The document provides information on the HND and HNC Computing and Systems Development programmes offered by Bridgwater College. It outlines the key facts, purpose, aims, distinctive features, entry requirements and intended learning outcomes of the programmes. The programmes aim to equip students with skills for microcomputer applications development and prepare them for employment or further study. The structure of the two-year HNC and HND programmes is also detailed, including the units studied and assessment methods.

1.
Programme Specification
HND & HNC Computing and Systems Development
1. Key Programme Facts
Awarding Body Pearson
Teaching Institution Bridgwater College
Curriculum Area Business and Professional Studies
Accreditation by Professional Body Not applicable
UCAS Code 004G
College Course Code HNC‐ PC005/JM1, HND‐ PC003/HM1
Mode(s) of Study available and
programme duration
HND Full Time – 2 years
HNC Part Time – 2 years
Level and Total Credits Awarded Level 5– Higher National Diploma (HND)
Level 4– Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Credit Structure 10 Credits at Level 3
120 Credits at Level 4
125 Credits at Level 5
Delivery location Bridgwater Centre
Language of Study English
Relevant Subject Benchmark
Statement(s)
Computing, 2007
Final Award for Certification Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Computing and
Systems Development
External Reference Points UK Quality Code for Higher Education (including the FHEQ)
Edexcel Specialist Paper 4 Programme Specifications
Edexcel Higher National Computing and Systems
Development Specification (issue 4)
Date of approval of this
specification
October 2013
Date review due 2016/17
2. Purpose of this Programme Specification
This document is relevant for prospective students, enrolled students, employers, teaching teams,
internal college reviewers and external reviewers.
The programme specification is an overview to the programme as a whole. It explains how the
programme will be taught, assessed and the skills and competencies the student will be able to
demonstrate if they take full advantage of the learning opportunities provided.

2. Page 2 of 8
Role of the Awarding Body
Edexcel is the awarding body and as such have overall responsibility for the quality and standards of the
programme. Bridgwater College is approved to manage and deliver the programme within Edexcel’s
quality framework and Edexcel accredits the successful student with their final award.
3. Aims of the Programme
Bridgwater College has developed this programme to equip graduates with the skills to meet the needs
and expectations of the industry locally as well as nationally.
The programme aims to:
 Enable students to demonstrate independent learning, research and reflective skills.
 provide a vocationally relevant programme that enables students to obtain a nationally
recognised qualification in Computing;
 equip graduates with a range of transferable skills, together with underpinning knowledge, to
prepare them for employment or further academic progression;
 focus on the development of skills for micro computer applications development and the micro
computing environment
 develop the skills needed to succeed in a changing business environment
 develop the ability to examine critically new ideas and technological development and be able
to adapt a constructive, reasoned and receptive approach.
4. Distinctive Features of the Programme
The programme focuses on developing skills for microcomputer applications development and the
micro computing environment. There is a good mixture of theory and practice across a wide range of
topics, which makes this a varied, interesting and relevant course. There is a good level of support from
experienced tutors who are specialists in their fields.
The programme is particularly aimed at students within the local area who wish to benefit from a
specialised computing programmes of study that has an in‐built progression rate, offered by the college
with a partner university, but who want to benefit from studying close to home and local industry
needs.
5. Entry Requirements
A minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points from a full Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject and at least 4
GCSEs at grades A*‐ C including Maths and English or Level 2 equivalent.
Mature applicants with relevant experience who do not have the stated entry requirements are
encouraged to apply.

3. Page 3 of 8
6. Intended Programme Learning Outcomes
Holders of the qualification will have demonstrated these characteristics or be able to do the following:
Level 4
A) Knowledge
1. A sound understanding of the main areas of the body of knowledge within the programme
of study, with an ability to exercise sound judgement across a range of issues.
2. To be able to interpret and apply a range of concepts, principles and practice of the subject
in an appropriate manner showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools
and techniques
B) Understanding and skills
1. To be able to identify problems and evaluate the issues in accordance with basic theories.
2. Apply appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework and identify
mechanisms for continuing professional development and lifelong learning
3. Communicate the results of study and other work accurately and reliably
4. To be able to undertake further training and develop new skills.
C) Other attributes
1. To be able to communicate effectively in writing, speaking and other appropriate forms of
presentation.
2. To have transferable skills to prepare for higher levels of study.
3. To be able to apply personal responsibility to their own learning.
Level 5
A) Knowledge
1. To be able to analyse design or develop software systems which are complex, and fit for
purpose, recognising the important relationships between these within the context of the
limits of their knowledge.
2. Continue to gain and apply knowledge of business skills, computer systems, personal
development and project design, implementation and evaluation.
3. The ability to critically evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving
problems.
B) Understanding and skills
1. Use a range of techniques in the critical evaluation and review of both their own work and
the work of others.
2. The ability to integrate a range of concepts and techniques relating to computing and
systems development.

