Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (HTQ)

Having been developed in collaboration with employers in an ambition to meet the needs of the growing demands of the industry, a Higher Technical Qualification provides the opportunity to gain the proper training, knowledge, and skills to be successful in the workplace. Studying for the HTQ in Computing at Fareham College, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities that align with the industry, including lab facilities, high tech specifications and modern settings. The course is suitable for computing and digital technology professionals or practitioners, of all ages and the programme is tailored to enhance your knowledge and practical skills within the computing and digital industry to enhance career development.

In year 1, you will study the following modules 

Unit 1: Programming
This unit introduces students to the core concepts of programming along with an introduction to algorithms and the characteristics of programming paradigms. Among
the topics included in this unit are: introduction to algorithms, procedural, objectorientated and event-driven programming, security considerations, the integrated
development environment and the debugging process.

Unit 2: Networking
Students will gain a wider background knowledge of computer networking essentials, how they operate, protocols, standards, security considerations and the prototypes associated with a range of networking technologies. Students will explore a range of hardware, with related software, and will configure and install these to gain knowledge of networking systems. A range of networking technologies will be explored to deliver a fundamental knowledge of Local Area Networking (LAN), Wide Area Networking (WAN) and their evolution to form large-scale networks. Students will also explore the protocol methodologies related to IP data networks.

Unit 3: Professional Practice
This unit covers the development of communication skills and communication literacy and the use of qualitative and quantitative data to demonstrate analysis, reasoning and critical thinking. Students will carry out tasks that require working with others in a team-based scenario and planning and problem solving. On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate leadership skills through the dynamics of team working. Through reflective practice, they will be able to evaluate the contributions they make as an individual and those of others. 

Unit 4: Database Design & Development
This unit will allow students to engage in the examination of different design tools and techniques; examination of different development software options; consideration of the development features of a fully-functional robust solution covering data integrity, data validation, data consistency, data security and advanced database querying facilities across multiple tables; appropriate user interfaces for databases and for other externally linked systems; creating complex reports/dashboards, testing the system against the user and system requirements; and elements of complete system documentation. It will also provide the practical skills needed to be able to translate that understanding into the design and creation of complex databases.

Unit 5: Security
The aim of this unit is to give students knowledge of security, the associated risks and how it has an impact on business continuity. Students will examine security measures involving access authorisation and regulation of use. They will implement contingency plans and devise security policies and procedures. The unit also introduces students to detection of threats and vulnerabilities in physical and IT security, and how to manage risks relating to organisational security.

Unit 6: Planning a Computing Project
The aim of this unit is to give students an opportunity to demonstrate the research skills required for developing a deeper understanding of a subject and the ability to use evidence to inform decisions. Students will undertake independent research and investigation of set theme. Students will also investigate and research an industry sector as outlined in the centre-set project brief. Students will use the outcomes of their research to help them plan a computer-based project and to support recommendations for how the identified business could utilise the tools and technologies identified as part of their research. 

Unit 7: Software Development Lifecycles
The unit introduces students to lifecycle decision making at different stages of the software development process. They will examine various lifecycle models and learn to appreciate their particular characteristics in order to understand for which project environments they are most appropriate. Theoretical understanding will be translated into practical skills through an actual software development lifecycle project. Students will become confident in the use of particular tools and techniques relevant to a chosen methodology.

Unit 10: Cyber Security
This unit has been designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding in relation to cyber threats and vulnerabilities, cyber defence techniques and incident
response. Students will explore fundamental principles as well as leading-edge concepts, terminologies, models, and hardening methods. Students will assess the types of malicious activity and potential targets, and the role everyone has for maintaining cyber resilience.

In year 2, you will have the opportunity to specialse in one of the following areas:
Software Engineering:  Units will include data structures and algorithms, applied programming and design principles, discrete maths.
Network Engineering:  Units will include  transport network design, cloud computing, network security.
Cyber Security: Units will include applied cryptography, information security management, forensics.