Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies for England (AI Solutions and Applications) is structured to give you a thorough understanding of the field of computer science whilst providing you with the opportunity to develop a strong theoretical grounding in Artificial Intelligence with many opportunities to put this into practice.
The programme is strengthened by active links with leading industry partners, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, giving learners direct exposure to current cloud based AI tools and professional practices.
Students benefit from enrichment activities such as guest lectures, technical workshops, employer-led projects, and opportunities to engage with real world AI challenges. These experiences deepen practical understanding, enhance employability, and ensure learners develop the industry relevant skills expected in modern digital and AI driven workplaces.
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Entry requirements
This course requires:
- GCSE English and Maths at grades C and above (or equivalent)
- A UCAS Tariff score of 48–64 from a full Level 3 qualification such as BTEC, A Levels, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved institution in subjects like Maths, Physics, Engineering, Science, Computer Science, Electronic Systems, or related fields.
Non-native English speakers who have not completed the final two years of schooling in English must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5, with Reading and Writing at 5.5.
A wide range of European and international qualifications are accepted.
Mature applicants with relevant industry experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
- GCSE English and Maths at grades C and above (or equivalent)
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Who is the course for?
This course will equip you with systematic knowledge and experience of the theory and practice of AI, offering you opportunities to develop analytical and practical transferable skills, as well as an understanding of the changing role of AI in society and relevant social, legal, professional, and ethical responsibilities related to the dangers of AI.
The course modules allow you to delve deep into the areas of AI applications. It will also provide you with the background knowledge and skills required to become a successful AI professional, able to work in a range of exciting roles ranging from:- Big Data Engineer
- AI Engineer
- IoT Specialist etc.
- Big Data Engineer
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Study methods
Learning is delivered through a structured blend of activities, including:
- 75% tutor led classroom teaching
- 20% work based learning
- 5% live online learning, guest speaker sessions, and optional field trips.
Students typically attend college for 7–8 hours per week, usually over one full day, across 32 weeks each academic year.
Timetables are issued approximately one month before enrolment, and teaching may take place on any weekday.
For independent study, students are expected to complete around 90 hours per 15 credit unit, which includes research, assignment preparation, online learning, and work based activities.
- 75% tutor led classroom teaching
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How is the course assessed?
Assessment is continuous and coursework based, including:
- Written assignments
- Design and development projects
- Practical tasks and simulations
- Reports and logbooks
- Posters and presentations
- Time constrained tests.
Each unit is graded as: Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
- Written assignments
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More information
Please click here for the Course Handbook – containing full course details plus information on
- Assessment and grading
- College rules and resources
- Student support and representation.
Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions for our HE students.
For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the new independent regulator for higher education in England and all higher education providers need to register with the OfS for their students to be eligible for student support in the 2024-25 academic year. The OfS has published providers on its Register and HRUC (and HCUC as we were known before Jan 2023) has been registered since 10 December 2018. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.
For further information, please contact our Information, Advice and Guidance team on: 01895 853333 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Assessment and grading
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Where Next – Job Opportunities
The skills developed through the Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate equip graduates to pursue a wide range of roles across the computing and AI sectors, including:
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Systems Engineer
- Risk Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Deep Learning Engineer
- Data Engineer.
- IT Help Desk Technician
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Where Next – Further Studies
Students can build on and continue their studies to Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications).
On successful completion of the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can develop their careers in the computing sector through:- Entering employment
- Continuing existing employment
- Linking with the appropriate vendor accredited certificates
- Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Progressing to university.
The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant digital technologies courses, for example: - BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, etc.
Details of entry requirements for BTEC Higher National graduates into degree programmes at institutions in the UK and internationally can be found on the Degree Course Finder website (http://degreecoursefinder.pearson.com/) and UCAS.com (Top-up Computing).
- Entering employment
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Fees
Home student fee: £3500
The fees quoted are for one year of study and include tuition, exam fee, materials, ID card (which gives access to the college and facilities e.g. library) and college registration.
Fees will be no higher than those published, subject to an Access and Participation Plan being approved by the Office for Students.
Whether you pay a 'home' or 'overseas' fee depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) does not create the criteria for fee status. The fee status criteria is provided in regulations and guidance, published by the government.
For information on the conditions you need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the 'home' rate for study on a Higher Education (HE) course at Uxbridge College please contact the Careers Team on 01895 853333.
If you are unsure about your status, please contact the Careers Team at Uxbridge College. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also has information about residency for international students. -
How to apply
To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit
OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.