Pearson
Level 5
QN: 603/7596/6
Curriculum Active
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Pearson. Classified as a Other Vocational Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 3300 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 5
Awarding Body
Pearson
Syllabus Units
54 Units
Guided Hours
3300 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Advanced Programming for Data Analysis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the tools a programmer can use to manipulate large data sets for data analysis.2. Design a software tool to analyse a large data set for a given scenario.3.
- Develop a software tool to analyse a large data set for a given scenario.4. Test a software tool used to analyse a large data set for quality of information produced.
2
Analytic Architecture Design
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore detailed and problem-oriented material to gain a conceptual overview of the AADL abstractions for a given function.2.
- Demonstrate the software component and execution platform component abstractions for a system.3. Design composite systems and their instances, and describe the abstractions that support the specification of component interactions.4. Show the specification of alternative operational states of a system through AADL flow concepts for a composite system.
3
Analytical Methods
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine complex number theory within practical situations.2. Approximate solutions using numerical methods.3. Employ matrix methods to contextualised examples relevant to computing.4.
- Investigate the concepts of formal methods within computer science.
4
Application Development
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce a Software Design Document by analysing a business-related problem and deduce an appropriate solution including a set of initial requirements.2.
- Use design and development methodologies with tools and techniques associated with the creation of a business application.3.
- Work individually and as part of a team to plan and produce a functional business application with support documentation.4.
- Evaluate the performance of a business application against its Software Design Document and initial requirements.
5
Application Program Interfaces
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine the role of an API and its suitability for a given scenario.2. Design a solution that extends an existing application using relevant APIs for a given scenario.3.
- Implement an application in a suitable development environment based on a designed solution.4. Test an API developed for a given scenario to determine security vulnerabilities.
6
Applied Analytical Models
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine applied analytical modelling methods.2.
- Prepare a large data set for use in an applied analytical model.3.
- Demonstrate the use of an analytical model with a large data set.4.
- Investigate improvements to an applied analytical model.
7
Applied Cryptography in the Cloud
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse encryption ciphers and algorithms as methods to secure data in a cloud environment.2.
- Discuss security risks and issues related to public key encryption in practice.3.
- Demonstrate the use of cryptographic and cryptoanalysis tools for improving security in a virtual private net
- Evaluate advanced encryption protocols and their application for an organisation considering a move to the cloud.
8
Applied Programming and Design Principles
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the impact of SOLID development principles on the OOP paradigm.2. Design a large dataset processing application using SOLID principles and clean coding techniques.3. Build a data processing application based on a developed design.4.
- Perform automatic testing on a data processing application.
9
Architecture
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine the functions of computer system components.2.
- Discuss how data and programs can be represented within computer systems.3.
- Demonstrate the principles of processor operations.4.
- Investigate advanced computer architectures and performance.
10
Big Data Analytics and Visualisation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine data visualisation for decision making of complex data sets.2.
- Discuss statistical and graphical tools and techniques used to present big data for a given use case.3.
- Demonstrate statistical and graphical techniques used to present big data as a visualisation.4.
- Investigate the challenges faced by data professionals in carrying out their role.
11
Business Process Support
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the use of data and information to support business processes and the value they have for an identified organisation.2.
- Discuss the implications of the use of data and information to support business processes in a real-world scenario.3.
- Explore the tools and technologies associated with data science and how it supports business processes.4.
- Demonstrate the use of data science techniques to make recommendations to support real world business problems.
12
Client/Server Computing Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the concepts of servers, clients, and processes and the differences between PPID and PID.2.
- Analyse the communication processes between clients and servers in different application protocols.3.
- Analyse the specification of composite systems and their instances and describe the abstractions that support the specification of component interactions.
13
Cloud Computing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of Cloud Computing and its architectures.2.
- Evaluate the deployment models, service models and technological drivers of Cloud Computing and validate their use.3.
- Develop Cloud Computing solutions using service provider’s frameworks and open source tools.4.
- Analyse the technical challenges for cloud applications and assess their risks.
