Computing HND (Level 5)

View The Isle of Wight College's standard entry requirements for full-time college courses (depending on the level of the course to be studied).

­Typical Offers could include

• T Level - Merit
• An A level in Computing or related subject
• Level 3 Extended diploma in a relevant field
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above
• Equivalent industry experience in a relevant field

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement which may include work experience (paid and/or unpaid), technical competencies and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

Students will be required to bring their own laptop for their studies. Any software that is required will be available to students and other specialist software will be provided on specialised computers on campus.

On this HND Computing course, you’ll prepare yourself for further study or employment in the computing industry. You’ll learn about topics such as programming, networking, business intelligence and IT security and get to apply what you learn on a work placement and on community projects. 

When you complete the course, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and experience to start a career in the computing industry. You could also top up your HND to a BSc directly at the University of Portsmouth. 

For more information on the HND Computing visit the course page on the University of Portsmouth’s website. 

The course will be delivered right here at The Isle of Wight College. 

Over the two years you will study a total of 15 modules which include your final project in the second year: 

Year 1 

• Programming 
• Networking 
• Professional Practice 
• Database Design and Development 
• Security 
• Managing a Successful Project 
• Computer Systems Architecture 
• Website Design and Development 

Year 2 

• Computing Research Project 
• Business Intelligence 
• Operating Systems 
• Advanced Programming 
• Database Management Systems 
• User Experience & Interface Design 
• Digital Technologies as a Catalyst for Change 

The course content is subject to change to reflect the needs of employers and students 

Attendance will normally be for 2 to 3 days a week with a requirement for reading and additional studies above the contact hours timetabled.  Learning will be through lectures, group discussions and workshop activities in supportive small group environments with experienced teaching staff, alongside self-study.   

The course will employ a variety of assessment opportunities to include coursework and presentations, with involvement in both individual and group projects.  This will give students the opportunity to enhance and practice their skills in informal settings while competencies gained are designed to be fully transferable to the workplace.  Assessment will be throughout the course with exams as additional assessment on some modules. 

Higher National Diplomas are valued by employers and can lead to a variety of career opportunities in areas such as management, sales, marketing and finance or, progression to further study to a BSc (Hons) through direct entry to a level 6 study opportunity at University of Portsmouth or other Universities (part-time study options may be available) with an appropriate grade profile.

The HND in Computing could lead students to progress into employment and work in roles such as: 

• Business continuity analyst 
• Software engineer 
• Web developer 
• Systems analyst 
• Computer programmer 
• Online course developer 

If you want to continue your studies, you can top up your HND to a Bachelor's degree by joining the final year of the BSc (Hons) Computing course.

After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from the Portsmouth Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career. 

There may be a cost for purchasing equipment or uniform for this course. Find out about financial support available.

HOW TO APPLY: 

This course is delivered under a franchise arrangement with the University of Portsmouth.  This is a full time Higher Education (HE) course and applications can therefore be made either through the University of Portsmouth *online form* or via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).   

Application should be made to University of Portsmouth using the online form

UCAS details for the HND Computing course at The Isle of Wight College: http://www.ucas.ac.uk/ 

• Institution code name: PORT 
• Institution code P80 
• Course code: G402 
• Start date: September 2024 
• Campus code: W 

Once complete, your application will be forwarded to University of Portsmouth and subsequently the Isle of Wight College.