This flagship computing course aims to equip students with the skills required to follow a career in computing at technician or junior programmer level. It is designed to meet the needs of industry and commerce, and on completion of the course core elements, students can choose from two streams of study: Software Development or Technical Support.
Please note that the course content is currently under review by the SQA and may be subject to change.
This course will give you the skills necessary to design, implement and support IT systems. It will also place you in a strong position for progressing towards further study or employment.
The course is mainly assessed on a continuous basis, but does include an external examination. Coursework takes the form of essays, reports, presentations, case studies and practical projects, and most of the assessment of student work is undertaken by North East Scotland College staff.
Everything you need to know before applying for this course.
This course is suitable for those with Highers, who have completed the Higher syllabus or have successfully completed a non-advanced course.
A Foundation Apprenticeship in any subject area will be considered equivalent as one unrelated Higher for entry to this course.
For those returning to education, life skills and experience in the workplace may allow entry subject to availability.
Applicants should be aware that a laptop is required for this course.
This course involves an additional SQA fee. Please see our part-time funding page for further information on costs.
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to year 2 of the following course at North East Scotland College:
“I feel the course has prepared me well for my new role and I’m excited to put my new skills into practice and have the opportunity to do something I love every day! “
“I really have so much to thank NESCol for. I’m sure it is an experience that will have a positive impact throughout my life.”
Shay’s HND has given him knowledge and skills that are vital for running a business today including cyber resilience, e-commerce solutions and social media and knows the course has given him a solid grounding in business operations, technology and project management which will serve him well for the continued success of their family business.
“I would definitely recommend NESCol to everyone who wants to study computing. No matter what age, or if this is their first course, or – if like me – you want to change your career. It’s a very friendly environment, well quipped when it comes to computing facilities and – most importantly – with very, very supportive and highly knowledgeable lecturers.”
“I enjoy Computing because it’s such a broad field. There’s a variety of skills to learn and you can easily develop a niche. No two projects will be the same and since it’s such a fast-paced field, there are always new developments to keep abreast of.
“The computing courses give you lots of practical skills and a strong foundation to expand upon.”
“By sharing my experience I hope I can inspire anyone with autism.”
“I would say to anyone thinking of returning to learning after time away – just do it.”
“I I started with the intro course, am close to completing my Level 5 and next year I will be studying for my HNC – I’m so pleased with how far I have come.”
“College was great. I really enjoyed meeting new people interested in the same subject as me. The course really gave you free rein to explore your interest in different directions so you can get a feel for what you like.”
“Just because you are a girl, it will not stop you from succeeding or being accepted in computing. The college is very inclusive and really encourages girls and everyone to pursue a career in computing as long as they have a genuine interest in it.”
Those applying for Year 1 of a part-time NC, HNC or HND level course will require pre-entry guidance before booking on to their course. Call or drop into your local Student Advice Centre, or email studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk.
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
Please note that timetabling changes can often occur after the Part-time Course Guide is published, and as a result the printed version of the guide may not hold the most up-to-date information.
We therefore advise you that all start dates and times listed on the website are at all times accurate, and should be used as your main point of reference before booking your course.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to sign an enrolment form. In signing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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