01What it is
This Level 5 Higher National Certificate in Computing (Software Development) focuses on the knowledge and skills required for roles in the digital technology sector. It covers areas such as internet server design, distributed development methodologies, and WAN communications. Personal skills development and end user support are also addressed.
These are the units Pearson Education Ltd registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated. Zavmo teaches towards them on your own work.
Zavmo is not an awarding body, is not an approved centre, and is not affiliated with Pearson Education Ltd. It does the teaching and the mapping. Pearson Education Ltd sets this qualification and awards it, and a qualified human assessor makes the assessment decision.
02The units
What each unit actually teaches you to do
Computer Network Infrastructure Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study computer network infrastructure components, cabling standards, device configuration, troubleshooting, security infrastructure, and virtualisation. They will develop practical skills to manage and maintain network systems effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the components of a computer network infrastructure, including servers, routers, switches and cabling
- Know network cabling standards, including Ethernet and fibre optic cabling, and their installation requirements
- Configure network devices, including routers, switches and firewalls, according to specified requirements
- Troubleshoot network infrastructure problems, using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques
- Understand network security infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems and VPNs
- Understand virtualisation concepts and their application in network infrastructure design
Computer platforms Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore various computer platforms, their characteristics, and security considerations. This unit develops the ability to select appropriate platforms based on hardware and operating system knowledge for specific applications.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the different types of computer platforms available.
- Know the key characteristics and features of various computer platforms.
- Select the most appropriate computer platforms for specific purposes.
- Understand the security considerations relevant to different computer platforms.
Data analysis and design Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit focuses on analysing various data analysis techniques, designing tailored data solutions, evaluating data quality, and interpreting results. You'll understand data presentation methods and apply analytical skills in diverse contexts.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse different data analysis techniques and their applications
- Design data analysis solutions to meet specific requirements
- Evaluate data quality using appropriate metrics and methods
- Understand various data presentation methods and their suitability for different audiences
- Interpret data analysis results and draw meaningful conclusions
Data structures and algorithms Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides knowledge of common data structures and fundamental algorithms, including arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees. You'll implement data structures, analyse algorithm efficiency, and understand algorithm design paradigms.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the characteristics and applications of common data structures such as arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.
- Understand fundamental algorithms for searching, sorting, and manipulating data structures.
- Implement data structures using appropriate programming languages and techniques.
- Analyse the efficiency of algorithms in terms of time and space complexity.
- Know common algorithm design paradigms such as divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and greedy algorithms.
Database design concepts Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides an understanding of database models, design principles including normalisation and indexing, and data integrity and security. You'll be able to design and implement databases that meet specified requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different database models, including relational, NoSQL, and object-oriented models
- Know database design principles, such as normalisation and indexing
- Design a database to meet specific requirements
- Understand data integrity and security considerations in database design
- Implement database designs using appropriate database management systems
Designing and Managing Internet Servers Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers internet server design principles, infrastructure management, security measures, performance optimisation, and capacity planning for internet servers.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand internet server design principles, including scalability and redundancy
- Manage internet server infrastructure, including hardware and network resources
- Implement server security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Optimise server performance, using techniques such as caching and load balancing
- Understand capacity planning for internet servers, considering future growth and demand
Distributed design and development Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study distributed design principles and development methodologies. The unit covers system design, application development, and security considerations in distributed environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles underpinning distributed design methodologies
- Know and compare different distributed development methodologies, including their strengths and weaknesses
- Design robust and scalable distributed systems, considering factors such as data consistency and fault tolerance
- Develop distributed applications using appropriate technologies and frameworks
- Understand and apply security considerations relevant to distributed environments, including authentication, authorisation, and data protection
End user support Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand end user support principles and develop skills to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and network issues. The unit also covers remote support, escalation procedures, and relevant legislation.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles underpinning end user support services
- Diagnose end user hardware, software and network problems effectively
- Provide remote technical support to end users, adhering to service level agreements
- Escalate complex technical issues to appropriate specialists, providing detailed information
- Understand relevant legislation and regulations relating to data protection, security and accessibility in the context of end user support
Formal methods Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study formal methods in software development, including model checking and theorem proving. They will apply these methods to analyse system specifications, verify properties, and understand their limitations in improving software quality.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand formal methods in software development and their purpose
- Apply formal methods to software development processes
- Analyse system specifications using formal methods
- Verify system properties using formal methods
- Understand the limitations of formal methods in software development
Green Computing Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand the principles and environmental impact of green computing. This unit covers energy-efficient practices, waste reduction strategies, sustainable software development, and evaluation of green computing technologies.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of green computing, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable practices.
