Applied Computing CertHE

The CertHE in Applied Computing provides students with an engaging and accessible academic experience, designed to build confidence, foundational technical knowledge, and practical digital skills. Whether you are undertaking the CertHE as a stand-alone qualification or as a steppingstone towards further academic study at Level 5 (such as progression to the BSc (Hons) Applied Computing Studies at DMU), the focus is on developing the core competencies required for success in both academic and professional contexts.

The block teaching model enables focused study, enhanced student support, and deeper engagement with the subject matter. Emphasis is placed on learning by doing, with practical lab sessions, project work, and collaborative tasks designed to replicate real-world computing environments.

The programme also develops key transferable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication, all vital for progression into further study and employment in the fast-evolving digital and IT sector. Teaching is delivered by Leicester College’s experienced Higher Education team, who bring both academic and industry expertise to the classroom.

Overall, the CertHE in Applied Computing empowers students from a wide range of backgrounds to become confident, capable learners and provides a clear progression route into Level 5 study and beyond.

Course Modules

Year 1 modules will be taught at Leicester College, and the modules you will study are based on 7 focused weeks of delivery on a single module and include completing the formal Summative assessments. The 4 Year 1 modules are:

Block 1: Foundation of Computing
Block 2: Programming in Python
Block 3: Data Analytics and Statistics
Block 4: Information systems analysis and design

Assessment practice takes the form of completing a combination of the following in the modules listed above:

Presentation - Either an individual or a group talk that is specifically structured to communicate relevant information.
Report - Write-up of a project using a formal and concisely structured style.
Phase Test - Completed under formal test/examination conditions and completed within a short time frame of 90 to 120 minutes in duration under supervision.
Viva Demonstration – showcasing your developed solutions and answering questions based on your solution to demonstrate knowledge and understanding.

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.

To progress to year 2 of the BSc in Applied Computing at De Montfort University, you must pass 120 credits and be awarded the Cert HE. It could also be possible for you to progress if you have passed a minimum of 90 credits and are awarded compensation in up to 30 credits where you have achieved between 30% and 39% in module marks (this will be decided by the assessment board at the end of the year).

Year 2 Modules will be taught at De Montfort University, City Campus, Leicester, where your timetabled sessions will take place. The 5 Year 2 Modules are listed below:

Block 1: Programming with APIs and Framework
Block 2: Business Intelligence
Block 3: Information and Database Development (15 credits)
Block 3: Intro to Information Security (15 credits)
Block 4: Integrated Project

On successful completion of Year 2, you will have the opportunity to secure a Industrial Work Placement for a period of 12 months or provided you have met the benchmark percentage mark of 65% or higher, you may progress on to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Applied Computing Degree taught at De Montfort University.

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/applied-computing-certhe/applied-computing.aspx#what-you-will-study