HNC Computing
- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 7
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HNC
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 Year (August to June)
Applications are now for a place on the waiting lilst.
Every industry relies on software, which means there are lots of amazing career opportunities for people who can design, develop and maintain it. HNC Computing is one of our longest-established and most popular qualifications, covering a wide range of computing subject areas from system fundamentals to AI and troubleshooting. Once you complete this course, you can move onto Year 2 of various HND courses, including Computer Science, Networking or Software Engineering with Emerging Technologies.
What will I learn?
- System fundamentals
- Software development
- Troubleshooting computing problems
- Artificial intelligence
- Big data
- Professional issues and ethics
- Developing small scale applications
- Web development
- Project management
- Database fundamentals
Entry requirements (minimum)
- One Higher at Grade C or above in a relevant subject and one National 5, or equivalent, from Computing, Maths, IT, or Science; OR
- A relevant NC or equivalent qualification; OR
- A suitable employer reference
We will consider your application if you have relevant experience but no formal qualifications.
Entry Requirements Equivalency Table
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
In addition to gaining the HNC qualification, we will provide you with opportunities to develop and build your employability skills. As well as technical knowledge, you will be equipped with the soft skills and personal attributes needed to get a job, do a good job or get a better job.
No matter what route you decide to take i.e. employment or further education, this course will prepare you to achieve your goals and objectives.
Jobs and further study
Graduates of this course will have the opportunity to continue their studies in HND Software Engineering with Emerging Technologies.
You may also apply to study various computing courses at any of the Scottish universities.
Take a look at the course progression map for computing courses.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you will either be:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to interview, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you will not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.