14
Computer Systems Architecture
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the relationships between hardware components and the subsystems used in a computer system.2. Categorise the key features and services provided by different computer operating systems and hardware.3.
- work communication technology and the associated services to connect computer systems.4.
- Demonstrate diagnostic and troubleshooting skills to solve hardware, software and networking related issues.
15
Computing Research Project
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research process.2. Conduct and analyse research relevant to a computing research project.3.
- Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders.4.
- Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.
16
Cyber Security
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the nature of cybercrime and cyber threat actors.2.
- Investigate cyber security threats and hazards.3.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of information assurance concepts applied to ICT infrastructure.4.
- Investigate incident response methods to cyber security threats.
17
Data Analytics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the theoretical foundation of data analytics that determine decision- making processes in management or business environments.2.
- Apply a range of descriptive analytic techniques to convert data into actionable insight using a range of statistical techniques.3.
- Investigate a range of predictive analytic techniques to discover new knowledge for forecasting future events.4.
- Demonstrate prescriptive analytic methods for finding the best course of action for a situation.
18
Data Structures & Algorithms
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine abstract data types, concrete data structures and algorithms.2. Specify abstract data types and algorithms in a formal notation.3.
- Implement complex data structures and algorithms.4.
- Assess the effectiveness of data structures and algorithms.
19
Database Design & Development
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Use an appropriate design tool to design a relational database system for a substantial problem.2.
- Develop a fully functional relational database system, based on an existing system design.3. Test the system against user and system requirements.4.
- Produce technical and user documentation.
20
Database Management Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse different types of database management systems.2. Design a database management system using a relational model to meet client requirements.3.
- Develop a database management system using a suitable platform.4.
- Demonstrate the system administration and management tools available on the chosen platform.
21
Digital Sustainability
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Determine the nature and scope of the technical challenges, ensuring sustainability, within the digital technologies sector.2.
- Explore the importance of collaborating with other disciplines in developing digital technical solutions to sustainability problems.3.
- Evaluate the use of sustainable techniques in relation to their contribution to a low carbon economy.4.
- Calculate the carbon footprint of a digital technologies' solution.
22
Digital Technologies as a Catalyst for Change
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore how digital technologies impacts organisational change.2.
- Evaluate how the use of digital technology impacts on an organisation’s strategy and operations to meet its needs.3.
- Investigate how digital technologies influence leadership decision making in relation to a specific industry.4. Present a new or emerging digital technology solution to manage a change initiative within a specific organisation.
23
Discrete Maths
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine set theory and functions applicable to software engineering.2.
- Analyse mathematical structures of objects using graph theory.3.
- Investigate solutions to problem situations using the application of Boolean algebra.4.
- Explore applicable concepts within abstract algebra.
24
E-Commerce & Strategy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine E-Commerce strategies and their impact on business organisations.2.
- Review the hardware, software, web-based and database technologies involved in setting up a secure E-commerce site.3. Design an E-Commerce strategy based on a given end user requirement or specification.4.
- Implement an E-Commerce strategy based on a given end user requirement or specification.
25
Emerging Technologies
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review which emerging technologies are necessary and appropriate when designing software applications for the future.2. Research an emerging technology and its impact on a given end-user group.3.
- Develop multiple iterations of an emerging technology solution based on requirements.4. Consider the ethical, social, economic and legal factors that play a role in the success of emerging technologies.
26
Forensics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine the processes and procedures for carrying out digital Forensic Investigation.2.
- Discuss the legal and professional guidelines and procedures for carrying out digital Forensic Investigation.3.
- Use a tool or tools to conduct digital Forensic Investigation on devices or networks or cyberattacks.4.
- Develop a forensic examination plan and make some recommendations for use in digital forensic investigation.
27
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the theoretical foundation of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on users and organisations.2.
- Analyse the approaches, techniques and tools to deploy Intelligent Systems in an organisation.3. Modify an AI-based system to improve how exhibits intelligence in response to a real-world problem.4.
