HNC Computing at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A broad-based HNC that builds foundations in software development, technical support, networking and web development for a career in computing and technology. Progression to the second year of HND Computer Science is possible.

Duration: Full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Mandatory units may include Computer systems and network fundamentals, Developing client and server sided websites, Developing mobile applications, Professionalism and ethics in computing, Programming languages and programming paradigms, Team working in computing and Troubleshooting computing problems, with options such as Cloud computing, Database design, Ethical hacking and digital forensics and Operating systems.

Career pathways

Trainee programmer, systems analyst or database administrator; progression to HND Computer Science year 2 and then BSc (Hons) Computing year 3.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above (preferably in a computing-related discipline), or 1 A level at grade D or above, or any National Certificate or National Qualification at SCQF 5 and 6 (preferably computing related), or a Foundation Apprenticeship ICT. An interview may be required; applicants without standard entry requirements are considered individually. English language for international on-campus applicants (Student Route visa): IELTS for UKVI Academic overall 5.5 with no element below 5.0, or LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 overall 60 with no element below 55 (university-wide HNC/HND requirement).

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled, full-time per year. Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). International students, full-time per year. Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years

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