- Know the environmental impact of computing, including carbon emissions, e-waste, and resource depletion.
- Implement energy-efficient practices in computing environments, such as power management, virtualisation, and cloud computing.
- Evaluate green computing technologies and solutions based on their environmental impact and performance.
- Understand sustainable software development practices, including code optimisation, resource management, and lifecycle considerations.
Human computer interface Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore human computer interaction principles, usability evaluation methods, and accessibility considerations. They will develop skills to design and critically evaluate user interfaces to ensure they are intuitive and user-friendly.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand human computer interaction (HCI) principles and their importance in user interface design
- Know various usability evaluation methods, such as heuristic evaluation and user testing
- Design user interfaces that are intuitive, efficient and user-friendly, considering user needs and accessibility requirements
- Evaluate user interface designs, identifying usability issues and recommending improvements
- Understand accessibility considerations and guidelines, such as WCAG, and their application in user interface design
IT Security Management Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study IT security principles, management frameworks, risk assessment, implementation of security controls, and monitoring. This unit equips learners to manage IT security effectively within organisational environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental IT security principles and their importance
- Know different IT security management frameworks and their application
- Assess IT security risks within an organisation
- Implement appropriate security controls to mitigate identified risks
- Monitor IT security to ensure ongoing protection
Java programming Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of Java programming fundamentals, including syntax, data structures, and object-oriented principles. It teaches you to write Java programs, implement object-oriented concepts, and utilise Java libraries and frameworks effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles of Java programming, including syntax, data types, and control structures
- Write well-structured and efficient Java programs to solve specific problems
- Use Java data structures, such as arrays, lists, and maps, to organise and manipulate data effectively
- Implement object-oriented principles, including encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, in Java code
- Understand the purpose and usage of common Java libraries and frameworks for software development
Knowledge systems Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces knowledge systems concepts, types, and the knowledge management lifecycle. You'll learn to design, implement, and evaluate knowledge systems using appropriate technologies and knowledge representation methods.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core concepts underpinning knowledge systems.
- Know the different types of knowledge systems and their applications.
- Design a knowledge system to address a specific need.
- Implement a knowledge system using appropriate technologies.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a knowledge system.
Local Area Networking Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of local area networking (LAN) principles, including LAN topologies, protocols, hardware, and software. You'll learn to design, implement, troubleshoot, and secure LANs to meet specific performance requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand local area networking principles, including topologies, protocols, and addressing schemes
- Know LAN hardware and software components, including network interface cards, switches, routers, and operating systems
- Design a LAN that meets specific performance and security requirements
- Implement a LAN, including configuring hardware and software, and connecting devices
- Troubleshoot LAN issues, including connectivity problems, performance bottlenecks, and security breaches
- Understand LAN security measures, including access control, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems
MS Office solution development Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit focuses on MS Office solution development concepts, including design, development, testing, and documentation. You'll create MS Office solutions such as add-ins, templates, and macros to meet specific business requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand MS Office solution development concepts, including the different types of solutions and their applications
- Design MS Office solutions that meet specific user requirements and business needs
- Develop MS Office solutions using appropriate tools and techniques
- Test MS Office solutions to ensure they function correctly and meet quality standards
- Document MS Office solutions clearly and comprehensively for future reference and maintenance
Management in IT Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore management principles within IT, including leadership, communication, and motivation. This unit covers IT governance frameworks, project and team management, and IT risk management strategies to support effective IT operations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key management principles applicable to IT environments.
