HNC/D Computer Science review

As previously mentioned, we started scoping the changes needed to HND Computer Science in February. We also considered the need for a separate HNC Computer Science.

The consultant has now completed the work. His report makes interesting reading. His main conclusions are:

• no need for a separate HNC
• significant changes to the HND.

The report contains a lot of details about why he recommended these actions and also a lot of information about the sorts of changes needed to the HND. These include:

• inclusion of maths in the mandatory section
• greater focus on computer science knowledge and skills
• review of the Graded Unit
• clearer distinction between HND Computer Science and HND Software Development.

We consulted with a lot of people to come up with the report (including employers) and there was a great deal of consensus about what needs changed so I’m confident that the report (and its recommendations) is accurate.

I now have to consider his suggestions and decide on a course of action. But whatever I decide, the award will have to be revised to address some of the identified issues. I’ll let you know what we plan to do in a future post.

Bobby Published 04/05/2017