Structure of Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing:

  • Requires 240 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 5 (7 units) and 120 credits are at Level 4 (8 units)
  • Total qualification time = 2, 400 hours
  • Total guided learning hours = 960 hours
  • Mix of core, specialist and optional units, totaling 240 credits
  • Optional units are selected to make up the remaining credit value
  • Specialist units can also be selected as optional units for the General pathway, and for any of the specialist pathways
  • Only one specialist unit is permitted to be used as optional from any given specialist pathway.

After HND:

  • A Top-Up Year is a one-year program that allows students who have completed a Higher National Diploma (HND) to continue their education and convert their HND qualification into a full Bachelor’s degree (e.g., a BA or BSc). This year typically focuses on more advanced, specialized academic study, and includes independent research or a capstone project, preparing students for higher-level roles in their field or further studies.
  • Here’s an outline of what the Top-Up Year typically involves:
  • 1. Eligibility: Completion of HND: To qualify for a Top-Up Year, you must have successfully completed an HND in a related field.