- Evaluate the technical and ethical challenges and opportunities of Intelligent Systems.
28
Game Design Theory
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Critically assess the types, practices, principles and skills used in the design of games.2.
- Analyse the concepts and elements required for the production of a Games Design Document.3.
- Evaluate the game design process with regard to game development and production.4.
- Use game design practices and principles to create an original Game Design Document and present a High Concept pitch.
29
Games Development
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Develop a Game Design Document by evaluating and synthesising game ideas into an original video game concept.2.
- Use different design and development methodologies with tools and techniques associated with the creation of a video game.3.
- Work individually and as part of a team to plan and produce a functional video game, including support documentation.4.
- Evaluate the performance of a video game against its Game Design Document and original concept.
30
Games Engine & Scripting
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the evolution, impact and possible future of games engines with regards to game development and expectation.2.
- Evaluate the features and architecture of different games engines.3.
- Use an existing Game Design Document (with assets) to synthesise key features of a selected games engine into a playable game.4.
- Assess and plan improvements to a playable game by evaluating its performance against its Game Design Document and user expectation.
31
Information Security Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the basic principles of information security management.2. Critically assess how an organisation can implement and maintain an Information Security Management System (ISMS).3. Appraise an ISMS and describe any weaknesses it may contain.4.
- Examine the strengths and weaknesses of implementing ISMS standards.
32
Internet of Things
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse what aspects of IoT are necessary and appropriate when designing software applications.2.
- Outline a plan for an appropriate IoT application using common architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware and APIs.3.
- Develop an IoT application using any combination of hardware, software, data, platforms and services.4.
- Evaluate your IoT application and the problems it might encounter when integrating into the wider IoT ecosystem.
33
Machine Learning
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the theoretical foundation of machine learning to determine how an intelligent machine works.2.
- Investigate the most popular and efficient machine learning algorithms used in industry.3.
- Develop a machine learning application using an appropriate programming language or machine learning tool for solving a real-world problem.4.
- Evaluate the outcome or the result of the application to determine the effectiveness of the learning algorithm used in the application.
34
Management in the Digital Economy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate types of organisational structures and cultures in the digital economy sector.2.
- Explore the role, impact and influence of stakeholders in a digital economy organisation.3.
- Investigate digital-led approaches to management and leadership.4.
- Assess the relationship between motivation, organisational behaviour, performance and reflection in a digital team.
35
Maths for Computing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Use applied number theory in practical computing scenarios.2.
- Analyse events using probability theory and probability distributions.3.
- Determine solutions of graphical examples using geometry and vector methods.4.
- Evaluate problems concerning differential and integral calculus.
36
Network Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the concepts and principles of Net
- work Management.2.
- Plan, Design, Setup and Configure a net
- Review the Protocols and Standards related with Networking and Net
- work Management.4.
- Use tools and methods to manage a net
- work, including Net
- work Security and Risk Management.
37
Network Security
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- work Security principles, protocols and standards.2. Design a secure net
- work for a corporate environment.3. Configure Net
- work Security measures for the corporate environment.4.
- Undertake the testing of a net
- work using a Test
38
Networking
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine networking principles and their protocols.2.
- Explain networking devices and operations.3. Design efficient networked systems.4.
- Implement and diagnose networked systems.
39
Operating Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate different Operating Systems, their functions and user interfaces.2.
- Explore the processes managed by an Operating System.3.
- Demonstrate the use of different operating systems with a range of commands.4.
- Examine how operating systems will function in the future and the implications on security.
40
Planning a Computing Project
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge on an identified subject.2.
- Explore the features and business requirements of organisations in an identified sector.3.
- Produce project plans based on research of the chosen theme for an identified organisation.4. Present your project recommendations and justifications of decisions made based on research of the identified theme and sector.
41
Professional Practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate a range of interpersonal and transferable communication skills to a target audience.2.
- Apply critical reasoning and thinking to a range of problem-solving scenarios.3.
- Discuss the importance and dynamics of working within a team and the impact of team working in different environments.4.