- Know the established IT governance frameworks and their purpose.
- Manage IT projects effectively, adhering to timelines and budgets.
- Manage IT teams, fostering collaboration and productivity.
- Understand the principles of IT risk management and mitigation strategies.
Maths for software development Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers mathematical concepts relevant to software development, including logic, algebra, statistics, and data representation. You'll apply mathematical techniques and tools to solve problems and support algorithm design and data analysis.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand mathematical concepts relevant to software development, such as logic, algebra, and statistics
- Apply mathematical techniques to solve problems in software development, such as algorithm design and data analysis
- Use mathematical tools, such as spreadsheets and statistical software, to support software development tasks
- Understand different methods of data representation in computers, including binary, hexadecimal, and floating-point numbers
- Understand the principles of algorithm design and analysis, including time complexity and space complexity
Network Operating Systems Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers network operating system principles, configuration of network services, user account management, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting. You'll gain practical skills to administer and maintain network operating systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of network operating systems and their functions
- Configure network services, such as DNS, DHCP, and web servers
- Manage user accounts and permissions within a network environment
- Monitor network performance using appropriate tools and techniques
- Troubleshoot network issues and implement effective solutions
OOP programming Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study object-oriented programming (OOP) principles such as abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. This unit enables the design and implementation of classes and objects, use of design patterns, and understanding of encapsulation.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), including abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism
- Design classes and objects that effectively model real-world entities and their relationships
- Implement inheritance and polymorphism to create reusable and maintainable code
- Use design patterns to solve common software design problems in an object-oriented context
- Understand the concept of encapsulation and its role in protecting data integrity
Personal skills development Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers personal development techniques, goal setting using recognised frameworks, effective time management, communication skills, and self-reflection. You'll gain the ability to apply these skills in professional contexts to enhance their personal and professional growth.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand a range of personal development techniques and their application in a professional context
- Set realistic and achievable personal and professional goals, using recognised frameworks
- Manage own time effectively, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, using appropriate communication methods
- Reflect on own performance, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans
Professional development Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the importance of professional development, identifying personal development needs, planning activities, and evaluating progress. You'll also explore various career pathways and create development plans to support career advancement.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the importance of professional development for career advancement and maintaining competence
- Identify own development needs based on skills gaps and career goals
- Plan professional development activities, including training courses, conferences, and self-study
- Evaluate own development and its impact on performance
- Understand different career pathways within the digital technology sector
Programming Robotics Systems Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of robotic system components, relevant programming languages, and sensor integration. They will develop skills to program robot movements, behaviours, and test robotic systems for functionality and performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the components and functionalities of robotic systems, including sensors, actuators, and controllers
- Know the characteristics and applications of different programming languages commonly used in robotics
- Program robot movements and behaviours using appropriate programming techniques
- Integrate sensors and actuators into robotic systems and program their interactions
- Test and evaluate the performance of robotic systems, identifying areas for improvement
Programming concepts Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces fundamental programming concepts, paradigms, and data structures. You'll write and debug basic programs using different programming styles, enhancing their understanding of programming logic and structures.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental programming concepts, including variables, data types, control structures, and functions
- Know different programming paradigms, such as object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming
- Write basic programs using a suitable programming language
- Debug code to identify and fix errors
- Understand common data structures, such as arrays, lists, and trees
Project Management Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers project management methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2. You'll plan, manage resources, monitor progress, control risks, and evaluate project outcomes to support successful project delivery.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different project management methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2
- Plan a project, including defining scope, setting objectives, and creating a schedule
- Manage project resources, including people, equipment, and materials
- Monitor project progress and identify potential problems
- Control project risks and implement mitigation strategies
- Evaluate project outcomes and identify lessons learned
Quality systems Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study quality management principles, quality assurance methods, control procedures, performance monitoring, and system improvement. This unit emphasises implementing and maintaining effective quality systems in organisational contexts.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand quality management principles, including ISO 9000 and other relevant standards
