CertHE Computing

Course Overview

Studying your CertHE Computing with Arden University means you’ll be gaining all the modern computing skills you need to succeed in your career. 

Freshly updated in 2021 with new syllabus content, this course will give you the skills that employers in the computing sector are looking for right now. The CertHE is a recognised qualification in its own right and provides an entry route to degree-level study. This is a great option if you feel ready to study a degree course but don’t have the necessary qualifications usually required, such as GCSEs or A levels.

Arden’s CertHE Computing course lays a solid foundation in areas such as Databases, Programming, Web Authoring and Computer Systems, giving you the skills you need to start your career in Computing, or continue studying and become an expert in your chosen field. 

Course details and modules

CertHE in Computing is designed to provide the expertise needed to begin a career on the right footing. Course modules are regularly updated by the computing faculty, ensuring students gain the skills to address current and emerging sector needs.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

  • Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
  • Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
  • Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
  • Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
  • E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
  • Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

This is a 1-year course available through full-time blended learning, which gives you additional study support and is ideal if you’re still unsure about committing to a full 3-year degree course. Once you’ve completed your CertHe, you’ll be able to continue onto Level 5 (year two) of the degree course if you wish to do so. 

Level 4 core modules (20 credits each)

  • Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional Development
  • Introduction to Computer Systems and Security
  • Introduction to Databases
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Introduction to Web Authoring
  • Productivity and Collaboration Tools for Learning and Work

Study Options

Full time blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose Arden’s full-time blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden study centre of your choice. In addition to Arden’s usual eight hours of face-to-face teaching per week, as a CertHE student, you’ll also have an extra four hours of online support for academic knowledge and study skills development as well as one and a half additional hours of English Language for those who require it. This is combined with around 20 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, Arden university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. You’ll also have access to Arden’s online library, removing the need to buy expensive course books in order to study successfully, as well as to the excellent student support services which are available to all Arden students.

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face-to-face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of Arden’s UK study centres. 

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are considered on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree.AU is more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

CertHE Computing

CertHE course is open to anyone who can demonstrate the determination to complete the qualification. Candidates will need to complete a one-week Introduction to Higher Education, reflecting the timetabled hours of the programme. Upon passing this, they can begin their CertHE journey.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (Arden recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course fee

This course is eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses. Please submit an enquiry to find out more.

In a UK campusFee
Full fee:£9,250

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

 

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or equivalent
  • If English is not your first language AU will provide one and a half additional hours of subject-specific academic English support each week.
  • Alternatively evidence that you have previously studied in English at the appropriate level can be accepted.

AU will give you all the support you need to succeed. Then, when you graduate from the CertHE course, you’ll be able to progress on to the rest of the degree course if you decide it’s right for you.

Career prospects

The CertHE Computing will provide you with a solid foundation in modern computing and set the stage for starting your computing profession or continuing your studies.

You’ll also have the chance to progress on to Level 5 of  Arden’s BSc (Hons) Computing.

Industry skills

Career development resources

Once you’ve enrolled with Arden,careers centre is easily accessible directly from inside Arden’s online platform, ilearn. The careers centre is here to help you discover the areas of your academic and professional life that you find most meaningful and rewarding, and then apply this to your career pathway.
Just a few of the career tools you’ll find in the careers centre include:

  • CV360, which analyses your CV and provides instant feedback for improvement
  • Interview360, helping you practise your interview technique in a stress-free environment and tackle some of the most common interview questions – as many times as you need to
  • Aptitude tests to help your improve your critical thinking, numeric, and logical reasoning skills
  • 100s of interactive courses focused on giving you the skills and confidence you need to excel in your professional life.
  • My Jobs, where you can search employment vacancies, browse employer profiles by location and, or connect with other employees on LinkedIn.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

To help support your academic journey, Arden University pays for your student membership in the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The IET is recognised globally as a hallmark of quality and professionalism and can help boost your prospects with tips, tools and techniques you’ll use for life. It is home to more than 154,000 engineering and technology professionals in 148 countries.

As a student member of the IET, you’ll have access to the student hub, which includes a digital library (IET’s research and intelligence resources), virtual library (thousands of online eBooks, eJournals, magazines, and reports), IET.tv, and valuable mentoring opportunities.

What can I do after Arden University?

Your CertHE Computing with Arden University sets you up for any number of possible career paths after graduation, however, Arden expect that you’ll want to continue studying at Arden on BSc (Hons) Computing degree.

If you decide you want to jump straight into the workplace, Arden have a dedicated careers and employability team that will support you during your studies to achieve your professional ambitions.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with Arden’s curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.