HNC Computing - worth doing?

Possom

I noticed it's possible to undertake a HNC Computing at my local college in the evening over 2 years.

I already have a non-IT BSc, and I would not intend on using the HNC to undertake a university level degree in IT.

Is a HNC Computing of any use to obtain IT related employment? I did a quick search on some employment websites for HNC Computing and it's not throwing much up.

Thanks.

username901

'IT Computing' is about as vague as you can get. Could be anything from data entry, to DBA, to network admin

First, what exactly is covered in the course. Secondly, what is it you want to do exactly?

DCFC79

I agree with previous poster.


Another question is do you have any experience to go along with the HNC qualification once you finish ?

motorguy

Possom wrote: »

I noticed it's possible to undertake a HNC Computing at my local college in the evening over 2 years.

I already have a non-IT BSc, and I would not intend on using the HNC to undertake a university level degree in IT.

Is a HNC Computing of any use to obtain IT related employment? I did a quick search on some employment websites for HNC Computing and it's not throwing much up.

Thanks.

What do you plan on doing with the qualification?

Theres companies that take on degree graduates straight from University, and other companies take people on with experience and lesser qualifications. I think an HNC with no follow up with a higher qualification and no other marketable experience wont get you anywhere.

stator

I think you're better off doing something more specific.
I regret doing a general computer science degree.
Should have done software engineering

username901

As an employer being able to demonstrate knowledge with actual work or proof of concept is far more valuable than some letters after your name. I have a bsc in software engineering, but in the real world virtually none of the course was relevant, in 2003 I ended up making a CD with examples of my work which I sent out to employers, every one offered an interview.

I interviewed a graduate the other day for a developer position, on paper he was good but couldn't demonstrate his skills. Another candidate who had self taught and spent a few years tinkering didn't have a degree, but it was far easier to see his skill level, and could explain his thinking and working out. The whole point of an interview is to see if they can do the job, and that they're not a serial killer.

What I'm saying is rather than 2 years and debt spent on a course that wouldn't be particularly in depth (you'll be up against people with BSc, masters etc), try udemy type courses on whatever piques your interest and build up a portfolio of examples as you go. Finding decent developers is near impossible here in East Midlands outside the cities.

ACG

Might mate works for a bank, they wanted degrees but he managed to get in with his HNC (might have been a HND), from what I can gather he has since had various promotions since and is now doing alright for himself despite being less qualified than the others who started with him.

MataNui

I did a HNC in business Information Technology many years back. At the time my employer funded it. It was a very broad course, some of it was quite enjoyable but most was below the level i was at by my own study. I think it did help my into my next couple of roles but i did have some experience by then.



It did also get me directly into the second year of a BSc in Computer Science several years later though (which again had some enjoyable elements but was below the level i had reached through working in the industry in the years between).

motorguy

ACG wrote: »

Might mate works for a bank, they wanted degrees but he managed to get in with his HNC (might have been a HND), from what I can gather he has since had various promotions since and is now doing alright for himself despite being less qualified than the others who started with him.

Big difference between an HNC and an HND.

An HND will often be considered as a rough "equivalent" to a degree, if the right discipline, a good grade and perhaps supporting experience.

An HNC wont be full stop.

I've an HND in Computer Studies. It was a full time 2 year course, with a years work placement in the middle so a 3 year commitment for me. It got me in to the same job (Programmer) as people doing the four year degree course, so i was a year ahead of them with real world experience by the time they got there.

Never held me back BUT an HNC wouldnt have got me past the paper sift as their minimum was HND / Degree.

motorguy

MataNui wrote: »

I did a HNC in business Information Technology many years back. At the time my employer funded it. It was a very broad course, some of it was quite enjoyable but most was below the level i was at by my own study. I think it did help my into my next couple of roles but i did have some experience by then.



It did also get me directly into the second year of a BSc in Computer Science several years later though (which again had some enjoyable elements but was below the level i had reached through working in the industry in the years between).

I think thats where an HNC is useful - as a stepping stone to higher level education. As a qualification to stand alongside an HND or Degree, no.

Possom

Thanks very much for all the feedback - much appreciated.

Instead of the HNC I'll take a couple of short courses which are tailored to exactly what it is that I wish to increase my knowledge in.

username901 wrote: »

'IT Computing' is about as vague as you can get. Could be anything from data entry, to DBA, to network admin

First, what exactly is covered in the course.

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-higher-nationals/computing-2017.html