About this course
The HNC Computing for England (Network Engineering) course at NTU in Mansfield provides a strong foundation in the evolving field of computing. You’ll develop practical skills in areas such as software development, network management, and data security, while gaining a solid understanding of core computing principles and technologies.
Throughout the course, you’ll work with modern tools and technologies, preparing for a wide range of careers in the computing and network engineering sectors. With hands-on learning opportunities and access to industry-standard facilities, you’ll gain the experience needed to solve real-world challenges in this dynamic sector.
NTU’s strong industry connections ensure you’re learning up-to-date content, with plenty of opportunities to connect with professionals. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the skills, confidence, and expertise to succeed in various computing roles across multiple industries.
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You'll study at NTU in Mansfield, where you'll have access to fantastic buildings, and all of the tools and technology you need for studying on this course. -
This course prepares you to progress into a range of roles in computing. -
On completing the course, you will be eligible to study the HND Computing for England (Network Engineering) course.
What you’ll study
You'll study 120 credit points over eight core modules.
Programming (15 Credit Points)
During this module you’ll be introduced to the core concepts of programming, algorithms and programming paradigms. You’ll design and implement algorithms in a chosen programming language in a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE) before learning how to track and fix any issues with the code.
Networking (15 Credit Points)
Develop knowledge and skills to successfully install, operate and troubleshoot a small network. You’ll explore a range of networking technologies and develop your knowledge of Local Area Networking (LAN), Wide Area Networking (WAN) and their evolution to form large-scale networks.
Professional Practice (15 Credit Points)
In the workplace, it is essential to be an effective communicator, critical thinker, team worker and team leader. Through team-based tasks you’ll develop your communication and problem solving skills. You’ll also analyse qualitative and quantitative data to build your analysis, reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Database Design and Development (15 Credit Points)
Organisations depend on their databases to provide information that is essential for their day-to-day operations. During this module you’ll learn how to design and develop a database system to solve a specific problem. You’ll test your system to make sure it meets user and system requirements, and write technical and user documentation.
Security (15 Credit Points)
Security is one of the most important challenges modern organisations face. Build your knowledge of security, risks and how it has an impact on businesses during this module. You’ll learn how to detect threats and vulnerabilities in physical and IT security, and how to manage risks relating to organisational security.
Planning a Computing Project (15 Credit Points)
You’ll be set a project brief based on a business issue which is topical. Using research you’ll investigate the industry sector before using this information to plan a computer-based project. You’ll develop solutions and recommendations for businesses which you will present in an appropriate format.
Computer Systems Architecture (15 Credit Points)
Introducing the foundations of computer systems architecture and the hardware and software components that allow data to be input, processed and output. You’ll explore the concepts of operating systems, hardware management and computer networks, and gain practical skills needed to be able to diagnose, troubleshoot and maintain computer systems while considering security of the systems.
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Systems (15 Credit Points)
Understand the science behind machine intelligence and the ethical debate around simulating human intelligence to solve real-world problems. You’ll study AI types and applications and develop a better understanding of aspects related to intelligent agents. You’ll also study Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Ambient Intelligence, and Machine Learning algorithms This unit is aligned to the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals Certification.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
The full-time course is delivered over two or three days and the part-time route is one day per week, allowing you to fit your study around other commitments.
Outside of timetabled sessions, you'll need to undertake self-directed independent study. This will include preparing for seminars, researching, completing coursework, and directed reading to expand your knowledge.
Seminars and lab sessions
You'll have seminars and lab sessions, where you'll apply theory learned to real-world situations. These sessions involve active learning and are driven by collaboration with your tutors and classmates. Due to the smaller class sizes, this approach enables individualised support to ensure you reach your learning potential.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed using a variety of methods including :
- Group work
- Presentations
- Practical Demonstrations
- Workshops
There are no exams used for assessment during this course.
Careers and employability
This course is equivalent to the first year of a degree, so you'll be well placed for a range of careers in computing, including network engineering, software engineering, data analytics, security, intelligent systems, applications development and testing.
This course has been developed in close consultation with employers local to the Mansfield area. There is demand locally for students with digital skills in the programming, networking and security areas from organisations in the health, engineering insurance and IT sectors.
Further study
Students who successfully complete the HNC Computing for England (Network Engineering) course will have the opportunity to progress onto HND Computing for England (Network Engineering).
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies and for up to three years after completing your course.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
As an NTU Mansfield student, you’ll benefit from the latest facilities and modern technology to support your studies and help you get the most out of student life.
We are continually investing in our facilities and enhancing our learning and teaching environment to make it an inspiring place for students.
Facilities and services include:
- University Centre
- Teaching and Learning Centre
- CAD suite
- Robotics, hydraulics and pneumatics test equipment
- Electronics equipment
- Library
- Dedicated study zones, including PC suites
- On-site café
- Social spaces
- Sports facilities
- Student Support Services
- Nottingham Trent Students Union (NTSU) drop-in events.
Entry requirements
UK students
- Standard offer: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent including Maths grade C
- Other requirements: GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
The following qualifications will also be considered:
- Other related Level 3 qualifications
- Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution
- Relevant work experience, or an international equivalent to the above qualifications.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to three different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
This course is not suitable for Student Visa applicants.
Additional requirements for international students
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
We have undergraduate Engineering courses which are suitable for Student Visa applicants. Here is a list of all the undergraduate courses we offer.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
