HNC Computing for England (Network Engineering)

Program Overview

The program includes vendor-accredited certifications, industry expert events, and field trips, preparing graduates for careers as IT Network Professionals and beyond.

Program Outline

The objective is to equip students with a sound knowledge of foundational computer network concepts, including hands-on practical experience. The program aims to develop students' communication skills and instill qualities necessary for employment requiring personal responsibility. Beyond technical skills, it focuses on transferable skills such as teamwork, independent initiative, problem-solving, adaptability, resilience under pressure, and meeting challenging targets. The course prepares students for various computing careers, including network engineering, software engineering, data analytics, security, intelligent systems, applications development, and testing. Opportunities for vendor-accredited certifications are also available. The program includes a series of events featuring industry experts, visiting academics, and alumni talks.

Outline:

The program covers the following topics: principles and practices of the contemporary global computing environment; organizations, their diverse nature, purposes, structures, and operations, and their influence on the external environment; CPD, staff development, leadership, and reflective practice; computing and computer applications, software development, networking, and media systems; how technologies interrelate and communicate, support processes, and lead to computerized solutions; programming and coding skills; and client relationship management and developing policies and strategies to meet stakeholder expectations. Specific modules include: Programming, Networking, Professional Practice, Database Design and Development, Security, Planning a Computing Project (Pearson set), Computer Systems Architecture, and Website Design and Development.

Assessment:

Assessment methods may include practical assessments, portfolios of evidence, in-class tests, lab work, case studies, examinations (both open and closed book), reflective activities, online discussions, oral and written reports, journals, blogs, logbooks, plans (e.g., action plans, plans for group activities), presentations, and time-constrained tasks.

Careers:

The program prepares students for careers in IT Network Professionals roles. These professionals design, set up, and maintain computer networks, support users, and troubleshoot problems. The text estimates an annual salary of approximately £39,633 or £16.75 per hour with experience. In Yorkshire and the Humber, there are approximately 1,282 people in this job role, with around 49 vacancies expected annually. An Honours or Bachelor's degree is usually required for this type of position.

Other:

The program includes planned field trips to events such as IPExpo in Manchester, Leeds Tech User Group, Tech Huddle in Manchester, Leeds Digital Job Fair, UK World Skills, JISC Digifest, adding value to the learning experience. The School of Computing runs "Tech Talks" with industry specialists, local employers, and college stakeholders, and holds an annual Student Conference featuring alumni speakers. Transferable skills developed include self-reflection, self-awareness, communication, teamwork, resilience under pressure, and project management. The program is delivered in partnership with an unnamed entity (indicated by blank spaces in the provided image).