Computing

Overview

From smartphone apps to the networks that connect communities and businesses across the world, computing is behind the systems millions of people rely on every day.

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 Bachelor's degree.

What you'll experience

On this course, you'll:

• Learn skills relevant to your future career from staff who have experience working in the industry

• Get an insight into how to use computing to develop community opportunities and enhance lives

• Tailor what you learn to your interests and career aspirations

• Access the latest learning resources, journals and publications

• Get experience of working in the computing industry on a work placement

• Have further opportunities to apply what you learn in the community, by running computing events, for example

The course takes place at Stanmore College, but you still have access to the University of Portsmouth's student support services and community including study support, the Students’ Union and the library's online resources.

Careers and opportunities

The computing expertise you develop on this course will set you up for employment in areas including systems design and analysis, commercial or scientific systems development and web development.

What jobs can you do with a Computing HND?

Roles you could go into could include:

• 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 our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

Year 1

Core modules in this year include:

• 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

Year 2

Core modules in this year include:

• Advanced Programming – 15 credits
• Business Intelligence – 15 credits
• Computing Research Project – 30 credits
• Database Management Systems – 15 credits
• Digital Technologies as a Catalyst for Change – 15 credits
• Operating Systems – 15 credits
• User Experience and Interface Design – 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 and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

The way you're assessed on this course reflects the requirements of the computing industry. You'll be assessed through:

• Examinations
• Essays
• Reports
• Projects, portfolios and case studies
• Practical demonstrations
• Oral assessments through presentations or discussion groups
  You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.