Computing HND

About the course

This course allows you to develop technical and practical skills in a range of computing subjects including computer technology, database design, internet technology, programming, multimedia, interactive systems design and systems development. The first two years of study lead to the award of HND after which students may top up to the honours degree in Computing.

The modules have been very carefully designed to provide a fully integrated course of study. Key skills in English and Maths, business skills including report writing, group work, planning projects and making presentations are fully contextualised within the academic subject content.

The course is especially suitable if you wish to gain a professional qualification without committing yourself to a full term of study at the outset, if you are a mature student, or have entry qualifications below those required for a full degree.

This course does not run at the Leicester City Campus but it is available at Leicester College, Central College Nottingham and North Warwickshire and Hinckley College

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Key facts

UCAS course code: 104G

Duration: HND Two years full-time, three years part-time dependant on location. Top up to the BSc degree requires an additional year of full time study at the De Montfort University city campus.

Location: Leicester College, Central College Nottingham and North Warwickshire and Hinckley College

Entry and admission criteria

Entry requirements for 2014

• Normally 140 UCAS Points from at least two A Levels or equivalent (Subject specific requirements may apply), plus five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English
• BTEC requirements: Merit Pass Pass (MPP) at National Diploma Level.
• Additional qualifications can contribute towards the points score such as a third A level or AS Levels.
• International Baccalaureate: 24+ Points

If you are unsure about the amount of UCAS points your qualifications may attract you can use our UCAS Tariff Chart|.

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

This course uses a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, computer lab sessions, collaborative learning and self-directed study. A number of modules are assessed by coursework only and involve group work.

Assessment in each module is designed to meet its specified learning outcomes. Methods of assessment will include time constrained phase tests, portfolios of work, laboratory exercises, exams, reports and presentations.

You will normally attend around 12–16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 14–16 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Course modules

First year

• Visual Web Development
• Computer Technology
• Database Design Concepts
• Systems Development

Second year

• Software Development Project
• Interactive Systems Design and Evaluation
• Advance Programming in Visual Studio
• Multimedia and Internet Technology

Graduate careers

Recent graduates are now working as computer engineers, systems engineers, database managers, software developers, development and support officers and in teaching in Computing and ICT. For example one recent graduate is working as a software developer / engineer for a company that creates personal identity security software for smart cards and smart phones coding in C# and C++ using web services.

Technology graduates have an average salary of £21,852 just six months after graduating (DLHE 2008/09).

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £9,000 Placement year £650 Part-time (Where available) 4 year course £5,925 per year 6 year course £3,950 per year Per module £988 per 15 credits International
Full-time £11,250 Placement year £750

For more information please take a look at our Fees and Funding| section.