South Devon College

Higher National Certificate in Computing

Institution code S32
Duration

2 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location South Devon College (Paignton)

Everything at University Centre South Devon (UCSD) is designed to maximise your employability and future career opportunities. Courses are created with local employers to ensure you learn industry-relevant skills and are delivered in small classes with regular one-to-one support, covering a range of study skills – it’s no wonder we’re recognised as a leading institution in the National Student Survey.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    SOUD1413
    Database: Analysis, Design and Development

    An introduction to the analysis, design and implementation of a database system. This module will explore the requirements for information processing at different levels in an organisation, and introduce the analysis, design and practice of database fundamentals to implement a database solution to meet specified requirements.

    SOUD1506
    Programming Concepts

    This module is intended to introduce students to programming concepts across different programming paradigms, whilst looking to embed good software engineering practice in the design, implementation and testing of moderately complex software applications.

    SOUD1414
    Computer Systems Infrastructure

    This module introduces the students to the fundamentals of computer systems infrastructure. Students will explore contemporary computer systems and the common core architecture and digital logic that enables computation. Finally, students will progress onto the use of CLI and GUIs across different operating systems.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    SOUD1507
    Introduction to Computer Security

    This module introduces the main security issues that relate specifically to both computer and networked systems. The module introduces key underlying concepts of security and common threats to systems and how they arise, and progresses to identify specific security issues and how professionals can address such issues in the design of computer and networked systems.

    SOUD1412
    Client-Side Web Development

    This module provides an insight into the guidelines and considerations for developing user-centred and interactive websites. This module explores the vital design concepts and guidelines in order to allow the student to design, implement, test, review and evaluate a website that meets the strict needs of current user requirements.

    SOUD1505
    Fundamentals of Computer Networks

    Modern computer systems rarely operate in a standalone manner and rely upon networks to provide flexibility of additional functionality. Module introduces the underlying network standards, protocols, devices, media and security that allow networked systems tocommunicate. Module includes theoretical principles matched by scenarios to design, implement/configure, and troubleshoot networks.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Our partnership with South Devon College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact South Devon College to apply for this course:

South Devon College
Vantage Point
Long Road
Paignton

Tel: +448000380123
Email: enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with South Devon College

At the heart of the sunny English Riviera, we’re an award-winning Beacon status college. Add to that our ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted (in 2009), modern facilities and our larger-than-life Students’ Union, and you’re left with the perfect environment.
Plymouth students working on a group project