Next Gen update
I received an enquiry this morning about Next Gen so I thought that this is a good time to update you about developments.
The Next Gen initiative will bring big changes to Higher National Qualifications (HNQs). Computing was one of the first subjects to get involved. The work has been completed in two phases. In phase 1 we developed two new qualifications:
- HNC Computing
- HND Data Science.
These developments were completed in mid-2021 and available to pilot in August of that year. Due to the pandemic, and other factors, no-one came forward to volunteer so they were re-offered for piloting in 2022/23 and two colleges volunteered to pilot HNC Computing (no-one volunteered for HND Data Science). We’re now in the middle of that pilot, which will conclude this Summer. Early indications are that the pilots are going well.
In 2022 we commenced the second phase of developments, which involved three HNQs.
- HND Computer Science
- HND Networking & Cloud Infrastructure
- HND Software Development.
These developments are progressing well and are almost complete. We will be looking for volunteers to pilot four qualifications in 2023/24 — the three HNDs, developed as part of phase 2, and HND Data Science from phase 1. Once the pilot of HNC Computing is complete we will evaluate the qualification and make any necessary changes. At this time, we’re not looking for any more pilot centres for this award.
The next (and probably last) meeting of the Qualification Development Team takes place later this month to discuss the final arrangements for the three phase 2 HNDs.
Please contact Amy if you want more information about this development or contact the Next Gen team for information about the programme.
