Computing, Digital and IT

HN Flex Computing – Networking (Unit 2)

In Brief

Start Date / Duration

This course will start in January. Days and times to be confirmed but this unit will be completed in 14 weeks.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from students with prior learning in a relevant subject area at Level 3, and/or previous relevant experience. Evidence should be submitted through the application and interview process.

GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above is also required.

Anyone looking to retrain in a new career or upskill to enhance their existing career can apply if they:

  • are aged between 19 and 60
  • live in England
  • live outside of England but work in England (some further conditions may apply – check eligibility with the provider)

You will achieve

On completion of this course, you will have gained 15 credits towards the HNC (Computing) and gained Level 4 knowledge of Networking.

Course Code

QCOMPFL2

Course overview

This HN Flex unit in computer networking provides a comprehensive understanding of networking essentials including operations, protocols, standards and security. It covers LAN, WAN, IP data network protocols, and equips students with skills to install, operate, and troubleshoot small networks. The 15-credit unit is suitable as part of a longer HNC programme or as a standalone module.

HN Flex modules are a great option for anyone who wishes to increase their skills and knowledge without committing to studying for an entire qualification. In this course, you will complete a 15-credit unit within the Computing HNC, which can lead towards a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) on completion of both the HNC and HND.

This single unit offers an insight to a cutting-edge programme aimed at those who are eager to upskill and follow a career in various job roles within the high tech and ever-changing world of Software Development, Cybersecurity and Networking. Students on this programme will have a range of different backgrounds and interests meaning the programme will have a rounded approach to delivery and content.

These qualifications will give you the skills to progress as an IT professional and employers often regard vendor certifications as the industry standard. The course is run from our SciTech Digital Innovation Hub which offers cutting edge facilities and equipment.

Our HN Flex units within Computing have been aligned to the occupational standard for the industry. It has been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

This course is delivered as part of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT).

Course content

Having been developed in collaboration with employers in an ambition to meet the needs of the growing demands of the industry, a Higher Technical Qualification provides the opportunity to gain the proper training, knowledge, and skills to be successful in the workplace.

This unit is worth 15 Credits towards a Higher National Certificate.

Computer networks are the driving force behind the evolution of computer systems and allow users to access data, hardware, and services regardless of their location. Being knowledgeable about the underlying principles of networking is of vital importance to all IT professionals. Networking is an environment that is increasingly complex and under continuous development.

Complex computer networking has connected the world by groups of small networks through internet links to support global communications. It supports access to digital information anytime, anywhere, using many applications like email, audio and video transmission, including the World Wide Web, and this has opened the floodgates to availability of information.

The aim of this unit is to give students a wider background knowledge of computer networking essentials, how they operate, protocols, standards, security considerations and the prototypes associated with a range of networking technologies. Students will explore a range of hardware, with related software, and will configure and install these to gain knowledge of networking systems. A range of networking technologies will be explored to deliver a fundamental knowledge of Local Area Networking (LAN), Wide Area Networking (WAN) and their evolution to form large-scale networks. Students will also explore the protocol methodologies related to IP data networks.

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Specific assessment strategies include practical work, written assessments, examinations, case studies, presentations and reports offering the opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of both general and specific business principles. Such methods will also allow you to indicate both the breadth and depth of your directed and independent research.

All equipment will be provided.

SciTech Digital Innovation Centre
Falcon Street
Barnsley
S70 2EY

After successfully completing the unit and achieving 15 Credits at a Level 4 National Certificate in Computing, you can progress onto other units at Level 4.

How much does the course cost?

An individual unit costs £750. You can study this unit alongside the Cyber Security unit at no cost until August 2025. For more information please see below.

Extra information

Under the Modular Acceleration Programme, Barnsley College is able to offer selected HN Flex units at no cost to students or employers until August 2025. You will not need to repay any tuition fees to study the combined two units as part of this package, although the funding you access will reduce the amount remaining in your future Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) account. This funding can be accessed by any student aged between 19 and 60 who lives in England. Visit the Gov website for more information about the Modular Acceleration Programme or LLE.

For further information please contact our friendly Information Team on +44 (0)1226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

HN Flex Computing – Networking (Unit 2)

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