Computing for England (Network Engineering) - NTU in Mansfield Higher National Certificate
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 64 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): I102 (Full time)
- Start Date(s): September 2025
- Duration: One year full-time / two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time (day)
- Campus: NTU in Mansfield
Introduction:
Taught at NTU in Mansfield, we are providing access to alternative routes in higher education. We've built qualifications with the local job market in mind. Each of our higher education courses is relevant, hands-on and work focused.
The course has been aligned to the Network Engineer occupational standard which was developed by:
IBM, Accenture, BA, BT, Capgemini, Cisco, Fujitsu, HP, John Lewis, Lloyds, Microsoft, NCA, The Royal Signals, Telefonica, The Test Factory, Virgin Media, Visa, BCS - Chartered Institute of IT.
This course is ideal if you are already working in engineering and want to progress in your career as well as those who want to work in the engineering sector. You'll get a broad knowledge through studying a wide range of engineering subjects to develop technical, communication and management skills needed by today's technical engineers.
As the level of automation in the Mansfield and Ashfield region grows, this course will align and work with the local industry to fulfill local demands and future-proof the workforce.
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You'll study at our NTU in Mansfield campus, 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 to a range of roles in the engineering industry and the opportunity to continue your studies on a university degree 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 cp)
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 cp)
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 cp)
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 cp)
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 cp)
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 cp)
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 cp)
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.
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.
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
We are continually investing in our facilities and transforming our learning and teaching environment to create an inspiring and innovative atmosphere. Teaching will take place at the University Hub's £6.5 million University Centre, which opened in 2016 and which is equipped with the latest facilities and state-of-the-art technology. Facilities include:
- On-site Café
- Teaching and Learning Centre
- Library
- Social spaces
- Student support services
- Dedicated study zones including PC suites
As an Engineering student at Nottingham Trent University in Mansfield, you will have access to a high-performance CAD suite, industry-standard robotics, hydraulics and pneumatics test equipment and electronics equipment.
Entry requirements
- 64 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent.
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.
Other qualifications and experience
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.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
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.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
This course is not suitable for Student Visa applicants.
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.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
For guidance, 2024 entry fees are:
Home (UK) tuition fee
- £7,090 (Full-time)
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service. Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
This course is not suitable for Student Visa applicants.
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.
How to apply
Full-time
Please apply through UCAS. The UCAS code for this course is I102.
Part-time
You can apply for this course directly with NTU through our Application Portal.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.
This course is not suitable for Student Visa applicants.
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.