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Gower College Swansea · Undergraduate
HND Applied Computing Foundation degree at Gower College Swansea
HND Applied Computing at Gower College Swansea. You'll study part-time in English, covering practical and theoretical aspects of computing.
HND
Award
–
Years
Part-time
Study mode
Gower College
Location
About this course
The IT sector offers careers across a wide range of computing disciplines, including software engineering, data management, AI, networking, cyber security, user experience and web technologies. Studying this programme, you will develop a broad range of technical skills related to applied computing. From the provider’s course page.
HND Applied Computing is a Foundation degree (HND) at Gower College Swansea, based in Gower College. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Software DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
- Computer Architecture and Operating SystemsCompulsory20 credits
- Introduction to Web and Database ConceptsCompulsory20 credits
- Network and Cybersecurity EssentialsCompulsory20 credits
- Learning in the Digital EraCompulsory20 credits
- Data Analysis & VisualisationOptional20 credits
- MathematicsOptional20 credits
Year 2 16 modules
- Changemakers: Creativity and Value CreationCompulsory20 credits
- Network Operating Systems and ServicesCompulsory20 credits
- Data Security and ComplianceCompulsory20 credits
- Software Engineering Principles and TestingCompulsory20 credits
- Advanced NetworkingOptional20 credits
- Cloud Computing ArchitectureOptional20 credits
- Databases Application DevelopmentOptional20 credits
- Indie Game DevelopmentOptional20 credits
- Network ProgrammabilityOptional20 credits
- Web and Mobile TechnologiesOptional20 credits
- Object Oriented Programming and AlgorithmsOptional20 credits
- Advanced Software DevelopmentOptional20 credits
- Games Architecture and MechanicsOptional20 credits
- Statistical ProgrammingOptional20 credits
- Geographical Information SystemsOptional20 credits
- Computer ForensicsOptional20 credits
Year 3 13 modules
- Independent ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Emerging TrendsCompulsory20 credits
- Advanced CybersecurityOptional20 credits
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine LearningOptional20 credits
- Usability EngineeringOptional20 credits
- Graphics and Games ProgrammingOptional20 credits
- Switching, Routing and WirelessOptional20 credits
- Enterprise Networking, Security and AutomationOptional20 credits
- Cloud-Based Web ServicesOptional20 credits
- Cloud Computing AdministrationOptional20 credits
- Data Warehousing and Data MiningOptional20 credits
- Software Engineering Principles and PracticeOptional20 credits
- Socket Programming and ConcurrencyOptional20 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You will develop a broad range of technical skills across applied computing disciplines. A course like this typically progresses from foundational programming and computer systems in the early stage, where you'll usually cover languages such as Python and Java, computer architecture, and discrete mathematics. As you progress, you'll move towards algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering practices, alongside introductory artificial intelligence and machine learning. In the later stage, you'll normally undertake specialist options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, and human-computer interaction, culminating in an individual project where you design and evaluate a substantial software application.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking a foundation degree in computing whilst balancing other commitments, as it's delivered part-time. It's designed for learners who want to develop practical expertise in applied computing and progress into the field or onto further study. Whether you're starting your career in technology or looking to formalise existing experience, the HND provides a nationally recognised qualification that employers recognise.
University & format
This HND Foundation degree is studied part-time at Gower College Swansea, a university in Swansea. The programme is delivered in English. It is a nationally recognised degree awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
2026 entryLive availability check
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists around 112 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Gower College Swansea's official course page for the current offer.
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Offer-based entry
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
UCAS codeAC01quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code AC01). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Gower College Swansea whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Internationalset by the university
Set under Wales's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at Gower College Swansea →If you normally live in Wales
Living at homeup to £10,685 / yr
Away from home, outside Londonup to £12,590 / yr
Away from home, in Londonup to £15,720 / yr
2026/27 total maintenance support from Student Finance Wales. How much of it is grant and how much is loan depends on household income; the total does not. If you normally live elsewhere, use your home funding body.
Check your entitlement with Student Finance Wales →Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: paid directly to the university by Student Finance Wales.
- Maintenance support: a mix of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales, weighted to household income.
- Repayment: only above the income threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Wales runs its own system through Student Finance Wales; check studentfinancewales.co.uk for current rates.
Funding matched to this course
All Gower College Swansea funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
care leavers
Check eligibility →students with disabilities
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£23,375 – £33,000
After 5 years LEO
£29,750 – £42,000
national rangeaxis £22,000 – £43,500
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Computer Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Gower College Swansea
All students30
International0%
Aged 25+83.3%
Computing across the UK
Students205,990
Aged 25+31.2%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Gower College
614 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 247Public Order 83Shoplifting 65Criminal Damage Arson 41Anti Social Behaviour 38
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Gower College Swansea from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Gower College Swansea; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Gower College Swansea’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Gower College Swansea and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Gower College Swansea
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Gower College Swansea. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates earn?
See the career and earnings data for Computer Science below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
What will it cost me?
Fees for this course are set under Wales's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. If you normally live in Wales, Student Finance Wales can pay an eligible Tuition Fee Loan directly to the university, and maintenance support is a mix of grant and loan weighted to household income. You repay only above the income threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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