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Free Level 5 HND Computing Course in Welwyn Garden City

CostFREE
Duration32 weeks
LevelLevel 5
DeliveryClassroom based
Start13 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing for England course in Welwyn Garden City. Classes run at Oaklands College Welwyn Garden City Campus. This full-time daytime course runs across two years, covering 34 weeks per year. Year one builds core computing skills across a broad range of technical and sector knowledge. Year two lets you specialise in specific areas, preparing you for employment or further study at degree level. Entry typically requires 48 UCAS Tariff Points, a Level 3 qualification in a related subject, and GCSE passes in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above.

Who this course is for

Year 1 - The BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Computing for England builds underpinning core skills effectively, preparing students for further subject specialisation at Level 5. They will gain a wide range of sector knowledge that is tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios.

Year 2 - level 5 units help you move on to specific areas of knowledge and skills at Level 6 or to enter employment with the qualities and abilities necessary for roles that require personal responsibility and decision making. By the end of the second stage (level 5), you should have a sound understanding of the principles in your area of specialist study and will know how to apply those principles more widely in the business world.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission into the programme, applicants should meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Qualifications:

  • 48 UCAS Tariff Points.
  • Possess a Level 3 qualification in a subject related to the industry.
  • Alternatively, have completed two A levels in science or technology subjects.

2. GCSE Passes:

  • Possess GCSE passes in English and Maths at grade 4/C (H)

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core computing skills across networking, software development, and systems architecture.
  • You'll apply research and self-study techniques used across the computing industry.
  • You'll explore cybersecurity principles and how to protect digital systems.
  • You'll gain practical knowledge through directed study and workplace scenarios.
  • You'll specialise in advanced computing topics at Level 5, building on your Level 4 foundations.
  • You'll develop the technical and professional skills needed to move into employment or progress to a degree.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Oaklands College Welwyn Garden City Campus, with a mix of directed study, research tasks, and practical scenarios. Assessment is through assignments and project-based work rather than traditional exams. This is standard for BTEC qualifications at this level. Year one focuses on building broad knowledge; year two shifts toward specialist units and applied skills.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Oaklands College Welwyn Garden City Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Cyber Security Analyst: monitor and protect systems from threats and attacks.
  • IT Support Technician: resolve hardware, software, and network issues.
  • Network Engineer: design and maintain computer networks for organisations.
  • Software Developer: build and test applications and digital systems.
  • Systems Administrator: manage and maintain IT infrastructure day to day.
  • Data Analyst: interpret data to support business decisions.
  • IT Project Coordinator: support delivery of technology projects across teams.

What you could study next

  • BSc (Hons) in Computing or Cyber Security: a Level 6 degree is the natural next step, and the BTEC HND is widely accepted for entry into year two or three of a relevant degree programme.
  • Degree Apprenticeship in Cyber Security or Software Engineering: combine work and study at degree level with an employer.
  • Professional certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, or Microsoft Azure: industry-recognised credentials that complement your qualification and strengthen your CV for specific technical roles.
Apply on oaklands.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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