Introduction
Higher National Diploma popularly known as BTEC HND is a flagship qualification of Edexcel. HNDs are offered in over 9 major disciplines. These are 16 Unit qualifications and can be completed though approved centres of Edexcel.
It is a Pre-degree or Vocational Qualification awarded by Edexcel of UK. Successful completion of this BTEC HND from Edexcel guarantees a placement in either second or third year in any university or college in the UK or elsewhere. For those who are successful at A-Level, it is an ideal path to aim for a degree or to be armed with an internationally recognized qualification which will pave the way for a highly-paid job in a selected field.
It provides the right balance between knowledge and skills. Students who take BTEC HNC/HND can get better and more profitable employment options at the end of the course as well as opportunities for higher Education (Bachelor of Science Degree) whereby he/she can aim for even better job options.
Whatever country in the world you choose to study this course, the end product will be the same, that is, it is recognized worldwide for employment and by universities for degree Education with 1-2 years exemption.
BTEC HND is a unique and universally recognized qualification that discerning employers throughout the world look for to provide employment. Its features are:
– Ready admission to any University in UK or elsewhere
– Recognition by professional bodies
– Continuous assessment through practical activities and assignments
– Modular Qualification Structure which means successful achievement of individual modules to be recognized as building towards the whole qualification
– Development of transferable skills
– Quality assured programme of study
– Recognition of previous experience
– An internationally recognized qualification at all levels of ability
HND in Computing or Business Information Technology subject areas include many topics in Information Technology, Multimedia, Networking and Computing Science and Information Systems offering a balance of practical skills and theory.
Two types of programmes are available: Computing and Business information Technology. Each provides choices and allows students to complete BTEC HND and then follow the degree in specialised pathways in foreign universities.
Entry Requirements
| GCE A/L Stream | Any stream (Preferred IT) |
| GCE A/L Results | 2 Passes or Equivalent |
| GCE O/L English | Minimum Credit Pass or Equivalent |
| Other | BCAS Access Foundation Program or Any other equivalent Qualification / Experience |
| Age | 18+ |
Pearson/EDEXCEL/BTEC
One of the three major awarding bodies in UK, it is a vital and innovative force in education and training. Edexcel was formed in 1996 by the merger of two of the leading examination and assessment boards in the UK: the Business and Technology Council (BTEC) which offered widely recognised vocational qualifications and, the University of London Examinations and Assessment Council (ULEAC).
This amalgamation made Edexcel the first awarding body for both academic and vocational qualifications. They offer qualifications in a vast range of subjects that offer breadth and depth of knowledge and which are welcomed by universities and employers alike.
Each of their qualifications has been developed in consultation with the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, and will certify you for success in the modern and changing world.
Edexcel is part of Pearson, the world’s leading learning company which has an educational heritage rooted in names like Longman, Heinemann and Prentice Hall.
Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation, offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.
Edexcel vocational qualifications include NVQ and BTEC from entry level to Higher National Diplomas. BTECs are recognised in more than 80 countries worldwide, and in 2009/10 over 1.1 million learners were registered onto a BTEC.
BTEC originally stood for the Business & Technology (formally Technician) Education Council, but as of 1996, when it merged with the University of London Examinations & Assessment Council (ULEAC) to become Edexcel, the initials ‘BTEC’ have remained a brand name for a range of respected vocational qualifications – e.g. BTEC Higher National.
People around the world, look towards BTEC from Edexcel international, when considering vocational qualifications.
Whether you want to leave college with a certified record of achievement or go on to study at university or aim for a higher position in your career, BTEC vocational qualifications will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in the ever changing work environment.
