HND in Computing

Course Specification

Computing is consistently one of the popular university level courses that we offer. The career progression opportunities within computing are huge as this is a fast paced and constantly changing industry sector to work in. This fascinating course is delivered by qualified industry-experienced teachers in our suitably equipped labs and workshops at the London Road Campus. We’ll support and equip you with the skills you need to pursue a career in the computing and IT industry or further continue your studies in Higher Education. There is a large practical based element and learning is mainly assessed through the production of technical artefacts and reports.

Entry requirements include:

•   A Levels or a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma / GNVQ Advanced or relevant work experience in a responsible IT role.
•   GCSEs for English and Maths at grade C/4 or above however equivalent qualifications and/or work experience will be taken into consideration.
•   Applicants without GCSEs will be required to complete initial assessments and may wish to consider the part-time GCSE courses that the college offers both during the evening and daytime.
•   Accreditation may be given for relevant work experience or prior learning for mature learners. 
•   To be able to study on this course you will need to have reached a certain standard of speaking English – please refer to the Course Specification for the IELTS requirement for your individual course.

The HNC and HND are widely recognised and highly valued qualifications that enable you to develop a range of skills and gain relevant experience necessary to progress a career in computing. The programme is run from September to June.

Modules in year 1:

•   Programming
•   Networking
•   Database Design & Development
•   Professional Practice
•   Security
•   Website Design & Development
•   Software Development Lifecycles
•   Planning a Computing Project

Modules in year 2:

•   Application Development
•   Data Structures & Algorithms
•   Cloud Computing
•   Architectures
•   Computer Games Development
•   Computing Research Project
•   Business Process Support

Units are subject to change.

Your work for both qualifications will be continually assessed throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, developing portfolios, examinations, presentations, and a Pearson set project.

Students will receive ongoing one-to-one guidance and support. Learning resources are provided and available from home via the college’s Moodle system. Our dedicated Student Support Tutor for Higher Education also provides support with assignment planning, organisation and time management, presentation skills, reading and notetaking.

The HND HTQ is a widely recognised and valued higher education university level qualification. This programmes is designed to prepare and develop people for advancement in Computing and IT. 

On achieving the HND qualification, graduates may continue academic study to top-up to a BSc(Hons) degree, or move directly into employment in a range of Computing and IT roles.

To join this course you will first have to register with UCAS at www.ucas.com and then apply through UCAS. (Choose: Sign In–Students–Undergraduate–Apply–Register and follow the instructions.) You will then receive a confirmation email from UCAS and the College will be in contact with an interview date. Current Shrewsbury Colleges Group students should seek support from their tutor before applying.

If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the programme most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events or ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.