Computing (top-up)

Why choose this course

If you have already passed (or expect to achieve) a Higher National Certificate (or equivalent), this Higher National Diploma (HND) top-up course gives you the opportunity to develop a wide range of highly relevant subject skills to open up a career in the exciting and ever-changing IT sector.

About the course

You’ll study a wide range of subjects, covering the diverse aspects of computing, including programming, analysis, design, computer architecture, networking, business communication, database design and professional practice.

Examples of units you may study include:

•computer systems architecture
•database design and development
•object-oriented programming
•security
•professional practice
•networking and virtualisation
•managing a successful computing project
•website/web application design and development

New City Hub campus

Our Computing department is based at the college's new £58 million City Hub campus at 111 Canal Street, near Nottingham train station. The campus features state of the art teaching and learning facilities, science and computing laboratories, digital media broadcasting centre, with a restaurant, cafe and performing arts venue.

Assessment

Assessment is 100 % coursework, using a variety of assignments, case studies, practical tests and phase tests.

Qualification awarded:

Pearson Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Digital Technologies for England (HTQ)

Bursaries

We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Details for 2025-26 will be advertised once approved by the university regulator – the Office for Students (OfS). Please check our website - www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk - for more information.

What are HTQs?

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are new or redesigned Level 4 and 5 qualifications (such as HNCs and HNDs) that have been approved against occupational standards in their sector. These qualifications have been developed by UK awarding bodies, working with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen career.

Your career and progression

The Higher National Diploma is widely recognised in its own right and provides students with the skills required for employment in a range of associated professions. After successfully completing the HND you could progress onto the third year of the BSc (Hons) Computing at Leicester De Montfort University according to our progression agreement. Alternatively, you could top-up your qualification to a honours degree at a wide range of universities. The point of entry (e.g. second or third year of a degree) will depend on the chosen institution, modules studied and the grades achieved at HND level.