Programme Structure
| Year | Semester | Modules | Level | Credits |
| 1 | 1 | 21455D – Business Skills for e-Commerce | 4 | 15 |
| 21456D – Computer Systems | 4 | 15 | ||
| 21457D – Employability and Professional Development | 4 | 15 | ||
| 21474D – IT Supports for End Users | 4 | 15 | ||
| 2 | 21479D – Data Analysis and Design | 5 | 15 | |
| 21506D- Systems Analysis and Design | 4 | 15 | ||
| 21027D – Management of Projects | 4 | 15 | ||
| 21470D – Networking Technologies
OR 21466D – Object Oriented Programming OR 21460D – Multimedia Designs and Authoring |
4 | 15 | ||
| 21058D – Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation (Learning Outcome 01) | 5 | 20 | ||
| 2 | 3 | 21494D – Digital Forensics
OR 21155D – 3D Computer Modeling and Animation |
5 | 15 |
| 21491D – IT Virtualization
OR 21486D – Programming in .NET OR 21483D – Computer Games Design and Development |
5 | 15 | ||
| 21482D – Internet Server Management
OR 21481D – Web Applications Development |
5 | 15 | ||
| 21472D – Design A Small Office Home Office Network | 4 | 15 | ||
| 21058D – Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation (Learning Outcome 02 and 03) | 5 | 20 | ||
| 4 | 21478D – Quality Systems in IT Organizations | 5 | 15 | |
| 21476D – Information Systems in Organizations | 5 | 15 | ||
| 21492D – IT Security Management | 5 | 15 | ||
| 21058D – Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation (Learning Outcome 04) | 5 | 20 | ||
| Software Development | |
| Networking | |
| Multimedia |
Scope of Syllabus
| Business Skills for e-Commerce
|
Understand the structure and aims of business organisations |
| Understand the impact of e-Commerce | |
| Be able to design e-Commerce solutions | |
| Computer Systems | Understand the function of computer systems |
| Be able to design computer systems | |
| Be able to build and configure computer systems | |
| Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems. | |
| Employability and Professional Development | Be able to take responsibility for own personal and professional development |
| Be able to demonstrate acquired interpersonal and transferable skills | |
| Understand the dynamics of working with others 4 Be able to develop strategies for problem solving. | |
| IT Supports for End Users | Understand user problems |
| Be able to provide user support | |
| Be able to create user support programmes. | |
| Data Analysis and Design | Understand data models and database technologies |
| Be able to design and implement relational database systems | |
| Be able to use manipulation and querying tools | |
| Be able to test and document relational database systems. | |
| Systems Analysis and Design | Understand different systems life cycles |
| Understand the importance of a feasibility study | |
| Be able to perform a system investigation | |
| Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation | Be able to formulate a project |
| Be able to implement the project within agreed procedures and to specification | |
| Be able to evaluate the project outcomes | |
| Be able to present the project outcomes. | |
| Networking Technologies
|
Understand networking principles |
| Understand networking components | |
| Be able to design networked systems | |
| Be able to implement and support networked systems. | |
| Object Oriented Programming | Understand the principles of object oriented programming |
| Be able to design object oriented programming solutions | |
| Be able to implement object oriented programming solutions | |
| Be able to test and document object oriented programming solutions. | |
| Multimedia Designs and Authoring | Understand the use of existing multimedia products |
| Know the importance of design discipline | |
| Be able to apply design disciplines to a multimedia production | |
| Be able to present a refined multimedia product prototype. | |
| Digital Forensics | Understand the impact of digital forensics on the social and commercial environments |
| Understand the principles of evidence gathering | |
| Be able to plan and implement digital forensics investigations | |
| Be able to analyse the outcomes of digital forensics investigations | |
| 3D Computer Modeling and Animation | Understand how 3D computer modelling and animation are applied in commercial contexts |
| Be able to create an engaging 3D scene | |
| Be able to create a 3D model within a scene | |
| Be able to produce 3D animations to meet a creative brief. | |
| IT Virtualization | Understand the commercial impact and potential of virtualisation |
| Be able to design virtualisation deployments | |
| Be able to implement virtualisation deployments | |
| Be able to manage virtualisation environments. | |
| Programming in .NET | Understand the principles of programming using a .NET framework. |
| Be able to design .NET solutions | |
| Be able to implement .NET solutions | |
| Be able to test and document .NET solutions. | |
| Computer Games Design and Development | Understand computer games development |
| Be able to design computer games | |
| Be able to develop computer games | |
