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HNC Computing for England (General) (HTQ) Flexible Learning

Level 1 Diploma

Course Location

College

Stockport College

Location

Online

Further Details

Age

University level

Department

Computing

Course Start Date

Monday 14th September 2026

Course Duration

Part-time, 2 Years

Course Time

00:00:00 - 00:00:00

Course Fee

£ 3500.00

Course Code

SPQ-HI4H-1400

Course Overview

This Higher Technical Qualification provides a broad and practical foundation in computing while giving you the flexibility to study in a way that fits around work, family, and other commitments. Delivered through a blended model, the course combines one evening of on-campus learning each week with additional remote, part-time study, allowing you to progress your qualifications without putting your life on hold.

The programme prepares you for employment in the digital and technology sector or progression to a Level 5 HND top-up, appealing to those who want a wide-ranging understanding of computing rather than specialising too early. It combines theory with hands-on practical learning, ensuring students develop both technical competence and professional skills.

You will explore core and specialist areas that reflect current industry needs, including programming, networking, cyber security, databases, project management, and emerging digital technologies. Teaching is delivered through a mix of live evening sessions, practical workshops, supervised labs, and online learning activities, giving you the structure of real-time teaching with the freedom to study independently at your own pace. The qualification is industry-informed and employer-focused, mapped to national occupational standards and designed to enhance employability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

This flexible approach makes the course ideal for learners who want to upskill, retrain, or progress their career while maintaining their existing commitments.

Course Requirements

Whilst applications are considered on an individual basis, they are usually based on a requirement to have 64 UCAS points from either:

A level 3 vocational qualification, GCE A levels or an Access to Higher Education Diploma

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or above.

Mature students with relevant experience and/or professional qualifications are welcome to apply and may be invited to interview.

What you will Learn

Studying part-time through a blended model gives you the freedom to build strong technical and professional computing skills while fitting your learning around work, family, and other commitments. Across the two-year programme, you will develop a solid foundation in core computing principles and practical skills, gaining confidence through a mix of live evening sessions and flexible online study. You will develop a strong foundation in core computing principles and practical technical skills and learn to design, write and test programs using industry-relevant tools.

You will explore how modern computing systems are designed, managed, and secured, building knowledge in programming, networking, databases, operating systems, and cyber security. The original document highlights that you will learn how data is stored and managed, how networks support communication, and how operating systems enable hardware and software to work effectively together. Cyber security remains a key theme, helping you understand threats, risks, and protection methods relevant to today’s digital landscape. Alongside technical development, you will strengthen your professional and project-based skills. You will learn how to plan and deliver computing projects, conduct research, and support business processes through digital solutions.

The flexible structure means you can progress at a steady, manageable pace while building a portfolio of applied work. As the course notes, you will also develop communication, teamwork, presentation, and reflective practice skills, ensuring you are ready to move into employment or continue your studies.

Assessment

Students are continuously assessed using a variety of methods including reports, presentations, practical workshops, labs, portfolios and evidence.

Progression

On completion, you may progress to Level 5 HND top-up and then a Level 6 top up degree including those that we offer, validated by Sheffield Hallam University:

BSc (Hons) Computing (Software Engineering) top up
BSc (Hons) Computing (Cyber Security) top up
BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence top-up

Career Options

On completion, you may consider roles such as:

Data analyst
Software tester
Junior software developer
Cyber security analyst
Junior network engineer
Application support analyst

Mandatory Units

Programming
Networking
Professional Practice
Database Design & Development
Security
Planning a Computing Project
Software Development Lifecycles
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems

Contact Details

Extra Costs Involved

Exam Validation Body

Pearson Education Ltd

Hours Per Week

Flexible learning, 3 hours evening weekly plus independent online study over 2 years

How Long To Complete

2 years flexible learning

Programme Structure

Contact Details

For further information please email HEenquiries@tcg.ac.uk

Disclaimer

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.
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