The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing is a two-year, career-focused qualification designed to equip you with the technical skills, professional knowledge, and practical experience needed to thrive in the fast-evolving world of IT and computing. This course is part of the Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) initiative, meaning it's been approved by employers and developed to meet the needs of the modern tech industry.
The Higher National Diploma in Computing with HTQ status in Cyber Security is a two-year higher-level course, equivalent to the second year of a university degree programme. The qualification has a core focus in Cyber Security, Digital Technologies, Networking, Information Security Management, Applied Cryptography in the cloud, Forensics, Emerging Technologies, and the Internet of Things.
Total Credits for HND: 240 credits over 2 years
Year 1 (Level 4): 120 credits
Year 2 (Level 5): 120 credits
Year 1 HTQ (Level 4) Units and Credits
Year 2 HTQ (Level 5) Units and Credits
For further details https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-higher-nationals/computing-for-england-2022.html#/tab-Diploma
The?Higher National Diploma in Computing (Cyber Security) HTQ?is a?two-year full-time course?designed to prepare students for careers in the digital and cyber security sectors.
The course is delivered through a blend of:
This mixed approach ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) Computing for England - Cyber Security HTQ - 120 Credits
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Certificate (HND) in Computing for England - Cyber Security HTQ - 240 Credits
Assessment for this course is based entirely on coursework (100%). You will be evaluated through a variety of methods including written assignments, individual and group projects, and practical tasks. There are 8 units in the first year and 7 units in the second year, each designed to develop your skills and knowledge in key areas of computing and cyber security.
Each unit has clearly defined deadlines to help you manage your workload effectively across multiple subjects. Assignments are graded using standard BTEC grade boundaries: Pass, Merit, and Distinction. Our structured approach to deadlines and assessment is designed to support a productive and well-organised learning environment.
Full-time applications should be submitted via UCAS using the following codes:
Course Code: 006J
Institution Code: S26
Campus Code: Main Site - Blossomfield Campus
Standard offer: 64 UCAS Tariff Points or MPP profile preferably in a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.
A Levels: CC preferably in a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.
T-Levels: Pass with (D or E on the Core) preferably i in a relevant subject area to the subject qualification
BTEC: MPP/MM preferably in a relevant in a relevant subject area to the subject qualification
UCAS Tariff: 64 UCAS Tariff Points preferably in a relevant subject area to the subject qualification
Access to Higher Education: 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at level 3 with a minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff Points in a relevant subject area to the subject qualification
Level 3 Apprenticeship: Successfully achieve an advanced apprenticeship in a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.
GCSE/IGCSE English Language grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent. GCSE/IGCSE Maths grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent.
English Language Requirements
Students who are non-native English speakers or who have not studied the final two years of school in English but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualifications may be considered as eligible to apply for the programme.
Contextual Offer
Standard offer: 48 UCAS Tariff Points or PPP profile preferably in a relevant subject
A Levels: DD preferably in a relevant subject
T-Levels: Pass with (D or E on the Core) preferably in a relevant subject
BTEC: PPP/MP preferably in a relevant subject
UCAS Tariff: 48 UCAS Tariff Points preferably in a relevant subject
Access to Higher Education: 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at level 3 with a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff Points in a related subject
UCAS Tariff Calculator
Work-based:?e.g.
Equal consideration is given to applicants who are currently in relevant work and wish to apply to Solihull College & University Centre. To apply, they must have a minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience, demonstrating technical, management or supervisory duties. Any application must also include a reference from their line manager which supports entry to higher education.
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) are welcomed in accordance with the Solihull College
Admissions Policy. Any student wishing to apply for RPL or RPEL should first speak to the Programme Coordinator and provide a full transcript of the work to be considered. The Programme Coordinator will then map the learning outcomes for the previously completed study to those of the programme and make a recommendation to the APL/APEL Committee.
It is recommended that you budget for your own laptop. If this is not possible the College has IT resources that you can use.
Students may also wish to purchase key texts and there may be external visit opportunities that will also incur additional costs. Other costs include photocopying and printing and depending on the direction and ambition of your work. We suggest budgeting approximately £250-£300 in the first year.
Finance
If you are applying for financial help from Student Finance England, then you should do this as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the start of your course. www.gov.uk/student-finance
You may be eligible for the Solihull College Higher Education Bursary (a non-repayable bursary of £1000 to help towards study). For details of eligibility criteria and how to apply see https://sway.cloud.microsoft/fYJIIFPhCwEYgO4E?ref=Link
Full time students with dependants may wish to review the government's Childcare Grant https://www.gov.uk/childcare-grant and Parent's Learning Allowance https://www.gov.uk/parents-learning-allowance
Please read our full terms and conditions https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/policies-and-applicant-information/
Completing the HND in Computing (Cyber Security) opens up a wide range of academic and career pathways, thanks to its strong technical foundation and industry-recognised status as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ).
Progress to a Top-Up Degree
One of the most common next steps is to progress to a top-up degree at university. This allows you to convert your HND into a full Bachelor's degree (BSc) in a related field such as:
Most UK universities accept HND graduates directly into the final year of a relevant undergraduate programme, enabling you to complete your degree in just one additional year.
Enter the Workforce
The course is designed with employability in mind, and many students choose to go straight into the workforce. With a strong focus on practical skills and real-world applications, you'll be well-prepared for roles such as:
Employers value the hands-on experience and project-based learning that the HND provides, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and tech.
Professional Certifications
After completing the HND, you may also choose to pursue industry-recognised certifications to further enhance your employability. These could include:
These certifications can complement your HND and help you specialise in high-demand areas of cyber security and cloud computing.
Apprenticeships & Graduate Schemes
Some students may also enter higher-level apprenticeships or graduate training schemes offered by major employers. These programmes often combine paid work with further training and can lead to long-term career development opportunities.
Blossomfield Campus
Sept-2026
Various
TBC
£6701
IPACL061BCF1
Full Time
