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HNC Software Development

Looking to get your career in Software Development started? This course is for anyone looking to develop their understanding of Digital Technologies, who wants to develop specialist technical knowledge, and a broad skillset that will help them to find employment.

Course Overview

Start Date
15 Sep 2025
Mode of Study
Full-Time
Location
South Central IoT – Bletchley
Days
Mon to Fri
Time
09:00 – 17:00

Course overview

Want to make a positive change to the digital world? You’ve picked the right Software Development and Programming qualification. We’re on a mission to make the digital world a better place. This Level 4 qualification provides the foundation of your learning by giving a broad introduction to digital technologies and to a range of digital technology specialist functions.

What will I do?

The Digital Technologies HNC – Software Development is a higher level course, equivalent to the first year of a university degree programme. It concentrates on developing the skills to succeed in industry and prepares you for work in the digital sector. You’ll study units such as:

  • Programming
  • Software Development Lifecycles
  • Database Design and Development
  • Data Structures & Algorithms and Advanced Programming

You’ll gain a wide range of knowledge, during your Software Development and Programming course, tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios, with live project briefs from our employer partners. You will also have the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.

What’s next?

After studying a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies you’ll have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of digital technology. You’ll be able to demonstrate a range of subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to digital employers.

Once you’ve completed your HNC, you can progress your learning by moving on to Digital Technologies Higher National Diploma, progress on to study at university or onto employment.

MK College and the South-Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) are now partnering with The Open University to produce new routes to full honours degrees which represent a real cost saving for students.  

You can now study towards your HND (Higher National Diploma), followed by a third top-up year with the open University.

What types of jobs could you expect afterwards?

You could expect roles with titles such as Software developer, software tester, lead developer, technical architect, systems engineer, Programmer. Don’t feel limited by this list, with the Digital Technologies HNC you’ll be anything ready.

During these jobs you could be responsible for working in a dynamic and agile environment, with constant exposure to new technologies and plenty of opportunities to grow your skills and learn from others. You could be involved in the full software development lifecycle, from rapid prototyping of new ideas to testing and continuous integration. Liaising closely with the other developers, you could be part of a multi-disciplinary team, focused on delivering fantastic products and a great user experience for customers.

Did you know?

  • Software developer is the most in demand role sought by employers and makes up 6% of all advertised digital tech roles (Tech Nation Jobs and Skills Report 2020)
  • UK tech employs 2.93m people, with 40% growth in two years (Tech Nation Jobs and Skills Report 2020)

Is it for me?

If you’re looking to get your career in Software Development and Programming started and have a passion for digital technologies, then this is the course for you. There are full time and part time course options available to suit your needs.

Not ready to apply yet? Why not give us an email, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We’ll be able to advise on whether this Software Development and Programming course is right for you and take it from there.

To ensure you are prepared for entering the industry, learners will join BCS The Chartered Institute for IT as a student member and will have the option to complete the following accreditations:

  • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
  • Microsoft Data Fundamentals
  • Microsoft AI Fundamentals
  • Microsoft Power Apps Fundamentals

Entry requirements

Mature students are assessed on a case by case basis. Students who have recently been in education need to be a minimum of 18 years old.

Digital Technologies HNC learners at the South Central IoT will benefit from:

  • Project based learning: You will manage projects from beginning to end, solving employer-generated problems and maximising higher skills.
  • Active partnerships with employers: Our previous projects include working with Microsoft. Learners will be given opportunities to complete Microsoft relevant certifications. Our projects are co-delivered with employer partners which means you get trained directly by industry professionals.
  • Confidence to learn, forget and relearn – as you would in industry: You will be treated as a unique investor in your working future rather than individuals accessing courses.
  • Real research and development: You will undertake detailed research, enquiry, writing and analysis and communicate results effectively.
  • Friendly and approachable: The South Central Institute of Technology team is welcoming, and will encourage you at every step.

Our Digital Coaches will support you on your exciting learning journey. They will provide advice and guidance at regular intervals to ensure you achieve the best possible grade.

programmes are assessed by assignments or coursework. Projects completed as part of the course are based on live briefs from industry employers, ensuring relevant workplace experience and potential job prospects.

At Level 4 entry, total qualification time is estimated at 1,200 hours per academic year, of which 480 hours are guided learning hours. This equates to approx. 15 hours per week taught (face-to-face and e-learning) and 15+ hours per week independent self-study during term time. This Software Development and Programming course can be studied both full-time in one-year and part-time in two-years.

You’ll gain a wide range of knowledge, during your Software Development and Programming course, tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios, with live project briefs from our employer partners.

During the course of your Higher National Certificate, you’ll develop and strengthen your core skills, while preparing yourself to continue onto a Level 5 Higher National Diploma, or to entering employment. Not only will you have a sound knowledge across a broad range of technical areas, you’ll also leave with the qualities and skills that employers look for. What’s more, we’ll be here to support you at every step, offering a friendly environment that feels (and looks) like a real employer.

Apply
today

  1. Digital Technologies HNC – Software

    (A644-1/1)
    Start Date
    15 Sep 2025
    Days
    Mon to Fri
    Time
    09:00 – 17:00
    Location
    South Central IoT – Bletchley

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