HND Computer Science at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

An HND designed for the growing IT and computing sectors, covering application design and implementation, database design, website design and support, mobile application development and cyber resilience. Year 1 is the HNC Computing.

Duration: Full-time: 2 years; part-time: 4 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 is HNC Computing; year 2 mandatory units are HND computing graded unit 2, Managing a web server, Relational database management systems and Developing websites for multiplatform use, with options such as Computer networks, Computer forensics fundamentals, Data security, Mobile technology, Private cloud virtualisation and Network security concepts.

Career pathways

Prepares graduates for careers in programming, website development and network or cloud engineering; progression to year 3 of BSc (Hons) Computing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

For year 1 (HNC Computing): 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above plus 3 National 5 passes in appropriate subjects, or 1 A level at grade D or above plus 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) in appropriate subjects, or specified National Certificate/National Qualification awards, a relevant National Progression Award or a Foundation Apprenticeship ICT. Applicants without standard entry requirements are considered individually and may be interviewed. Direct entry to year 2 with a completed HNC Computing (15 credits). 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: 2 years; part-time: 4 years

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