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HNC Digital Technologies for England Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications

An employer-designed HNC pathway in artificial intelligence solutions and applications, for aspiring professionals ready to lead and innovate in AI.

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Why choose this course

  1. Hands-on experience modifying AI systems for real-world challenges
  2. Evaluate the ethical and technical implications of AI
  3. Gain proficiency in coding, mathematical modelling and intelligent systems
  4. Collaborate with experts in big data, machine learning and security
  5. Progress to degree-level study or the Higher Technical Qualification

Overview

UCNL’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications Pathway is a part of the Institute of Technology, and you will be awarded a BTEC Higher National Certificate. This programme has been designed by employers to equip you with cutting-edge skills and knowledge. This pathway is perfect for aspiring professionals ready to lead and innovate in the world of AI.

Read the full overview

Why Choose This AI Pathway?

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and creating opportunities not only in the UK, but worldwide. This pathway offers an ideal blend of theory and practice to help you to explore the theoretical foundations of AI and its applications across industries. You will gain hands-on experience in modifying AI systems to tackle real-world challenges. During this course, you will be solving complex problems using analytics tools, techniques, and approaches for deploying intelligent systems effectively. This course will teach you the skills to evaluate the ethical and technical implications of AI in various contexts, preparing you for a future career in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

What You’ll Learn

Through this specialised Pearson awarded program, you’ll develop core competencies in designing AI-driven solutions for impactful change. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including experts in big data, machine learning, and security to get the most practical, hands-on experience we can offer. You will be gaining proficiency in coding, mathematical modelling, and deploying intelligent systems and by the end of this Higher national certificate, you will understand the ethical considerations of implementing AI in real-world scenarios. Our teaching team have expertise in the field of machine learning, artificial intelligence and ethics, and cannot wait to be a part of your learning journey!

Your Career Future:

The AI Solutions & Applications Pathway positions you for a variety of exciting roles, including:

  • AI Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • AI Solution Architect
  • Business Intelligence Specialist

As the demand for AI professionals' soars, you’ll graduate equipped to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven job market.

Should You Join Us?

Whether you’re a recent Level 3 or A Level graduate, or a professional aiming to upskill, this program provides the foundation and flexibility to align with your goals. You’ll benefit from a supportive learning environment which is tailored to your needs. Upon completion of this HNC, you will have the ability to progress to degree-level study or the Higher Technical Qualification in AI, data science, or related fields.

Enrol Today:

Don’t wait to future-proof your career. Enrol in our Artificial Intelligence Solutions and Applications Pathway today and join the next generation of AI innovators!

What you’ll study

Level 4 · 8 modules

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete:

Core modules are delivered with a total of 16 contact hours each week. This include lectures, seminars, workshops and practical’s and is delivered over 2-3 days a week. Students will be required to undertake additional study and reading outside of these sessions also. The programme is delivered in person.

Level 4 modules will be covered over a 2 year period.

  1. Level 4

    • Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
    • Cyber Security
    • Programming
    • Cloud Fundamentals
    • Innovation & Digital Transformation
    • Big Data & Visualisation
    • Software Development Lifecycles
    • Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Systems

    All modules are core and have 15 credits each.

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

How you’ll learn

You’ll learn through lectures, live online sessions and practical and lab sessions, with independent study in between.

  • Lectures
  • Live online sessions
  • Practical and lab sessions
  • One-to-one tutorials
  • Online learning platform
  • Independent study
Read more about how you’ll learn

The primary way of delivering this programme is in-person delivery on campus at University Campus North Lincolnshire.

Examples of work to include on the website- Cyber Security Assignment: Information Assurance Report

Programming Code Assignment:

Quotes from current students:

“I came to UCNL because I needed a new direction in life, I had just started paying a mortgage and was searching for a way to make a better life for my new family. UCNL offered me that by giving me the opportunity to dive into something alien to me with the hopes of becoming a proficient programmer or data scientist.”

- Tommy

“Returning to education at UCNL was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Being able to study locally in such a supportive environment has allowed me to turn my interest in digital into a promising career path.”

- Jake

Meet us at an open event.

Next: Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book an open event

Where it can take you

Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the HND or further study.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have acquired skills that enable you to consider career paths as:

  • Software Developer
  • AI Solutions Architect
  • Test Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • AI Developer
  • Network Engineer or technician
  • Systems Technician

Found where you fit?

Our partnerships

Part of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technologoy

As part of DN Colleges Group, University Campus North Lincolnshire is a key member of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology (IoT).

Entry requirements

Don’t have the standard qualifications? You may still be able to apply.

30UCAS points

30 UCAS Points.

Level 3 qualification in computing, business or creative digital media production

Other related level 3 qualifications

Access to Higher Education qualification

Those who do not have a GCSE in math and English or a digital/computing background, will be required to undertake a pre-entry assessment to ensure suitability for the programme.

Taken a different path?

We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.

Ask a question

Fees and funding

£4,095

a year for UK students

Fees are subject to change.

Financial support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Additional costs

Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment).

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may wish to buy your own copies)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Trips and enhancement opportunities

Questions about funding?

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Apply direct to us, online.

Want to visit first?

Open Event – 7th January 2027Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply direct to us online, and we’ll reply by email.

2

You hear back

You’ll get an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.

3

You get ready to start

Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 4

Duration

2 years

Study mode

Part-time

Awarding body

Pearson

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