Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing

Typically, weekly contact hours are scheduled for a minimum of 7 hours per week per semester. 

Student workload usually includes 2 to 5 assessments (which may contain a combination of coursework, class tests, practical assessments and/or examination) per module. 

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme.

Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.

You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.

Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

• 2 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points including:

• GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile CC

OR

• [RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in with overall award profile MPP

OR

• [RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma with overall award profile MM

OR

• Access to HE Diploma (NI): 45% overall and 45% in level 2 Access Mathematics.

OR

• An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students

English Language Requirements International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Higher Level Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be eligible for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), in addition to the entry requirements identified above, you need to:

• be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, allowing you to gain appropriate industrial experience, with a Northern Ireland based company (does not include public sector) who is willing to support you as an HLA candidate,
• work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training),
• be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.

Students are assessed using a range of different methods.  These include examinations, coursework, project based learning, presentations, practical assessments and class tests. This is dependent on the requirements of each module of study.  Both oral and written feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

The course provides the opportunity to undertake employment within the computing industry whilst completing the Foundation Degree in Computing.  This will enable you to gain industry experience at the same time as completing your academic qualification.

You will learn transferrable skills such as communication, organisational skills, problem solving and critical thinking which will help you to apply to relevant jobs within the computing industry.  The programme is designed to facilitate your development of a range of graduate qualities that are highly valued in the workplace.  Throughout the course, industry standard software and equipment is utilised with a focus on the core industrial skills required for the computing industry.