Entry requirements
- HNC Computing (NextGen) or
- Year 1 of HND Computing: Software Development or
- Year 1 of HND Computing: Technical Support
Software is everywhere! More and more devices are controlled by software and the industry is constantly evolving as we continue to move towards an era where computers and software dominate our lives.
You will learn programming languages that will prepare you for a career in this ever changing industry, as you focus on Human Computer Interaction and making your programmes and software more user friendly.
Smart home devices such as the Amazon Alexa, Google Home or even the Apple Homepod were developed using the skills you will learn on this course.
You will be able to take part in software events such as the Hackathon which are hosted at our partner universities.
Students on this course can apply for one our paid intern positions working on the student IT Helpdesk. This is a great opportunity to put into practice what you have learnt while supporting students at College.
This HND is part of the NextGen qualifications from SQA. It is a one year course at SCQF Level 8 and entry is via completing the one year course HNC Computing (NextGen) at SCQF Level 7.
NextGen qualifications allow more time in class focusing on larger, fewer subjects in more depth, increasing learning time, integrating learning, teaching and assessment approaches which reduces the assessment load. The traditional Graded Unit is also replaced with a Project and Portfolio that students work on throughout the year allowing students to develop and showcase their own work to Universities and potential employers.
NextGen courses offer more than just the traditional subjects, they are designed to develop the individuals Meta Skills, the skills to thrive in an ever changing environment, developing self management, social intelligence and innovation.
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
As this is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) course you will require a laptop that can run virtual software, as well as running software compilers like Python IDLE.
HND Computing: Software Development (SCQF Level 8).
This is a SQA NextGen course.
NextGen is a new approach to Higher National qualifications introduced by the SQA and designed to be adaptable and flexible to respond to the needs of the employment market.
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on 30 November 2024, register your interest.
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
If you do not already own a suitable device you can apply for a student loan from SAAS, if eligible, to fund the cost of purchasing a device.
A bus is available to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations for a fee. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
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.
Those who successfully complete this course often secure work as:
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
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If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing 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.