4. Page 4 of 8
3. To demonstrate independence in their approach to study and the generation of computing
evidence.
4. The ability to apply complex theories to practical realistic work situations in the computing
sector.
5. To be able to effectively communicate relevant information, analysis and evaluation in
various ways.
6. To be able to undertake further training or development to enhance their future career
prospects.
C) Other attributes
1. To be responsive to change in the technology industry.
2. To possess and exhibit the ability to multi‐task and apply the transferable skills gained.
3. To be able to exercise personal responsibility.

5. Page 5 of 8
7. Programme Structure
HNC Computing and Systems Development
D
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Project Supervision
Demonstration
Practical
classes/workshops
Supervised time in
workshop/studio
Fieldwork
External Visits
Work Based Learning
Total
Hours
%
Hours %
2 Computer Systems 7 L6010446 4 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 150
3 Employability and Professional Development 15 M6011251 4 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 150
18 Procedural Programming 101 D6011293 4 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 150
34 Data Structures and Algorithms 193 H6011456 5 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 150
51 Computer Systems Architecture 295 J/601/2003 3 10 Core 15 5 10 30 30% 70 70% 100
D
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Project Supervision
Demonstration
Practical classes/workshops
Supervised time in
workshop/studio
Fieldwork
External Visits
Work Based Learning
Total
Hours
%
Hours %
1 Business Skills for e‐commerce 1 Y6011244 4 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 150
20 Event Driven Programming Solutions 113 H6010453 4 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 150
29 E-Commerce Strategy 165 T/601/1994 5 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 150
35 Web Applications Development 199 H6011510 5 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 150
100
% Coursework
100
100
100
100
100
Scheduled Activities
(hours per unit)
Independent
Guided Study
Total
Hours
% Coursework
100
100
100
Edexcel Unit Code Level
Credit
Value
Core/
Optional
Teaching & Learning Methods Summary Assessment
Methods
Summary
Year Two
Unit Number Unit Name
Link to Edexcel Unit
Specification
Page Number within
Specification
Level
Credit
Value
Core/
Optional
Teaching & Learning Methods Summary Assessment
Methods
Summary
Scheduled Activities
(hours per unit)
Independent
Guided Study
Total
Hours
Year One
Unit Number Unit Name
Link to Edexcel Unit
Specification
Page Number within
Specification Edexcel Unit Code

