Qualification

HND (SCQF Level 8)

Starts

26 Aug 2024

Interests

  • Computing

Campus

  • Aberdeen City Campus

Why take this course?

This course will allow students to study many of the skills that are in demand for many different types of career in an IT technical support role. The course provides a comprehensive range of knowledge and practical skills in providing technical expertise in PC maintenance, networking, installing Microsoft Windows, desktop support, and server support.

In specialist labs learners will have the opportunity to build PCs, study the Microsoft Windows operating systems, and build networks within a virtualised environment providing hands on experience and learning.

This course is expected to lead to employment opportunities at IT Support technician level or our articulation agreements allow entry to third year university Networking and Cyber security courses.

What you will experience

  • Acquire skills in configuring and maintaining a network infrastructure, working with a variety of networking technologies, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.
  • Gain experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining network and cloud infrastructure, working with a variety of networking technologies and cloud-based platforms.
  • Recognise the importance of security and integrity in a network and cloud infrastructure and implement intrusion detection and prevention systems.

Many of the skills and concepts in this award are transferable to other areas of computing and technology.

The award also offers opportunities for learners to develop the Meta Skills and professional attitudes required in this vital industry sector, along with awareness of legal and ethical obligations, including those relating to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

This HND is part of the NextGen qualifications from SQA. It is a one year course at SCQF Level 8 and entry is via completing the one year course HNC Computing (NextGen) at SCQF Level 7.

NextGen qualifications allow more time in class focusing on larger, fewer subjects in more depth, increasing learning time, integrating learning, teaching and assessment approaches which reduces the assessment load. The traditional graded unit is also replaced with a project and portfolio that students work on throughout the year allowing students to develop and showcase their own work to universities and potential employers.

NextGen courses offer more than just the traditional subjects, they are designed to develop the individuals Meta Skills, the skills to thrive in an ever changing environment, developing self management, social intelligence and innovation.