Key information
For:
starting September 2026
UCAS code:
G406
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification, for example an appropriate HNC, or 120 credits from year 1 of an undergraduate degree, in relevant a subject.
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
If you're searching for a route into computing - whether that's constructing intelligent systems, analysing data or developing secure applications - this Higher National Diploma (HND) Computing course offers you a launchpad for your next steps.
You'll gain the technical skills for a global insight needed to succeed in a diverse and fast-moving digital world. You'll explore computing operations and work to solve practical issues with the knowledge you form.
When you complete the course, you'll be ready to step into a computing career or progress onto an Honours degree in related subject areas.
This course is open to UK and EU students, and to international students who don't need a Student Route Visa.
This course takes place at Isle of Wight College in Newport.
Isle of Wight College
While studying at Isle of Wight College, you can access our student support services and community including study support, the Students’ Union and our library's online resources.
Course highlights
- Learn the skills you need for your computing career, studying with staff who have industry experience
- Get experience of working in the computing sector through hands-on modules
- Shape your studies to match your interests and work aspirations
- Discover how to enhance lives with your computing skills, and work on community projects and events
- Study at Isle of Wight College in Newport, with access to computing learning resources, laboratories, journals and publications
- Have access to the University's student support services and community including the Library, study support, sport and recreation facilities, and the Student Union
- Skip the UCAS process and apply directly to one of our computing courses, if you decide you want to continue your studies
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Clearing 2025 is now closed
Clearing FAQs
Take a virtual tour
You can explore our subjects, city, facilities and more all virtually!
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2025
Yes, we welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results in August, so as an international student if you already have your exam results you can apply when Clearing opens on 5 July.
Make sure that you have time to get your visa, funding, and English language certification sorted out before the beginning of term.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice.
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
Entry requirements
HND Computing entry requirements
Typical offers
- Relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification, for example an appropriate HNC, or 120 credits from year 1 of an undergraduate degree, in relevant a subject.
GCSE/Level 2 requirements
3 GCSEs at grade 4 (or grade C) or above to include English and mathematics
You may need to have studied specific subjects – .
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Careers and opportunities
The computing expertise you develop on this course will set you up for employment in areas including systems design and analysis, commercial or scientific systems development and web development.
What jobs can you do with a Computing HND?
Roles you could go into could include:
- Business continuity analyst
- Software engineer
- Web developer
- Systems analyst
- Computer programmer
- Online course developer
If you want to continue your studies, you can top up your HND by joining the final year of the BSc (Hons) Computing course.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. In each year, you need to study modules worth 120 credits.
Year 1
You'll model complex architectures, design with Unified Modelling Language (UML) and learn best practices regarding containers, generics and effective exception handling.
In this module, you'll examine tools, techniques and technologies from data mining to visualisations, and leverage them to solve business problems.
You'll set the aims and methodology of your project, building on literature reviews, then work toward developing either software artefacts or research outcomes that meet your chosen brief. Finally, you'll reflect on your results, both in terms of meeting your research aims and of developing your personal research skills.
In this module, you'll compare DBMS platforms, develop a database management system in your chosen platform, and demonstrate its system admin tools. When you complete the module, you'll be able to demonstrate your ability to create, test and manage a client's database systems.
You'll begin by studying innovations across industries, and how leading enterprises adapt to new capabilities, then focus on a digital change initiative for a specific organisation. On completion, you'll have the understanding and skills to help businesses adapt to the challenges of future digital technology.
In this module, you'll compare graphical interfaces, command line systems and kernel architectures. You'll review techniques for memory allocation, multi-tasking, IO handling and network communication, then apply your learning in Windows, Linux and Unix servers, optimizing for security, efficiency and reliability. Whether building skills for administration roles or pursuing specializations in embedded systems, you'll gain foundations enabling operating systems mastery.
In this module, you'll research how interfaces can be designed to meet user needs and attitudes, then plan and test a user interface for a specific brief. You'll also evaluate user experience testing methods, and learn to iterate your designs in response to feedback.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you'll spend your time
You'll normally spend 2 days a week at the Isle of Wight College, and you'll need to do some reading and additional studies above those contact hours. Your days in college will include lectures, seminars, workshops and discussion groups, tutorials and practical sessions. You'll work in supportive small group environments with experienced teaching staff, as well as studying by yourself.
Term dates
You'll follow the on this course.
Supporting your learning
Even though you'll study at one of our partner colleges, you'll still be a student of the ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ.
You'll have access to support via video, phone and face-to-face from University teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following University services:
Types of support
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from Student Wellbeing, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
Course fees for 2026 will be confirmed shortly.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees. So you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £100 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Contact our Housing Support Team if you need help and advice about accommodation.
- Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3214
- Email: student.housing@port.ac.uk
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – G402
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our .
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.