Computing (Data and Information Systems) (Full-time) (HND - Higher National Diploma)
Our Higher National Diploma in Data and Information Systems focuses on three important areas: storing data, analysing data, and understanding information systems. In this course, you will learn about the technical side of data science, which includes how to collect, process, and visualise data. By the end of your studies, you will have a good understanding of how information systems work.
The world produces a huge amount of data every day. Being able to analyse and make sense of this data is becoming very important for businesses. In our course, you will learn how to manage this data effectively. You will be taught various techniques for processing and analysing data, as well as how to present it clearly using visualisation tools. These skills are in high demand in many industries.
We ensure that you are not only taught the latest knowledge but also how to keep learning throughout your career. This is important because the data industry is always changing. With these lifelong learning skills, you can keep up with new technologies and methods.
After completing this course, you will have many job opportunities. Many organisations need people who can work with large amounts of data. You could start as a data analyst, where you will use statistical methods to analyse data learnt on this course. You will also learn how to use visualisation techniques to present your findings in a way that is easy to understand.
The course covers a variety of topics, including computer systems, business technology, and current trends in technology. You will gain hands-on experience in programming, web design, and developing systems. This makes you a versatile candidate for many jobs in the technology sector.
Our course is designed to be both engaging and practical. We focus on real-world applications, giving you the tools and skills you need to succeed in your career. Along with technical knowledge, you will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making you a valuable team member in any workplace.
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 theory with hands-on practice, ensuring you develop both knowledge and practical skills. We focus on lifelong learning, preparing you for a dynamic career in data and information systems.
In the first year, you will build a strong foundation in computer systems, programming, and data analysis. You will also learn the basics of data storage, cybersecurity, and information systems, setting the stage for more advanced topics.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The second year deepens your understanding of data processing, data visualisation, and systems development. You will work on projects that integrate business technology and explore technology trends, equipping you with skills to analyse and manage large-scale data.
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 and Interview
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.
GCSEs
GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required.
Alternative entry routes
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider:
- ‘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.
Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. 
- 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.
Once you have successfully completed your CertHE studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remaining two years of the bachelor’s degree.
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. 
Admissions Advice and Support
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.
English language requirements
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.
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.
For full information read our visa application and guides.
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 computing and information systems development. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of worksheets, practicals, 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 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.
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.
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.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
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.
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.
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Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as a major project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade.
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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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Our graduates have excellent employment prospects in the computing, teaching, lecturing and ICT industry, as well as in other areas of the economy. Recent statistics show that the vast majority are following their chosen career paths within six months of graduating.
Graduates would seek positions in fields such as application development, business systems analysis, database development and administration, information systems consultancy and management.