Applied Computing (Full-time) (HND - Higher National Diploma)
The IT sector provides diverse career opportunities in computing disciplines such as software engineering, data management, artificial intelligence, networking, cyber security, user experience, and web technologies. The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Computing is designed to equip you with a broad range of technical skills necessary for the modern computing industry. This programme focuses on practical skills and knowledge, preparing you for various roles within the IT field.
Throughout the course, you will delve into essential areas of computing, including data management and application development. You will learn how to manipulate and manage information through database systems and web applications. Additionally, the course covers the skills needed to lead teams and manage projects effectively, ensuring you are prepared for leadership roles in your future career.
The HND Applied Computing programme recognises that you might still be exploring your specific interests within computing. To cater to this, the course offers a wide range of optional subjects, allowing you to tailor your studies according to your preferences. Supported by a foundation of core modules, experienced tutors will assist you in selecting modules that align with your chosen specialism.
Our Swansea campus is dedicated to providing a comprehensive learning experience. The programme’s flexible structure ensures that you can explore different areas of computing before deciding on your focus. Whether you are interested in the technical aspects of computing or its practical applications, this programme has been designed to accommodate your learning needs.
For those who may not meet the direct entry requirements or are considering a career change, we offer a Foundation Year as part of our Widening Access initiative. This provides an alternative route into our degree programmes, enabling you to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to progress into higher education.
In summary, the HND in Applied Computing at our Swansea campus offers a robust education in computing, with a flexible and supportive approach to learning. This programme is ideal for those looking to develop their technical skills and explore various computing disciplines before specialising.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Applied Computing programme focuses on practical skills, critical thinking, and industry-relevant knowledge. We blend hands-on experience with theoretical learning, guided by experienced tutors, to prepare you for a successful career in the IT sector.
In the first year, you’ll build a strong foundation by studying a broad range of subjects, in software development, computing mathematics, web and database concepts, and computer architectures. You’ll also begin to develop essential teamworking and communication skills, setting the stage for more advanced topics in later years.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The second year allows you to specialise further, with modules in IT project management, systems analysis, computer Forensics and the software engineering principles and testing. You’ll also learn about network operating systems and services and as well optional modules, such as the implementation of advanced networking, and Statistical Programming enhancing your technical and analytical abilities.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
testimonial
UWTSD is proud to be a Cisco Premier+ Partner, recognising our expertise in networking and cybersecurity. This partnership provides our students with access to industry-leading technology, hands-on training, and globally recognised certifications, enhancing their career prospects in the IT sector. As a Premier+ Partner, UWTSD benefits from exclusive resources, expert support, and research collaborations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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48 UCAS Tariff Points
e.g. A-levels: D, BTEC: PPP, IB: 24
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required.
Alternative entry routes
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider:
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‘with Foundation Year’. This route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) of supported study.
Admissions Advice and Support
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.
For full information read our visa application and guides.
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of computing and information systems development. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of worksheets, practicals, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
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It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Independent Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch.
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Our graduates have excellent employment prospects in the computing, teaching, lecturing and ICT industry, as well as in other areas of the economy. Recent statistics show that the vast majority are following their chosen career paths within six months of graduating.
Graduates would seek positions in application development, business systems analysis, database development and administration, information systems consultancy and management, etc.
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Your natural academic progression from our HND Applied Computing programme would be to BSc Applied Computing.
More information about progressing from HNC, HND, CertHE and DipHE
Students graduating with a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), or Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) can follow structured, advanced-entry routes into related Honours degree programmes at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).
- CertHE holders typically enter Year 2 of a related BA or BSc degree.
- DipHE and HND holders can apply directly into Year 3 (final year) of honours degrees.
- HNC holders are eligible for Year 2 entry, depending on subject and credits.
These top-up programmes span a wide range of disciplines – including Business, Computing, Engineering, Construction, Environment, Creative Industries, and Sports – and allow you to build on your prior learning to earn a full BA or BSc (Hons) degree.