- Know different quality assurance methods, such as audits, inspections, and testing
- Implement quality control procedures to ensure products and services meet specified requirements
- Monitor quality performance using key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Improve quality systems through continuous improvement initiatives
Software development project Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll learn to plan, manage, develop, test, document, and evaluate software development projects. This unit covers project scope, resource allocation, task management, and outcome assessment to ensure project objectives are met.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan a software development project, defining scope, objectives, and resources
- Manage a software development project, including task allocation, progress tracking, and risk management
- Develop software according to specified requirements and design specifications
- Test and document software to ensure quality and maintainability
- Evaluate the outcomes of a software development project against the initial objectives and requirements
Software testing Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces software testing principles and methodologies, enabling learners to create test plans, execute tests, and document results. You'll understand different testing levels and types, and the importance of testing in software development.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of software testing, including different testing levels and types
- Create comprehensive test plans that cover all aspects of the software under test
- Execute software tests according to the test plan, using appropriate testing tools and techniques
- Document test results accurately and comprehensively, including defects found and their resolution
- Understand different software testing methodologies, such as Agile testing and Waterfall testing
System analysis Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore system analysis methodologies, requirements gathering, process modelling, data analysis, and documentation. They will develop skills to apply appropriate methodologies effectively in various system development contexts.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different system analysis methodologies and their applications
- Gather system requirements from stakeholders using appropriate techniques
- Model system processes using recognised modelling tools and notations
- Analyse system data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies
- Document system specifications clearly and comprehensively
VB enterprise development Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of VB enterprise development concepts and tools. They will develop, connect to databases, and deploy VB enterprise applications designed to meet business needs and ensure scalability and maintainability.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key concepts and principles of VB (Visual Basic) enterprise development
- Know the features and capabilities of VB enterprise development tools and frameworks
- Develop VB enterprise applications that meet specific business requirements
- Connect to and interact with databases using VB and appropriate data access technologies
- Deploy VB enterprise applications to target environments, ensuring proper configuration and security
Visual programming Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces visual programming concepts, environments, and development processes. You'll design, develop, and test visual programs using tools such as Scratch and Blockly to meet defined requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core concepts of visual programming
- Know different visual programming environments and their features
- Design visual programs to meet specific requirements
- Develop functional visual programs using appropriate tools
- Test visual programs to ensure they operate correctly
Visual programming development Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of visual programming concepts, interface design, event-driven programming, and testing. They will design and develop reliable visual programs using various visual programming languages.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental visual programming concepts and their application in software development
- Design user-friendly and effective visual program interfaces, considering accessibility and usability
- Develop functional visual programs using appropriate visual programming tools and techniques
- Test visual programs thoroughly to identify and rectify errors, ensuring program stability and reliability
- Understand the principles of event-driven programming and its role in visual program development
Visual programming fundamentals Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces visual programming concepts, environments, and event-driven programming. You'll create, debug, and troubleshoot visual programs to solve problems using graphical programming tools.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental concepts of visual programming, including data flow and graphical user interface (GUI) design
- Know the features and capabilities of various visual programming environments and platforms
- Create functional visual programs to solve specific problems or tasks
- Debug and troubleshoot visual programs to identify and resolve errors
- Understand the principles of event-driven programming and how it applies to visual programming
WAN Communications Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides knowledge of WAN communication technologies and skills to configure WAN connections. You'll troubleshoot WAN issues, implement security measures, and monitor performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand WAN communication technologies, including MPLS and VPN
- Configure WAN connections, including routers and firewalls
- Troubleshoot WAN issues, identifying and resolving connectivity problems
- Understand WAN security considerations, including encryption and authentication
- Monitor WAN performance, using appropriate tools and techniques
Website design Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers website design principles, tools, and techniques, including user-centred design, visual hierarchy, colour, and typography. You'll plan, create, and evaluate website designs that meet specified requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of effective website design.
