The CertHE STEM (Computing) is a two-year, part-time course. It gives you the core skills you need to succeed in the fast-changing world of computing and technology. This Level 4 qualification is a great first step if you want to work in computing, or if you want to go on to a full computing degree.
You will study the basics of maths, computer science, and programming, while getting hands-on practice with real computer systems. You will learn how to write computer programs, solve problems using logic and maths, and understand how computer systems work. A group project lets you use what you have learned to solve real problems. This will help you build teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
The course also looks at professional, legal, and ethical issues in computing, including sustainability. You will think about how to use technology responsibly and how your work affects other people.
This programme is ideal for school and college leavers, mature learners, or anyone looking to reskill or change career. You do not need lots of computing experience to start, just an interest in how technology works.
Graduates leave ready for entry-level roles in computing and IT, or to move on directly to a full computing degree.
Course details
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Why choose this course?
What you will learn
You will learn the basics of maths and science that computing is built on. You will be taught how to write your own computer programs and how to think through problems step by step. You will find out how computer systems work, from the inside out. You will also learn how to spot problems, break them down, and design good solutions. Along the way, you will build your study skills, so you feel confident learning at this level. A final project brings all your skills together, letting you work on a real task from start to finish, on your own and as part of a team.
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.
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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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32 UCAS Tariff Points
e.g. A-levels: E, 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.
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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A mix of coursework, practical assessments, presentations, and exams.
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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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All additional costs detailed in this section are indicative.
Optional study trips (UK approx. £50, Europe approx. £200). No mandatory additional costs.
Necessarily Incurred:
Learners will require access to suitable computer hardware and software: approximately £500.
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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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This course opens the door to entry-level jobs in computing and IT. You could work as a junior programmer, IT support technician, or systems assistant. Many industries need people with computing skills, including business, healthcare, education, and gaming. The course also prepares you well if you want to carry on studying, moving straight into a full computing degree. Whichever path you choose, you will leave with the practical skills and confidence to take your next step, whether that is starting work or continuing your studies further.