General Information

Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma
The Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Computing and Systems Development (QCF) is a qualification with a minimum of 120 credits of which 45 credits are mandatory core. The Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma programme must contain a minimum of 65 credits at level 4.

1. Qualification credit value: a minimum of 120 credits. A maximum of 55 credits may be at level 5.
2. Minimum credit to be achieved at the level of the qualification (level 4): 65 credits.
3. Mandatory core unit credit: 45 credits.
4. Specialist unit credit: (120–45) = 75 credits.
5. A maximum of 30 credits can be centre devised or imported from other QCF Edexcel BTEC Higher National qualifications to meet local needs. Level rules and mandatory core units must not be changed.

Higher-level skills

Learners studying for Edexcel BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing and Systems Development will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study:

• ability to integrate a range of concepts, knowledge and skills relating to computing and systems development
• ability to apply complex theories to practical realistic work situations in the computing sector
• independence of approach to study and the generation of computing evidence
• ability to engage with complex and/or unpredictable situations in computing contexts
• ability to take responsibility to manage and direct their own and others’ activities
• insight and judgement in relation to the margins and consequences of error
• research and investigative skills
• responsiveness to change and ability to multi-task
• ability to innovate and work in a creative way.

Higher-level skills and abilities

Learners will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study:

• analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically
• the ability to read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding
• the ability to think independently and solve problems
• the ability to take responsibility for their own learning and recognise their own learning style obtaining and integrating several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses
• applying subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems 
• recognising the moral and ethical issues surrounding computing and IT
• the ability to understand the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct when designing, planning, conducting and reporting an investigations
• the ability to undertake investigations of computer systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner
• an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of computing
• the capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, marshal arguments in a mature way and engage in debate and dialogue both with specialists and non-specialists.

Calculation of the qualification grade

Pass qualification grade

Learners who achieve the minimum eligible credit value specified by the rule of combination will achieve the qualification at pass grade (see section Rules of combination for the Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher National qualifications).

Qualification grades above pass grade

Learners will be awarded a merit or distinction qualification grade by the aggregation of points gained through the successful achievement of individual units. The graded section of both the HNC and the HND is based on the learner’s best performance in units at the level or above of the qualification to the value of 75 credits.

The number of points available is dependent on the unit grade achieved and the credit size of the unit (as shown in the ‘Points available per credit at specified unit grades’ table below).

Points available per credit at specified unit grades

Points per credit: Pass 0 Merit 1 Distinction 2

Qualification grades

Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma

0-74 Pass P

75-149 Merit M

150 Distinction D

Grade descriptors

Pass grade

A pass grade is achieved by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment criteria for pass for each unit.

Merit grade

Exemplar indicative characteristics

Centres can identify and use other relevant characteristics. This is NOT a tick list.

The learner’s evidence shows for example:

• identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions
• effective judgements have been made
• complex problems with more than one variable have been explored
• an effective approach to study and research has been applied
• select/design and apply appropriate
• methods/techniques • relevant theories and techniques have been applied 
• a range of methods and techniques have been applied
• a range of sources of information has been used
• the selection of methods and techniques/sources has been justified
• the design of methods/techniques has been justified
• complex information/data has been synthesised and processed
• appropriate learning methods/techniques have been applied
• present and communicate appropriate findings
• the appropriate structure and approach has been used
• coherent, logical development of principles/concepts for the intended audience
• a range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has been accurately used 
• communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
• the communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences and appropriate media have been used.

Distinction grade

Exemplar indicative characteristics

Centres can identify and use other relevant characteristics. This is NOT a tick list.

The learner’s evidence shows for example:

• use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions
• conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified
• the validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria
• self-criticism of approach has taken place
• realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success
• take responsibility for managing and organising activities
• autonomy/independence has been demonstrated 
• substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organised
• activities have been managed
• the unforeseen has been accommodated
• the importance of interdependence has been recognised and achieved
• demonstrate convergent/lateral/ creative thinking 
• ideas have been generated and decisions taken 
• self-evaluation has taken place
• convergent and lateral thinking have been applied
• problems have been solved
• innovation and creative thought have been applied
• receptiveness to new ideas is evident
• effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment (leading to the award of credit) that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and so do not need to develop through a course of learning. Edexcel encourages centres to recognise learners’ previous achievements and experiences whether at work, home and at leisure, as well as in the classroom. RPL provides a route for the

recognition of the achievements resulting from continuous learning. RPL enables recognition of achievement from a range of activities using any valid assessment methodology. Provided that the assessment requirements of a given unit or qualification have been met, the use of RPL is acceptable for accrediting a unit, units or a whole qualification. Evidence of learning must be valid and reliable.

Structure of the Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Computing and Systems Development (QCF)

Mandatory core units

all three units must be taken 
1 Business Skills for e-Commerce Level 4, 15 Credits
2 Computer Systems Level 4, 15 Credits
3 Employability and Professional Development Level 4, 15 Credits

Specialist units
choose units with a total credit value of 75 credits
4 Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation Level 5, 20 Credits
5 Emerging Technologies 4 15
6 Management in IT 4 15
7 Research Skills 4 15
8 Management of Projects 4 15
9 Systems Analysis and Design 4 15
10 Human Computer Interaction 4 15
11 Digital Media in Art and Design 4 15
12 2D, 3D and Time-based Digital Applications 4 15
13 Multimedia Design and Authoring 4 15
14 Website Design 4 15
15 Website Management 4 15
16 e-Commerce Technologies 4 15
17 Database Design Concepts 4 15
18 Procedural Programming 4 15
19 Object Oriented Programming 4 15
20 Event Driven Programming Solutions 4 15
21 Software Applications Testing 4 15
22 Office Solutions Development 4 15
23 Mathematics for Software Development 4 15
24 Networking Technologies 4 15
25 Routing Concepts 4 15
26 Design a Small or Home Office Network 4 15
27 Network Operating Systems 4 15
28 IT Support for End Users 4 15
29 e-Commerce Strategy 5 15
30 Information Systems in Organisations 5 15
31 Knowledge-based Systems 5 15
32 Quality Systems in IT 5 15
33 Data Analysis and Design 5 15
34 Data Structures and Algorithms 5 15
35 Web Applications Development 5 15
36 Internet Server Management 5 15
37 Digital Image Creation and Development 5 15
38 3D Computer Modelling and Animation 5 15
39 Computer Games Design and Development 5 15
40 Distributed Software Applications 5 15
41 Programming in Java 5 15
42 Programming in .NET 5 15
43 Networking Infrastructure 5 15
44 Local Area Networking Technologies 5 15
45 Wide Area Networking Technologies 5 15
46 Network Security 5 15
47 IT Virtualisation 5 15
48 IT Security Management 5 15
49 Digital Forensics 5 15
50 Work-based Experience 5 15
51 Computer Systems Architecture 3 10
52 Spreadsheet Modelling 3 10
53 Web Server Scripting 3 10
54 Multimedia Design 3 10

The Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC programme must contain a minimum of 65 credits at level 4.