- Know the range of website design tools and techniques available to designers.
- Plan a website design that meets specific requirements.
- Create a functional and aesthetically pleasing website design.
- Evaluate a website design against established criteria.
Work experience Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers workplace expectations, including standards of behaviour, professionalism, and the importance of punctuality and attendance. You'll learn to apply their abilities in a work environment, follow workplace procedures, communicate effectively, and reflect on their work experience.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand workplace expectations regarding behaviour and professionalism
- Apply learned skills and knowledge effectively in a real work environment
- Follow established workplace procedures and protocols
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients in the workplace
- Reflect on personal performance and learning during work experience
03The standards
The national standards these units are built against
What the job actually needs, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
- Standard
Assist in Delivering Routine Data Analysis Studies
- Standard
Deliver Network Infrastructure Services Support
- Standard
Design and Implement Data Analysis Studies
- Standard
Develop algorithms and pipelines for the analysis of life science data
- Standard
Develop detailed test plans
- Standard
Establish data connectivity for data-driven digital content applications
- Standard
Installation, Implementation and Handover of Network Infrastructure Services
- Standard
Lead database design, implementation and operations activities
- Standard
Lead the Data Analysis Capability, Strategy and Framework
- Standard
Maintain Quality and Standards in Digital Learning Development
- Standard
Manage Data Analysis Services
- Standard
Manage Network Implementation and Support
- Standard
Manage information security architecture activities
- Standard
Manage information security testing activities
- Standard
Manage information security vulnerability assessments
- Standard
Manage secure software development activities
- Standard
Perform software development activities under direction
- Standard
Undertake digital skills learning and development activities
Showing 18 of 19 standards these units map to.
04Where it leads
The jobs these credits are mapped to
A qualification is never a dead end here. Each of these is a job record this qualification is a mapped route into.
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 1 record
Showing 6 roles, drawn from 22 job records mapped to this qualification. Near-identical records are folded together, and each row says how many it stands for.
Where this can lead
Associate Network Optimisation Specialist
This work can lead to a role troubleshooting major incidents and mentoring junior staff, or to designing and managing larger network optimisation projects.
See the whole journey05The credits
The credits, and who awards them
Level 5 credits are regulated, and they are awarded by Pearson Education Ltd rather than by Zavmo. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you have covered and what is next.
What you would be collecting
Computer Network InfrastructureComputer platformsData analysis and designData structures and algorithmsDatabase design conceptsDesigning and Managing Internet ServersDistributed design and developmentEnd user support
Each one is a real unit registered against this qualification.
What you leave holding
The standards this credential builds, in the shape the product keeps them
Nothing here is marked learned. There is no learner on a public page, so the map shows what the qualification covers rather than what anybody has done.
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Certificate in Computing (Software Development)
- Assist in Delivering Routine Data Analysis Studies
- Deliver Network Infrastructure Services Support
- Design and Implement Data Analysis Studies
- Develop algorithms and pipelines for the analysis of life science data
- Develop detailed test plans
- Establish data connectivity for data-driven digital content applications
- Installation, Implementation and Handover of Network Infrastructure Services
- Lead database design, implementation and operations activities
Free tools
Want a read on where you stand?
Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.
This qualification is no longer awarded.
Ofqual lists it as no longer awarded, so it cannot be started today. The last day to be awarded it was 31 December 2013. It is here because people still hold it.
These are open to new learners in the same subject.
- Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Cloud Computing
- Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing for England
- ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Computing
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Computing
The title, level, credits, guided learning hours and unit learning outcomes on this page are taken from the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where this data comes from.