We look at each application individually, considering your grades, interview and any relevant experience. We typically expect students to have achieved 64 UCAS points or MPP in a Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma, alongside grade 4 in GCSE English and Maths. Mature students who don’t meet these standard entry requirements may be able to show us their potential through relevant experience. Applicants whose first language is not English and who do not have GCSE English will be asked to take an IELTS assessment or equivalent and will need to achieve an overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in the writing element and at least 5.5 in all other sub elements.
Entry requirements
Why choose this course?
This Level 5 HND develops advanced computing knowledge with a focus on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, Cloud Computing and Cloud Cryptography, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Networks (including Routing and Switching), Programming and Database Design. Learners gain technical expertise, professional skills and experience working on industry-aligned projects preparing them for employment in the computing sector.
The course includes the content for the Comptia Security + course and the CISCO CCNA course. Leaners can prepare for the exams for these courses, which are NOT provided by the College. This is separate to the HND Computing course and with a separate cost for the exam fee. This is not paid for by the College.
Learners also develop important communication and team building skill that are very important for future employment.
The course has been very successful in placing students with a local tech sector employer who has many offices worldwide. Most of the students who complete the HND Computing course go on to full time work in the tech sector. Some students progress onto a level 6 top-up degree.
The course content and units have been designed to link to skills in demand in the tech sector.
Further information
Ideal for learners seeking higher-level technical training in computing, especially those aiming for careers in Cyber Security, Security, AI, Data Analysis, Cloud Computing, Networks and Data Communications, Software Development or applied IT roles.
This course is suitable for applicants who have a good foundation of knowledge in many areas of Computing related to the course units such as Programming, Networks, Databases, Security. And for applicants who have had experience working in the tech sector with knowledge of many areas of computing.
The course is at University Level, and is therefore more suited to applicants who are very comfortable with computing in a range of subjects.
- Cloud computing design, development and testing and access to Amazon Web Services labs.
- Cyber security theory and practical activities and incorporating Comptia Security + course content.
- Digital forensics using software and hardware to investigate different systems to extract data.
- Machine learning theory, LLM’s, Algorithms, practical application.
- Professional project research. This is in both years of the course and is research based with a given theme.
- Programming skills with C Sharp and Python. Hands-on activities.
- Database Design with SQL. Hands-on activities.
- Artificial Intelligence theory, design and implementation. Hands-on practical activities. This unit links to the unit Machine Learning in Year 2.
- Networking – design & implementation with a focus on practicals using virtual images and host systems to create a fully managed network system.
- Security – understanding how to secure systems, policies & procedures and practicals to implement security and testing.
Progression can include full-time computing roles in the tech sector, university top-up degrees or pathways into teaching and professional certification such as Comptia Security+ or CISCO CCNA, Microsoft fundamentals certification, Amazon AWS cloud certification, etc. The course has been very successful in placing students with a local tech sector employer who has many offices worldwide. Most of the students who complete the HND Computing course go on to full time work in the tech sector. Some students progress onto a level 6 top-up degree. The course content and units have been designed to link to skills in demand in the tech sector.
The main teaching methods will be lab-room focused in one of several dedicated Computer Labs with high spec computer equipment, fast internet connection and physical equipment for workbench setups. Occasionally, there will be some on-line learning and remote learning. However, most taught sessions are in the Computer labs with the Lecturer and in small group sizes. All hardware and software is provided for the course. Some students like to bring in their own Laptops. There is a separate dedicated Higher Education (HE) study area for students when not in their Lectures.
There is no formal work placement. However, some students do work part time in between their studies.
Assessment is by written reports, practical activities, group work, presentations and ongoing tests that support learning. There are no formal exams on the programme. In addition, there are some workshops and some online training labs. There may be module quizzes.
Students do not need any specific software or hardware as all are provided within the Computer labs. However, some students may want to set up their laptops and/or computers with relevant software to continue with their studies after their lectures. Any costs for software or hardware will be for the student to pay for. Most software related to the course is free or open source.