Computing HNC
Course code 304G
What is special about this course?
This HNC Computing* will provide you with useful foundations for a successful career in computing and technology.
It is a broad-based course which will introduce you to, and develop your knowledge of, aspects of software development, technical support, networking and web development.
*subject to approval
Special features
- You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to follow a career in technical support, software development and as an IT technician
- Successful completion of the HNC Computing may allow progression to the second year of the HND Computer Science
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal and professional circumstances
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above and 3 National 5 passes in appropriate subjects, such as: Computing Science; Mathematics; English; Engineering; Physics; Chemistry; Music; Business Management; or Design and Manufacture OR
- 1 A level at grade D or above and 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (or C) in appropriate subjects, such as: Computing Science; Mathematics; English; Engineering; Physics; Music; Business Management; Design and Technology; or Environmental Science OR
- Any one of the following: NC Digital Media Computing at SCQF level 5 or 6 or a combination of both; NQ Multimedia Computing at SCQF level 5 or 6 or a combination of both; NQ Computer Technologies at SCQF level 5 or 6 or a combination of both; Intermediate 2 Pass in Business, Administration and Computing Studies; SVQ Information Technology at SCQF level 2 or 3 OR
- a Relevant National Progression Award, such as: Computer Games Design; Cyber Security; Digital Media Production; Mobile Technology; or Software Development; or National Units at SCQF level 5 or 6 combined with any of the above
- Foundation Apprenticeship ICT: Software Development or Foundation Apprenticeship ICT: Hardware/System Support
- You may be required to attend an interview
- Applicants without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
Access routes
- NC Multimedia Computing
- PDA in Database Programming
- CISCO Certified Networking Associate
- Other courses equivalent to SCQF level 5 or 6 may also be accepted
Year 1 - HNC
Mandatory units may include:
- Digital skills
- Professional practice in computing
Optional units may include:
- Computer science
- Network infrastructure
- Software development
- Web development
- Cyber security
- Big data
- Internet of things
- Artificial intelligence
- Emerging technologies
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)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- Evening (subject to demand)
- You will study by way of face-to-face lectures and tutorials in the classroom
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 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
External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact your enrolling college for more information.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of your course you might like to consider a career as a trainee programmer, systems analyst, or database administrator.
Can I progress into further study?
On successful completion of the HNC Computing, it may be possible to progress to the second year of the HND Computer Science, and then to the third year of the BSc (Hons) Computing degree.
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 studied on the BSc (Hons) Computing at 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.
After completing the NC Computing and Digital Media, I returned to do the HNC Computing. I realised that I was more interested in pure computing. We go into things in a lot more depth. We cover a lot of ground and that makes it more engaging. It’s been challenging for me but I like that and I have enjoyed this year enough to make me want to continue. I have applied to study more advanced computing either at Abertay or UHI Inverness.
Connor Murphy completed the HNC Computing at UHI West Highland.
Apply for Computing HNC
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.