- Examine the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its role within the workplace and for higher level learning.
42
Programming
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define basic algorithms to carry out an operation and outline the process of programming an application.2.
- Explain the characteristics of procedural, object-orientated and event-driven programming.3.
- Implement basic algorithms in code using an IDE.4.
- Determine the debugging process and explain the importance of a coding standard.
43
Prototyping
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore forms of prototypes appropriate for various functionality and end user testing requirements.2.
- Plan a prototype and testing strategy for a specific end user.3.
- Develop multiple iterations of the prototype using appropriate tools.4.
- Evaluate user feedback and test results from multiple iterations of the prototype and end user testing.
44
Risk Analysis & Systems Testing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine risk-based testing and requirements.2.
- Create a customised risk-based test strategy, plans and techniques for a given specification.3.
- Demonstrate a risk-based Test
- Plan, producing associated outcomes.4.
- Evaluate a risk-based Test
- Plan and its associated outcomes.
45
Robotics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore different robotic systems commonly used in industry, taking into account different configurations and their advantages and disadvantages.2. Build and appraise a robot from the perspective of cost-benefit impact.3.
- Evaluate the operation and application of a range of sensors and how they can apply to a mobile or static robotic system.4.
- Evaluate the relevance of biologically inspired robotic systems and how they can benefit the understanding of biological systems and the design of individual or groups of robots.
46
Security
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Assess risks to IT security.2.
- Describe IT security solutions.3.
- Review mechanisms to control organisational IT security.4.
- Manage organisational security.
47
Software Development Lifecycles
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe different software development lifecycles.2.
- Explain the importance of a feasibility study.3.
- Undertake a software development lifecycle.4.
- Discuss the suitability of software behavioural design techniques.
48
Strategic Information Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review the information requirements of organisations.2.
- Explore the types of information systems that are used within all levels of an organisation.3.
- Demonstrate the use of an information system to produce management information.4.
- Review the effectiveness of strategic information systems for global competitiveness.
49
Systems Analysis & Design
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the traditional and agile systems analysis methodologies.2.
- Produce a feasibility study for a system to be developed to solve a business-related problem.3.
- Assess systems analysis methodologies to effectively solve business-related problems.4. Design a system to meet user and system requirements.
50
Systems Integration
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse systems integration requirements in terms of business objectives.2.
- Investigate different hardware and software systems in terms of connectivity, communication and data transfer.3.
- Prepare a suitable integrated solution based on a set of business requirements.4. Compare a range of cloud computing providers and evaluate their services in terms of the impact on systems integration.
51
Transport Network Design
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore LAN design principles and their application in the net
- work design process.2.
- Implement a net
- work using LAN design principles based on a predefined set of requirements.3.
- Produce an appropriate WAN solution to a set of organisational requirements.4.
- Solve a range of net
- work related problems using appropriate troubleshooting techniques and methods.
52
User Experience and Interface Design
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Research User Experience and Interface Design in relation to end user requirements in a User Interface concept.2.
- Plan a User Experience map and Interface Design for a User Interface concept for a target end user..3. Build a User Interface concept and test it with end users for enhancement purposes.4.
- Evaluate user feedback and test results from interaction with the User Interface concept to determine improvements.
53
Virtual & Augmented Reality Development
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine aspects of VR and AR technology necessary when designing VR and AR software applications.2.
- Plan a VR or AR software application using common architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware and APIs for a scenario.3. Design, build and simulate a VR or AR software application for a given scenario.4.
- Review a VR or AR software application developed, based on end user feedback, to judge success.
54
Website Design & Development
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain server technologies and management services associated with hosting and managing websites.2. Categorise website technologies, tools and software used to develop websites.3. Utilise website technologies, tools and techniques with good design principles to create a multipage website.4.
- Create and use a Test
- Plan to review the performance and design of a multipage website.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 603/7596/6
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Pearson
- Qualification Type
- Other Vocational Qualification
- Operational Start
- Sept 2022