Computing and IT

Entry Requirements

For 2023 entry, you will need 32 UCAS Tariff points.

Some typical examples of how you can achieve 32 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below:

• T-Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
• T-Level in Digital Support Services (Digital Support)
• BTEC Level 3 qualification in Computing and IT
• A levels - C
• Access to Higher Education Diploma - Pass

A combination of A level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

Prior Learning and Experience

University Centre St Helens intends to recruit students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the HND will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.

Additional Entry Requirements

All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.

Information for International Applicants

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.

Learning Environment and Assessment

Learning will be through a range of methods, including analysing real-world case studies, classroom discussions, lectures, seminars tutorials and workshops.

A range of assessment methods will be employed including presentations, projects, and written assignments.

Tuition Fees

For 2023 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £7,995 per year.

Additional Costs

Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits	Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation.
Materials	Core texts, journals and reading lists should generally be available in the St Helens Town Centre Campus Library. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. More information can be provided after enrolment.
Equipment	Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks.
Trips	Estimated cost is £75 per year for various travel and entry costs.
Volunteering Opportunities for Personal Development	Variable depending on type of activity.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don't have to pay anything upfront and there's nothing to pay back until you're qualified and earning over £524 a week, £2,274 a month or £27,295 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. Visit our finance support page for more information.

Study Enhancement Gift

All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.

For more information, visit our study enhancement gift page.

Careers and Progression

This HND is recognised by universities as meeting admissions requirements to many Digital Technologies degrees, such as Animation, Cyber Security, Network Engineering, Social Media Management, Software Engineering and more.

Companies increasingly rely on skills such as coding, website development, cloud technologies, data analytics and digital marketing to grow and survive. As the demand for digital skills grows, so do the opportunities and financial rewards.

Typical career opportunities could include:

• Cyber Security Operative
• Website Developer
• Data Analyst
• Software Programmer
• IT Consultant