Key information
For:
starting September 2026
UCAS code:
G404
Typical offer:
An A level in a computing related subject, or Level 3 vocational equivalent (diploma / extended diploma), or equivalent industry experience in a relevant field.
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
Please note: This course is subject to validation
If you're looking for a course driven by the UK's expanding technology sector - from website development and programming to mastering computer systems and security - you'll find this Higher National Certificate (HNC) Software Development course the ideal step for you.
You'll learn the technical and problem-solving skills that have a wider impact on society, help organisations modernise their computing operations and play a critical role in creating safe and secure systems. You'll see how your new skills can be applied to contribute towards solving major challenges including climate change and healthcare.
When you graduate, you'll be prepared for work in the computing and software industry, or continue to further study and enhance your learning.
This course takes place at Isle of Wight College in Newport.
Course Approval
The course has a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) approved by Skills England. HTQ is the government initiative ensuring qualifications are prestigious and meet employer needs. HTQ offers a direct path to developing industry-focused skills.
See skillsengland.education.gov.uk for further information.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Clearing 2025 is now closed
Clearing FAQs
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You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2025
Yes, we welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results in August, so as an international student if you already have your exam results you can apply when Clearing opens on 5 July.
Make sure that you have time to get your visa, funding, and English language certification sorted out before the beginning of term.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice.
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
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Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
Entry requirements
HNC Software Development (Computing) entry requirements
Please note this foundation year isn't currently open to EU or International students
Typical offers
-
An A level in a computing related subject, or Level 3 vocational equivalent (diploma / extended diploma), or equivalent industry experience in a relevant field.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Selection process
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview, to which you should bring a portfolio/e-portfolio of recent work. This interview will include an admissions test and a tour of the facilities.
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. You need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
What you'll study
You'll explore the integrated hardware and software components that enable data input, output and processing, and learn to diagnose and solve technical issues in computer systems architecture.
Starting from a substantial industry problem, you'll evaluate an existing system design, develop a fully functional relational database, and test your work against user needs and system requirements. On successful completion of the module, you'll be prepared to develop, test and document industry-standard databases that business relies upon.
In this self-driven module, you'll define ambitious aims backed by research and stakeholder input, then use agile project management to pace your workflow. You'll analyse and develop pragmatic solutions to your selected task, before reflecting on and presenting your results. When you finish the module, you'll be ready for roles managing projects central to an organization’s tech strategy.
In this module, you'll optimize networks for speed, cost and reliability, grasp wired and wireless systems, configuring hardware and software to route information securely. When you complete this module, you’ll be ready to design, implement and manage critical infrastructure.
Through a series of team-based tasks in research, design and reporting, you'll develop career skills from communication to critical thinking, teamwork to self-directed learning. You'll learn to present your abilities for business, explore professional development models, and reflect on your readiness to join the workforce. When you complete this module, you'll be ready to stand out as an adaptable, career-ready candidate.
You'll explore key approaches like procedural and object-oriented programming, learn how language structures communicate with machines, and evaluate Integrated Development Environments (IDE). You'll then use your learning to design and implement an algorithm in a language of your choice, using an appropriate IDE.
You'll assess physical and IT vulnerabilities to escalating cyber risks in this module. Through topics including network design, firewalls, encryption and access controls, you'll learn to manage IT security. You'll also explore organisational security, remote access and the need for frequent vulnerability testing. You'll emerge from this module with skills to manage security risks faced by customers and stakeholders.
In this module, you'll study the back-end technologies for web infrastructure, and understand the possibilities of the systems you use. You'll also learn design principles and web languages to deliver an intuitive front end for your users.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £6,525 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – G404
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Please note this course isn’t currently open to EU or International students.
This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.