Computing (Computer Networks and Cybersecurity) (Full-time) (HND - Higher National Diploma)
Are you interested in keeping digital information safe and building secure computer systems? Our Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity is here to help you learn these important skills.
In this programme, you will learn how computer networks work in different places, like businesses and organisations. You will also learn how to create solutions for networking problems and get the skills you need for network administration. By the time you finish, you will know how to set up and manage network systems.
The programme emphasizes hands-on learning, offering you the opportunity to work in our cutting-edge cybersecurity labs, where you’ll use the latest tools and technologies to simulate real-world scenarios. From configuring secure networks to performing forensic investigations of cyber incidents, you will develop the practical skills required to apply your knowledge in professional settings. This experience will give you the confidence to address cybersecurity challenges and protect critical infrastructure in various industries.
Throughout the course, you will explore a wide range of topics, from network design and administration to security protocols and forensic analysis. This holistic approach ensures you not only understand how to manage and secure networks but also how to investigate and mitigate cyber incidents. In addition to the technical skills, you will develop problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities, all of which are highly valued by employers
We have strong connections with the industry. We have been a Cisco Academy member since 1999 and an EC Council Academy partner since 2018. You will also get to learn in our state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab. It has the latest tools and technologies, giving you a great place to learn. Here, you will work with new technologies and understand how IT systems work. This hands-on experience is crucial for your learning and future work.
Upon completion of the HND, you will be well-prepared to enter the workforce in roles such as network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, or IT security specialist. Whether you choose to pursue a career immediately or further your education in a degree programme, this course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. With the HND in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity, you’ll be taking a significant step toward a rewarding career in one of today’s most crucial and in-demand industries.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our philosophy is to blend practical application with academic rigour, ensuring that you gain both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. This approach prepares you for real-world challenges in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity, equipping you with the skills needed for a successful career.
In the first year, you will focus on the fundamentals of networking technologies and software development. You will learn about data analysis, basic visualisation principles, and an introduction to forensics. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced topics in the following years.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The second year delves deeper into network administration and network infrastructure. You will engage in practical tasks, enhancing your skills and knowledge. This year also introduces more complex security measures and forensics techniques, preparing you for industry challenges.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
testimonial
UWTSD is proud to be a Cisco Premier+ Partner, recognising our expertise in networking and cybersecurity. This partnership provides our students with access to industry-leading technology, hands-on training, and globally recognised certifications, enhancing their career prospects in the IT sector. As a Premier+ Partner, UWTSD benefits from exclusive resources, expert support, and research collaborations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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48 UCAS Tariff Points
e.g. A-levels: D, BTEC: PPP, IB: 24
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Alternative entry routes  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider: â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;-
‘with Foundation Year’. This route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) of supported study. â¶Ä¯â€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. â¶Ä¯â€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). This is a one-year course and is equivalent to the first year of the three year, full-time bachelor’s degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 Once you have successfully completed your CertHE studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remaining two years of the bachelor’s degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯â€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visa and funding requirements  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯â€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â€¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of network infrastructures. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of laboratory-based practicals, assignments, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by a written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed. â¶Ä¯
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh 
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯
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It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Major Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade.
Students who wish to pursue Cisco and EC Council industry certification would incur additional costs to cover the exam fees. All Cisco exams must be booked via the Pearson VUE testing centre. By successfully completing the Cisco Academy course you may be eligible for a discount voucher. The EC Council certification exam can be taken at the University with an additional fee of £300 per exam.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The programme emphasises four key themes within Computer Networking: routing and switching, emerging network technologies, network design, and security.
Graduates will be able to undertake a range of tasks associated with networking in organisations and will be capable of developing sophisticated solutions to networking problems.
It is anticipated that graduates in the field of computer networks (CN) would be able to find employment in a number of different areas of CN, including routing and switching, network design, and security.
It is expected that graduates would seek positions such as:
- Network Administrators
- Network Associates
- Network Engineers
- System Administrator