6. Page 6 of 8
HND Computing and Systems Development
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Project Supervision
Demonstration
Practical
classes/workshops
Supervised time in
workshop/studio
Fieldwork
External Visits
Total
Hours
%
Hours % Hours %
One to one sessions (not
Personal tutor meetings
Group Tutorials
Guest lectures gp
sessions
Library/research skills
Careers fairs/sessions
External Visits
Total
1 Business Skills for e‐Commerce Y6011244 4 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 0% 150 150 100 5 4 30 2 1 10 3 8 63
2 Computer Systems L6010446 4 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
3 Employability and Professional Development M6011251 4 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
9 Systems Analysis and Design K6011281 4 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
14 Website Design J6011286 4 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
17 Database Design Concepts R6010447 4 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
24 Networking Technologies M6010472 4 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
42 Programming in .net H6011537 5 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
120 Total 120 40 0 0 0 185 0 0 0 345 32% 855 68% 0 0% 1200 800 0 0 ##
% 100% 0% 0%
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Project Supervision
Demonstration
Practical classes/workshops
Supervised time in
workshop/studio
Fieldwork
External Visits
Total
Hours
%
Hours % Hours % % Written Exam
One to one sessions (not
Personal tutor meetings
Group Tutorials
Guest lectures gp
sessions
Library/research skills
Careers fairs/sessions
External Visits
Total
4 Project Design Implementation and Evaluation L6010995 5 20 Core 6 24 8 22 60 30% 140 70% 0% 200 200 100 5 4 30 2 1 4 3 16 65
19 Object‐Orientated Programming K6011295 4 15 Core 15 5 10 30 20% 120 80% 0% 150 150 100
30 Information Systems in Organisations M6011444 5 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
32 Quality Systems in IT D6011987 5 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
33 Data Analysis and Design H6011991 5 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
35 Web Applications Development H6011510 5 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
41 Programming in Java F6011528 5 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
48 IT Security Management A6011995 5 15 Core 15 5 25 45 30% 105 70% 0% 150 150 100
125 Total 111 35 0 24 8 182 0 0 0 360 32% 890 68% 0 0% 1250 800 0 0 ##
% 100% 0% 0%
Assessment Methods Summary place as part of the overall year of study
but not at unit level (give total hours
for each):
Scheduled Activities
(hours per unit)
Independent
Guided Study
Placement
(incl. WBL)
Total
Hours
Total
hours
should = % Coursework
% Practical skills/
Oral assessment
Credit
Value
Core/
Optional
Teaching & Learning Methods Summary
Core/Optional
Teaching & Learning Methods Summary
Credit
Value
Year Two
Unit
Number Unit Name
HEI/
Pearson Unit
Code
(if
applicable) Level
Non‐timetabled activities which take
place as part of the overall year of study
but not at unit level (give total hours
Scheduled Activities
(hours per unit)
Independent
Guided Study
Placement
(incl WBL)
Total
Hours
Total
Hours
should = % Coursework % Written Exam
% Practical skills/
Oral assessment
Assessment Methods Summary
Year One
Unit
Number Unit Name
HEI/
Pearson Unit
Code
(if
applicable) Level

7. Page 7 of 8
8. Teaching and Learning Methods
Throughout the programme students will be afforded opportunities to:
 participate in lectures and workshops which will develop knowledge and understanding of issues related
to the subject; work in groups to solve problems;
 plan and deliver short presentations to peers;
 generate appropriate questions in the pursuit of knowledge required to complete an analysis of a
problem area;
 research areas of relevance to the programme, using selectively library and online resources;
 critically evaluate the validity and implications of information relevant to the programme of study;
 create clear written reports and well‐structured oral presentations appropriate for a specific audience;
 critically review the experience and effectiveness of working in a team;
 evaluate their own work and that of other students;
 undertake projects to benefit professional development
9. Assessment Methods
The assessment methods used to demonstrate learners’ achievement will be in the form of coursework
which may consist of Essays or Reports based on personal and directed research, Portfolios of worked
exercises, tasked based practical assignments, or a combination of all three.
The College’s Assessment Regulations governing the management of Higher Nationals are available in full
on Blackboard. They affect every aspect of your assessed work so it is very important that you take the
time to read them and understand them. They are updated periodically so if you are a returning student
you may wish to refresh your knowledge of them as they may be different to last year. Please follow the
link below (you may need to log into Blackboard to follow the link):
Higher National Assessment Regulations
10. Learning Support
Support is available as needed at every level of study. Every student will receive time for structured tutorial
support to assist with their academic progress at programme level. There is a dedicated HE specialist in the
Learning Resource Centre who can assist with any HE related enquiries. Other types of support are
accessible via the Student Services team as needed on an individual basis.
11. Academic progression
After successfully completing the course diplomates can progress onto the BSc Applied Computing (top up)
at Bridgwater College in partnership with Bournemouth University or progress onto equivalent final year
degree programmes at other Higher Education Institutions.

8. Page 8 of 8
12. Employability
This qualification will equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding as detailed in Section 6. You
can apply this skillset and experiences gained through the study of this qualification to confidently apply
for employment in the following roles:
 Programmer
 Web Developer
 Software Developer
 Analyst Programmer
 Software Engineer
 Embedded Software Developer
Graduates from this programme have gained successful employment in the following areas:
 Programmer
 Web Developer
 Software Developer
 Intelligence Analyst

13. Indicators of Quality and Standards
QAA review
External Examining reports (available upon request)
Self Evaluation
Self‐Assessment Monitoring
Student feedback