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Computing at University of Portsmouth - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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University of Portsmouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

7Dec
University of Portsmouth Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Overview From smartphone apps to the networks that connect communities and businesses across the world, computing is behind the systems millions of people rely on every day. On this HND Computing course, you'll prepare yourself for further study or employment in the computing industry. You'll learn about topics such as programming, networking, business intelligence and IT security and get to apply what you learn on a work placement and on community projects. When you complete the course, you'll have the skills, knowledge and experience to start a career in the computing industry. You could also top up your HND to a Bachelor's degree. What you'll experience On this course, you'll:

  • Learn skills relevant to your future career from staff who have experience working in the industry
  • Get an insight into how to use computing to develop community opportunities and enhance lives
  • Tailor what you learn to your interests and career aspirations
  • Access the latest learning resources, journals and publications
  • Get experience of working in the computing industry on a work placement
  • Have further opportunities to apply what you learn in the community, by running computing events, for example
The course takes place at Stanmore College, but you still have access to the University of Portsmouth's student support services and community including study support, the Students’ Union and the library's online resources. 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 to a Bachelor's degree by joining the final year of the BSc (Hons) Computing course. After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

Modules

Year 1 Core modules in this year include:

  • Computer Systems Architecture – 15 credits
  • Database Design and Development – 15 credits
  • Managing a Successful Computing Project – 15 credits
  • Networking – 15 credits
  • Professional Practice – 15 credits
  • Programming – 15 credits
  • Security – 15 credits
  • Website Design and Development – 15 credits
Year 2 Core modules in this year include:
  • Advanced Programming – 15 credits
  • Business Intelligence – 15 credits
  • Computing Research Project – 30 credits
  • Database Management Systems – 15 credits
  • Digital Technologies as a Catalyst for Change – 15 credits
  • Operating Systems – 15 credits
  • User Experience and Interface Design – 15 credits
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 and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Assessment method

The way you're assessed on this course reflects the requirements of the computing industry. You'll be assessed through:

  • Examinations
  • Essays
  • Reports
  • Projects, portfolios and case studies
  • Practical demonstrations
  • Oral assessments through presentations or discussion groups
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G402
Institution code:
P80
Campus name:
Isle of Wight College
Campus code:
W

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

This course is available to EU and International applicants who do not require a Student Route Visa

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

An A level in Computing or related subject, or Level 3 vocational equivalent (diploma/ extended diploma), or equivalent industry experience in a relevant field. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview, to which you should bring a portfolio.e-portfolio of recent work. This interview will include an admissions test and a tour of the facilities.

Additional entry requirements

Admission tests

Interview

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview, to which you should bring a portfolio/e-portfolio of recent work. This interview will include an admissions test and a tour of the facilities.

Portfolio

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview, to which you should bring a portfolio/e-portfolio of recent work.

Institutions Own Test (IOT)

Applicants will complete an admissions test during the interview.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
Cambridge English AdvancedCambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 169 with no component score less than 162.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 169 with no component score less than 162.
PTE Academic62An overall score of 62 with a minimum of 59 in each skill.
TOEFL (iBT)7979 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing.
Trinity ISEPassTrinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III with a Pass in all 4 components.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £6165 Year 1
England £6165 Year 1
Northern Ireland £6165 Year 1
Scotland £6165 Year 1
Wales £6165 Year 1
Channel Islands £6165 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £6165 Year 1
International £19200 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students who are resident in EU countries: please note that the net fee is inclusive of the Transition Scholarship Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice. Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation. For more information about fees, go to: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-fees-and-student-finance/tuition-fees-living-costs-and-other-study-costs
Computing at University of Portsmouth - UCAS