HNC Digital Technologies

In a nutshell

This flexible course is intended for students who want an opportunity to follow a specialised route at level 4 gaining the knowledge needed to progress to further, higher education or employment in a specialised area. This is a programme of learning that is designed to meet the skills gaps in the current workforce and build today’s talent to meet an international environment.

The Level 4 units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to digital technologies and to a range of digital technology specialist functions. This develops and strengthens core skills, while preparing students to study specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.

This course is available as part of a Personal Learning Account (PLA). PLA is an initiative from the Welsh Government which offers people the chance to access free, part-time courses with flexible and convenient learning that fits around their existing lifestyle (subject to eligibility).

This course is for...

... anyone aged 19+, living in Wales and in employment. The usual salary limit of £29,534 does not apply to this course.

... taking the next step towards a career in digital technologies.

... those with a passion for working in the digital sector.

Course content

BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies

Course outline:

Unit 1: Professional Practice in the Digital Economy

Unit 2: Innovation and Digital Transformation

Plus 90 credits from the Level 4 Optional Bank

Options may include:

• Networking
• Cyber Security
• Security
• Big Data & Visualisation
• Programming
• Networking in the Cloud
• Cloud Fundamentals
• Database Design & Development
• Software Development Lifecycles
• Data Analytics
• Animation
• Game Development
• Fundamentals of AI & AI Systems
• Website Design & Development
• Management in the Digital Economy
• Project Management

Students will gain a wide range of knowledge tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.

After studying a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of digital technology. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of digital-technology-related business.

Graduates successfully completing the Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts. They will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately, and they will have the qualities needed for employment that requires some degree of personal responsibility. They will have developed a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence and problem-solving strategies. They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to digital technologies, show resilience under pressure, and meet challenging targets within a given resource.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to undertake this course. Applicants will be considered on an individual basis by members of the course team in line with suitability for the course.

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

For learners who have more recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:

• BTEC Level 3 qualification in business
• GCSE Advanced level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCSE subject
• Other related level 3 qualifications
• Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
• Related work experience

Additional information

This course will include formal assessments and may include exams.