Computing

We live in a digital age where the demand for ICT and digital technology is growing at an incredible pace. With good computing and IT systems now central to every business, organisations are set to become even more driven by technology and data. In this dynamic and continually evolving sector, there’s already a skills shortage and it’s predicted there could be as many as 11,000 job opportunities each year in Scotland alone. So by investing in digital and IT skills now, you could find yourself highly sought after in the future!

For direct entry into Year 2 of the HND, you’ll need:

• an HNC Computing with a minimum of 15 credits Preferably an A or B for the HNC Graded Unit.
• an interview with us.

This course builds on the HNC and will give you a wide variety of sought after skills in computing related posts, including software development, security, web servers, databases and mobile technologies.

In software development

• You'll look at object oriented programming and developing websites for multiplatform use, including scripting languages for clients and server-side.
• You'll explore security concepts, and learn to design and construct secure contemporary computer networks. This involves learning about possible threats and vulnerabilities, as well as cryptography.
• You'll look at the role of web servers and develop hands on skills to install, configure and maintain a web server, as well as implement suitable security.
• You'll learn how to design and create a Relational Database Management System looking at the terminology, key concepts and process involved, then design your own RDBMS.
• You'll look into mobile technologies and some of the factors concerning the hardware and software involved, as well as the legal, ethical and social issues.
• You'll design and implement a functional app for a mobile device.
• You'll look at what's involved in successful project management and will plan, implement, monitor, manage and report on your own project.
• You'll explore what's involved in setting up and building an e-Business, including branding, business planning solutions and promotional media communications.
• You may take part in the STEM Ambassador Programme, and volunteer to visit schools to take lessons Volunteer with CoderDojo, the global network of free programming clubs for children and young people.
• You may take part in live projects, such as designing a website for NHS A+A.
• You may attend open days and hear guest speakers from universities and industry, such as Dell.

When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have the choice of moving onto a degree course at one of our partner universities, such as UWS or Glasgow Caledonian University (direct entry to year 2).

This course equips you with the expertise needed in the dynamic IT sector. Elevate your career prospects by developing a diverse skillset that includes project management, mobile app development, and e-Business setup.

Throughout the course you will meet with guest speakers from universities, various companies and third sector organisations as well as ex-students who have studied the course and gone on to further study. There are also opportunities to work on projects alongside a number of companies such as CyberFirst, iDance, Barclays Bank, East, North, and South Ayrshire Councils, and many more.

3rd year entry to a range of course such as; BSc (Hons) Computing at GCU, BSc (Hons) Computing Science at UWS, and many more.