Level 5 HND Digital Technologies Course Online – Activate Learning at City of Oxford College

Cost£6,500.00
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 5
DeliveryOnline
Start22 Sep 2026
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies for England Course. Study online at your own pace over two years. This Pearson Edexcel Higher Technical Qualification develops your skills in software development and programming to a professional level. You study from home, fitting learning around work or other commitments. Entry requires at least 64 UCAS points, or a relevant Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a Level 3 in Computing, Business, or a related subject, along with GCSE grade 4 or above in both maths and English.

Who this course is for

The Pearson HND in Digital Technologies (Software Development and Programme Pathway) is a Higher Technical Qualification that helps you develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual, able to meet the demands of employers You can find out more about higher technical qualifications here: HTQs are qualifications at Level 4 or Level 5, including Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Foundation Degrees, and are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviour sought after by employers. The units covered in year one lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to digital technologies and to a range of digital technology specialist functions. This develops and strengthens core skills, while preparing you to study specialist subjects in year 2 at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility. You will gain a wide range of knowledge tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. You will be involved in vocational activities that help you to develop vocational behaviour (the attitudes and approaches required for competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace. You will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of digital-technology-related business. The aims of this Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Digital Technologies are to: give students the skills, knowledge and understanding. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

Entry requirements

Applicants will be expected to possess one of the following: A minimum of 64 UCAS points, or, Relevant Access to Higher Education Diploma, or, Level 3 in Computing or Business or other related subject, or, T Level at Pass in a related subject, . Along with a GCSE grade 4 or above in maths and also in English. Other L2 qualifications in English and maths. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

What you will learn

  • You'll develop software using industry-relevant programming languages and tools.
  • You'll apply software development methodologies, including agile and project management approaches.
  • You'll analyse and solve technical problems across digital systems.
  • You'll design and build applications, considering user needs and technical requirements.
  • You'll work with data, databases, and back-end systems.
  • You'll develop professional skills in communication, teamwork, and reflective practice.
  • You'll understand cybersecurity principles and how they apply to software and systems.

How you will learn

Assessment is through a combination of assignments, projects, and portfolio work. There are no traditional written exams for most units. You'll complete assignments that reflect real professional tasks, demonstrating your skills and knowledge across each area of the programme. All study and submission is online, so you can work through the material at your own pace while meeting assignment deadlines set by the centre.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Activate Learning at City of Oxford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Software developer: design, build, and maintain software applications.
  • Junior web developer: front-end or back-end web development roles.
  • Application developer: create apps for desktop, mobile, or cloud platforms.
  • IT support analyst: technical troubleshooting and systems support.
  • Systems analyst: assess and improve digital systems for organisations.
  • Data analyst: work with data to support business decisions.
  • Junior cybersecurity analyst: monitor and protect digital systems.

What you could study next

A Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies for England qualification can lead into a full bachelor's degree. Many universities accept HND graduates into the second or third year of a BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related subject. You could also pursue a degree apprenticeship in software engineering, or work toward professional certifications such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or CompTIA qualifications to specialise further.

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