HNC SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (HTQ) LV 4

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.

If you're looking for a course driven by the UK's expanding technology sector - from website development and programming to mastering computer systems and security - you'll find this Higher National Certificate (HNC) Software Development course the ideal step for you.

You'll learn the technical and problem-solving skills that have a wider impact on society, help organisations modernise their computing operations and play a critical role in creating safe and secure systems. You'll see how your new skills can be applied to contribute towards solving major challenges including climate change and healthcare. 

When you graduate, you'll be prepared for work in the computing and software industry, or continue to further study and enhance your learning.

For more information on the HNC 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. 

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. You need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Core modules

• Computer Systems Architecture - 15 credits
• Database Design and Development - 15 credits
• Managing a Successful Computing Project - 15 credits
• Networking - 15 credits
• Professional Practice - 15 credits
• Programming - 15 credits
• Security - 15 credits
• Website Design and Development - 15 credits

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies. Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

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. 

The HNC 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 HNC to a HND or Bachelor's degree.

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

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code – G404
• our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly to the University, use their online application form.

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Please note this course isn’t currently open to EU or International students.

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