programming, along with specialist units in data processing and forensics.
- Architecture
- Applied Programming and Design Principals
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Business Process Support
- Forensics
- Computing Research Project
- Discrete Maths
This programme of study is likely to include enrichment units and professional certifications which are an additional component to enhance your employability.
Please read our Terms and Conditions before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses.
For more information on this course, please check out the below video.
64 tariff points. You should also have minimum Grade C in GCSE English (or equivalent) and Grade C in GCSE Maths or equivalent.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Academic period 2027*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
All units are delivered through the completion of practical exercise. There are no exams, the assessments involve practical exercise, programming tasks, writing report, etc.
Careers
This qualification will equip you with the technical skills, knowledge and experience of industry-relevant software for a career as an IT professional.
Students completing the course may progress to employment in industry, or gain admission to the first/second year of university honours degree courses.
For students who have satisfactorily completed the HND Computing at Belfast Met, the course can lead to Year 2 at Queen's University Belfast for the courses:
BEng (Hons) Software Engineering with Placement
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Professional Experience
BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Technology with Professional Experience
Possible jobs are: Software Developer, Web Developer, Software Tester, Cyber Security Engineer, Data Analyst, IT Systems Administrator. Our courses will get you ready to kickstart your career in the exciting world of IT and Software Engineering!
Interests
- Computing
- Problem Solving
- Technology
- Design
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