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University of Portsmouth · Undergraduate
HND Computing Foundation degree at the University of Portsmouth
HND Computing at University of Portsmouth. You'll earn a nationally recognised foundation degree in Computer Science, taught in English.
HND
Award
2
Years
Full-time
Study mode
75%
continuation
About this course
HND Computing is a Foundation degree (HND) at the University of Portsmouth, based in Isle of Wight College. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
7.5
/ 10
1 of 3 official measures
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong75
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 75% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Advanced Programming15 credits
Module details
Build reactive, resilient software at scale, master object oriented principles, and implement elegant design patterns in this module. You'll model complex architectures, design with Unified Modelling Language (UML) and learn best practices regarding containers, generics and effective exception handling.
- Business Intelligence15 credits
Module details
Investigate how business intelligence (BI) systems can process information and spot patterns for strategy decisions. In this module, you'll examine tools, techniques and technologies from data mining to visualisations, and leverage them to solve business problems.
- Computing Research Project30 credits
Module details
Showcase your analytical and technical skills in an intensive and self-directed computing investigation. You'll set the aims and methodology of your project, building on literature reviews, then work toward developing either software artefacts or research outcomes that meet your chosen brief. Finally, you'll reflect on your results, both in terms of meeting your research aims and of developing your personal research skills.
- Database Management Systems15 credits
Module details
Design, develop and administer the robust database systems underpinning modern digital services. In this module, you'll compare DBMS platforms, develop a database management system in your chosen platform, and demonstrate its system admin tools. When you complete the module, you'll be able to demonstrate your ability to create, test and manage a client's database systems.
- Digital Technologies as a Catalyst for Change15 credits
Module details
In this module, you'll explore the emerging technologies changing the digital landscape, while developing the strategic abilities to handle organisations change. You'll begin by studying innovations across industries, and how leading enterprises adapt to new capabilities, then focus on a digital change initiative for a specific organisation. On completion, you'll have the understanding and skills to help businesses adapt to the challenges of future digital technology.
- Operating Systems15 credits
Module details
Understand the essential software managing computer hardware and resources. In this module, you'll compare graphical interfaces, command line systems and kernel architectures. You'll review techniques for memory allocation, multi-tasking, IO handling and network communication, then apply your learning in Windows, Linux and Unix servers, optimizing for security, efficiency and reliability. Whether building skills for administration roles or pursuing specializations in embedded systems, you'll gai
- User Experience and Interface Design15 credits
Module details
Craft digital experiences that intuitively connect human and computer. In this module, you'll research how interfaces can be designed to meet user needs and attitudes, then plan and test a user interface for a specific brief. You'll also evaluate user experience testing methods, and learn to iterate your designs in response to feedback.
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
This HND in Computing balances hands-on programming with systems thinking and specialist depth. You'll usually start with programming fundamentals in languages such as Python and Java, alongside computer architecture and the discrete mathematics that underpin algorithms. In year two, a typical course moves into algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. You can then pursue specialist options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, or human-computer interaction. Many courses culminate in an individual project where you design and build a substantial software system, drawing on what you've learned across foundations, practice and your chosen specialism.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking a structured pathway into computing and technology roles. It's designed for learners with A-level or equivalent entry qualifications who want hands-on experience across core and specialist computing areas within a two-year timeframe.
University & format
The HND Computing is delivered by the University of Portsmouth, a public university founded in 1869, at its campus on the Isle of Wight College. The course is 2 years long, taught full-time in English, and leads to a foundation degree award (HND). The University of Portsmouth is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; its degrees are nationally recognised and hold Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryRelevant HE study leading to a Level 4 q typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of Relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 q. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent32% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Portsmouth's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| Other | 68% |
| A-levels or equivalent | 32% |
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 by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. 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 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. 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 University of Portsmouth 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
Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Portsmouth →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 2 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Portsmouth funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Criminology graduates joining Thames Valley Police
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.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
75%
continue past their first year
- 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.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
75 of 100
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
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
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.5 out of 10: continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Portsmouth
All students24,015
International24.5%
Aged 25+27.1%
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 Isle of Wight College
798 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 346Shoplifting 114Anti Social Behaviour 81Public Order 72Criminal Damage Arson 48
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 University of Portsmouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Portsmouth; 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 University of Portsmouth’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 University of Portsmouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Portsmouth
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Portsmouth. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. 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?
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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