Computer Science HND
Course code 001I
What is special about this course?
The HND Computer Science course has been designed to meet the growing needs of IT and computing-related sectors, giving you an up-to-date, recognised qualification within the context of an ever-changing employment market.
The range of optional subjects available will allow you to focus on different aspects, perhaps where there is a local demand for particular skills. The inclusion of subjects such as cloud computing, convergence technologies, network technology and advanced software development will ensure that your qualification is relevant for the 21st century.
On successful completion you will be able to demonstrate competency in a wide range of related skills such as design and implementation of applications including: programming using recognised commercial languages; database design; website design and support; mobile application development; and cyber resilience.
Special features
- You will gain skills required by employers or for progression to degree-level study
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal and professional circumstances
- You will develop up-to-date skills while working with real clients
- You will develop basic research and scholarly skills which will prepare you for future study
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade D or above
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
- You may be required to attend an interview
Access routes
- The HNC Computing may provide direct entry to year two
Year 1 - HNC
Year 1 of this course is HNC Computing.
Year 2 - HND
Mandatory units are:
- HND computing: graded unit 2
- Managing a web server
- Relational database management systems
- Developing websites for multiplatform use
Optional units may include:
- Computer networks: building local area networks
- Computer forensics fundamentals
- Data security
- Configuring a desktop operating system
- Human computer interaction
- Mathematics for computing
- Software development: developing small scale standalone apps
- Software development: object oriented programming
- Mobile technology
- Private cloud virtualisation
- Network security concepts
Option units available may vary depending on study location, for more information contact your chosen campus
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 4 years
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- Inverness
- Moray
- North Highland
- Orkney
- Outer Hebrides
- Perth
- Shetland
- West Highland
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,110 | £7,110 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £474 | £474 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,440 | £7,980 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £496 | £532 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
The HND Computer Science will prepare you for a career in programming, website development, and network or cloud engineering.
Can I progress into further study?
On successful completion of the HND Computer Science you may progress to the third year of the BSc (Hons) Computing.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I’d previously studied with the university and enjoyed the environment. I found the lecturers more than helpful but also, on a more subject-related topic, loved the highly practical aspect that the course offers. There are only 2 exams (one per semester) and the rest is more development or research. Since development is what I wish to go into, it made so much sense to do a course that heavily focused on the practical aspects and not memory-based exams which are questionable in a world where Google exists.
My favourite aspect of the course is the practicality of developing software, websites or scripts. It’s cool being able to have an idea and go ahead and make it an actual product. The versatility of what we learn (mobile development, web development, application development) also comes into play as you’re not just stuck with one platform.
Jamie Simpson, current 3rd year BSc (Hons) Computing student, UHI Moray campus.
Thinking about computing? Do it! This is the future, this is where job opportunities are going to be. Together, humanity and technology are helping us to advance more rapidly than we can imagine.
There is an emphasis on practical learning combined with the latest innovations in the field to ensure that students are ready to excel in a competitive industry when they graduate.
Dr Ian Barnes,BSc (Hons) Computing Programme Leader.
Computing is a very broad subject and I took the opportunity of studying at my local university campus to allow me to familiarise myself with various subjects. The course has allowed me to work and learn skills in many areas of computing. I believe I now know the specialist area of study I would like to take in the future, as I have developed a greater understanding of which areas of computing I enjoy and feel that I excel in.
Cameron Halley, BSc Computing graduate.
Apply for Computer Science HND
Please note that UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland will be changing their names to become UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study.
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.