Applied Computing HND

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.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging.

Overview

Please note: this course was previous titled 'Computing HND'

This course is a stepping-stone towards a full honours degree in Computing. Delivered at Leicester College, the first two years of study lead to the award of HND after which you can top-up to an undergraduate degree in Applied Computing. Top-up to a BSc degree requires an additional year of full-time study at the De Montfort University campus.

The modules on this HND have been very carefully designed to provide a fully integrated course of study. Key skills in English and mathematics, 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 immediately committing to a full term of study, if you are a mature student returning to study, or if you have entry qualifications below those required to start the full degree.

Key features

Developed in collaboration with DMU and Leicester College
Building on a long-standing partnership, with academic expertise enhancing your technical and practical skills
Gain a professional computing qualification
The first two years of study will lead to the award of HND at Leicester College, after which you can apply to top-up to an undergraduate Computing degree at De Montfort University
Flexible learning
Gain a professional qualification without immediately committing to a full term of study. This course also provides the opportunity to access degree-level study upon successful completion
Graduates with successful careers
Computing HND graduates have gone on to work as computer and systems engineers, database managers and software developers, at companies such as the National Grid, Caterpillar, Bosch, Royal Bank of Scotland and Rolls Royce
Develop sought-after technical and practical skills
Including computer technology, database design, internet technology, programming, multimedia, interactive systems design and systems development
Develop your practical skills in our specialist facilities
You will learn in dedicated laboratories at Leicester College, equipped with high-specification PCs and professional-standard software, and benefit from state-of-the-art display facilities in laboratories and lecture theatres.

UK
EU/International

Location: Leicester College

UCAS course code: 105G

Duration: HND Two years full-time. Top up to the BSc degree requires an additional year of full time study at the DMU campus

Fees and funding: £6,165

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Location: Leicester College

UCAS course code: 104G

Duration: HND Two years full-time. Top up to the BSc degree requires an additional year of full time study at the DMU campus

Fees and funding: £11,750

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Entry criteria

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics, plus one of the following:
Normally 48 UCAS points from at least one A-level or equivalent or
BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at MPP or
Pass in the QAA Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or
International Baccalaureate: 24+ points

Portfolio Required : No

Interview Required: No

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

English language – If English is not your first language we require an English language level of IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component or equivalent

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning , is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

Structure and assessment

First year

Block 1: Foundations of Computing

Block 2: Programming in Python

Block 3: Data Analytics and Statistics

Block 4 : Information Systems Analysis and Design

Second Year

Block 1: Programming with APIs and Framework

Block 2: Business Intelligence

Block 3: Information and Database Development (15)

Block 3: Intro to Information Security (15)

Block 4: Integrated Project

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review and license approval by Pearson. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

This course uses a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, computer laboratory 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 14-16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 24 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Facilities and features

Library Services

Computing HND students will have access to DMU’s extensive library resources and facilities.

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including Learning Zone, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Campus Centre

You will also have access to DMU’s social hub, the Campus Centre, which houses a large food court, shops, the Lobby bar, De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU), performance studios and our chaplaincy.

There are also Conference Rooms, allowing us to host a variety of events from workshops, lectures, practical sessions and group work to exhibitions.

In March 2016 work is due to start in the centre to create a state-of-the-art new home for DSU, making it more visible, offering more breakout space and giving better access to its key services.

Leicester College facilities

You will learn in dedicated laboratories at Leicester College equipped with high-specification PCs and professional-standard software, and benefit from state-of-the-art display facilities in laboratories and lecture theatres.

Opportunities and careers

Graduate Careers

Successful completion of this course can provide an opportunity to top-up to one of the computing undergraduate degrees at DMU.

Recent graduates are now working as computer engineers, systems engineers, database managers, software developers, development and support officers, in personal identity security for smart cards and smart phones, and in teaching in Computing and ICT. Recent graduates are working for companies like the National Grid, Caterpillar, Bosch, Royal Bank of Scotland and Rolls Royce.

DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Top-up Year

Upon successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply for a top-up to a full undergraduate degree at DMU, to further enhance your skills, knowledge and employability.

Take your next steps

Nine halls of residence and around 2,300 rooms, all of which are within easy walking distance of the campus.

Run by students for students, DSU offers more than 150 societies and almost 40 different sports clubs for you to get involved in.

Applied Computing HND

Block teaching designed around you

Overview

Entry criteria

Structure and assessment

Course modules

Teaching and assessments