| Be able to test and document computer games. | |
| Internet Server Management | Understand internet technologies |
| Understand internet server architectures | |
| Be able to implement internet server and services | |
| Be able to manage internet server and services. | |
| Web Applications Development | Understand the concepts of web application development |
| Be able to design web applications | |
| Be able to implement web applications | |
| Be able to test web applications. | |
| Design A Small Office Home Office Network | Understand the impact of small or home office networks |
| Be able to design small or home office networks | |
| Be able to implement small or home office networks | |
| Be able to support small or home office networks. | |
| Quality Systems in IT Organizations | Understand the need for quality assurance in IT systems |
| Be able to employ standard quality control documentation | |
| Be able to use project management tools. | |
| Information Systems in Organizations | Understand information needs within different functional areas of organisations |
| Be able to compare information systems | |
| Be able to use information systems to produce management information. | |
| Management of Projects | Understand the principles of project management |
| Be able to plan a project in terms of organisation and people | |
| Be able to manage project processes and procedures. | |
| IT Security Management | Understand risks to IT security |
| Understand mechanisms to control organisational IT security | |
| Be able to manage organisational security. | |
Assessment/ Academic Standards and Quality
The focus of HND is on practical knowledge; all units are evaluated through continuous assignments and assessments, projects built into the programme and tests for authentication of knowledge gained.
Tests and assignments are set up and evaluated by BCAS (approved centres of Edexcel ) within the framework provided by Edexcel . It is done not only to evaluate the Academic skills of the candidates but also incorporate the necessary arrangements to evaluate the ability and achievement of the common skills areas of the students. Common skills are an integral part of Edexcel philosophy.
Assignments, tests and their assessments are audited by Edexcel’s External Verifiers continuously to maintain standards.
Edexcel has a strong quality assurance system which includes Quality Audit, External Verification and regular visits to the centers by UK and regional staff.
Panel of Lecturers
A high-caliber, competent, and experienced panel of lecturers with several years of Industrial and corporate experience ensures that our students gain maximum exposure to the inner workings of the industries through Practical examples, case studies and examples which helps build the foundation for further graduate level studies and also for future employability, whilst providing them with the knowledge to obtain high pass rates. Our lecturers have been well trained in latest teaching techniques and multiple assessment methodologies.
Programs and Awards
As this program is approved by Edexcel UK, upon successful completion of the first two academic years (Stage 1) the students are awarded BTEC HND in Computing and Systems Development by the Edexcel UK.
Career Prospects
While many HND qualifiers continue into full-time education, many students join the workforce. Graduates can enter a variety of IT sectors careers. Many of the employers linked to the degree offer graduate recruitment schemes. These can give you an idea of the kind of role that a successful Computing student could progress into. The programme’s employment/graduate prospects for Computing is increasingly higher over the years where graduates were employed with the industry or were continued further postgraduate studies in Top-Up Degree, Masters and PhD.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The students have the opportunity of taking part in Extra-curricular activities such as CSR projects, exhibitions and etc… where the students can practice their time management and the leadership skills. Also students can do their own research on their respective fields with 24/7 open Research & Development department of School of computing.
Duration and Course fee
| Duration | Three Years | ||
| 1st and 2ndyear | Course Fee:
|
Rs.219,000.00
|
|
| Registration Fee: | Rs.12,000.00 | ||
| Initial Payment | Rs.44,000.00 | ||
| Edexcel Registration | £ 205.00 | ||
| Installments: | Rs.12500.00 x 14 Months | ||
| Student Council Registration | Rs.3500.00 | ||
Application and Further Details
All applications should be submitted to the Administrative Officer of the respective centre directly or through post/email (admissions@bcas.lk). You can collect the application form at the respective centre or one can be download here http://www.bcas.lk/posters/120727120733Application%20Form.pdf.
For Further Information:
Admissions Enquiries
British College of Applied Studies
32, Dharmarama Road,
Colombo-06,
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 11 2559255, +94 11 2501145
Email: admissions@bcas.lk