HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cloud Networking)

After completing the course the student will be able to:

In the Pearson Edexcel suite of HND/HNC, the difference in intended learning outcomes between level 5 (HND) and level 4 (HNC) is in the number of credits to be obtained, i.e. quantitative rather than qualitative.

Teaching & Learning

Learners must achieve a minimum of 240 credits to be awarded level 5 HND. The learning and teaching strategy for the course is explicitly designed to contribute to achieving intended learning outcomes clearly expressed at the programme and module levels. The general approach to the learning process for most modules involves:

Due to the wide variety of modules included in this programme, different approaches may be adopted that are appropriate for a particular module. At the start of each module, tutors will provide a work scheme detailing the module structure, assessment, and learning and teaching approaches to be adopted. The college uses a Virtual Learning Environment named Moodle, through which the students can access lecture notes and engage with staff and other students.

Assessment:

BTEC Higher Nationals in Digital Technologies are assessed using a combination of internally assessed Centre-devised internal assignments (set and marked by Centres). Student achievement in assessment in all units is graded as ‘Pass,’ ‘Merit,’ or ‘Distinction’. The assessments are based on assignments, presentations, case studies, and role plays. The student’s work is marked and internally verified by the College. An External Examiner from Pearson checks procedures and results at least once a year, and the grades are final only after this verification. Pearson assignments are mandatory and target particular industry-specific skills. The number and value of these units are dependent on qualification size:

Assessment Decisions through Applying Unit-based Criteria

Assessment decisions for BTEC Higher Nationals are based on the specific criteria given in each unit and set at each grade level. The criteria for each unit have been defined according to a framework to ensure that standards are consistent in the qualification and across the suite as a whole. The way in which individual units are written provides a balance of assessment of understanding, practical skills, and vocational attributes appropriate to the purpose of the qualifications. Assessors must show how they have reached their decisions using the criteria in the assessment records. When a student has completed all the unit assessments, the assessment team will give a grade for the unit. This is given simply according to the highest level for which the student is judged to have met all the criteria. Therefore:

The award of a Pass is a defined level of performance and cannot be given solely on the basis of a student completing assignments. Students who do not satisfy the Pass criteria should be reported as Unclassified.

Entry Requirements

Pearson sets no formal admission requirements. According to them, the College is responsible for ensuring that prospective students have a reasonable chance of success in the programme.

As per Pearson’s guidance, the College recruits students with strong academic achievement from all educational backgrounds.

The general admission criteria are likely to be the following:

• a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Computing, Business or Creative Digital Media Production.
• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as Maths and English
• A-level pass or equivalent or BTEC level-3 qualifications in business
• Other related level-3 qualifications
• An Access to a Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
• relevant work experience supported with valid evidence justifying work experience, a CV, and a letter of employment, is required. The prospective student is also required to complete the Enhanced Form, which will provide the prospective student with an opportunity to discuss work experience in detail.
• an international equivalent to the above qualifications.
• Where the prospective student does not have a level 3 qualification from the UK, the candidate has to meet the English language requirements set by Pearson, including IELTS 5.5 or PTE 51 or CEFR B2.

In addition to the above, candidates must pass an admission interview.

The College may wish to consider applicants’ prior learning when considering their acceptance on a Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals, through Recognition of Prior Learning.

English Language Requirements for International Students

International (Tier-4) students must show proof of English-language competence through success in an English test or background approved by the Home Office. They should have CEFR B2 level and above in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. European Union students should also have good exam results or a background in English.

Restrictions on Learner Entry:

The Edexcel BTEC Higher National qualifications are accredited on RQF for learners aged 18 years and over. New intakes are available each January/April/September.

Total Course Duration

2 years comprising of a total of 6 semesters. Each year will have 3 semesters. Each semester, there will be teaching on 3 different days and the days can be different from one semester to another. The class timings for morning classes, normally, are 9:30 am to 2:00 pm and for evening classes, there are 6:00 pm to 9:45 pm. All classes are face-to-face in Mont Rose House.