Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

This is a challenging course, where you'll study towards an up-to-date qualification covering many of the skills that are in demand for a range of different careers in the software development / programming sector of the Computer Industry.

These include developing skills in C#, VB.NET, Java, Object Oriented Design, Object Oriented Programming, SQL Programming and Project Management.

The 2012 Technology Insights Report from e-skills UK stated: “The technical skills most often called for by employers were: SQL, .NET (VB and C#) and Java.”

It also stated: “Through to 2020 Software Professionals show the highest forecast employment growth of all IT & Telecoms occupations."

This course will help prepare you for either employment or progression to university in computing, a skill set that is currently in high demand.

This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Two Highers at Grade C or above including one in a relevant* subject AND two National 5 qualifications at Grade C; OR
• National Qualification at SCQF level 6 in a relevant subject such as Digital Media Computing, Computing: Technical Support or Software Development; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience

* relevant subjects include Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, English, History, Information Systems, Mathematics or Physics.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

Year one:

• Introduction to Developing Software.
• Introduction to Systems Development.
• Computer Systems Fundamentals.
• Introduction to Project Management.
• Information Technology: Information Systems and Services.
• Troubleshooting Computer Problems.
• Developing Small Stand Alone Applications.
• Professionalism and Ethics in Computing.
• Introduction to Databases.
• Team Working in Computing.
• Human-Computer Interaction.
• Programming Foundations.
• Mobile Technology.

Year two:

• Object Oriented Programming.
• Data Structures.
• Relational Database Management Systems.
• Object Oriented Analysis and Design.
• Developing Websites for Multi-platform Use.
• User-centered Design.
• Data Structures.
• Self-describing Data (XML).
• Introduction to SQL.

Embedded within this award is an Oracle vendor qualification which may make you significantly more employable. 

After the course

Careers

This course prepares you for a career in software development, web design/development, and information systems development.

Continuing Study

Successful students can progress on to year three of BSc (Hons) Computing, Internet Systems Development, or Web Systems Development at Glasgow Caledonian University.

In order to be considered for year three entry, students will have to have successfully completed their HND and gained an A in their graded unit two project.