Exeter College

Higher National Certificate in Applied Computing

Institution code E81
Duration

2 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location Exeter College
A thriving and growing tertiary college, we place teaching, learning and student success as our top priority. With small class sizes and individualised support, our courses are delivered by friendly staff with industry experience. We have specialist learning resource centres and industry focused teaching and learning facilities.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    EXCE1157
    Computational Thinking

    This module covers the basic mathematical concepts that underpin much of computing practice. It is designed to be a practitioner’s guide, emphasising the practical application and implications of the theory.

    EXCE1159
    Databases and Information Systems

    This module addresses the theoretical and practical design and use of information systems in a variety of contexts from small businesses to large scale operations. The use of database software will include an understanding of the structure and creation of relational database applications, as well as their applications, hosting, management and security.

    EXCE1161
    Software Development

    In this module students develop the ability to solve problems algorithmically. Procedural, object oriented, and event-driven paradigms are studied and applied to create a program to carry out an operation. They will implement and debug applications. The process of developing an application using the software lifecycle will be explored – comparing and contrasting the various approaches.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    EXCE1158
    Computer Systems & Control

    Introduces the hardware components of modern systems, linked to logic, low level programming and simple control mechanisms. This module will identify and detail the essential components of a processor-based system, applying them to simple physical control systems using appropriate languages and a range of software operating systems.

    EXCE1160
    Business Intelligence & Big Data

    This module provides students with the skills to contribute to the design and development of data systems. It focuses on modern engineering methods, tools and systems used for statistical computing when conducting predictive and strict analytics. Also, students will also learn how organisations use Power BI as a tool for undertaking descriptive analytics through Business Intelligence.

    EXCE1162
    Fundamentals of Computer Networking

    Networking is fundamental to modern computer systems. Students will learn about standards, protocols and topologies on wired and wireless networks and the hardware and software that implement them. Students will have the opportunity to apply the skills learned to network management tasks commonly occurring in the workplace. Teaching will be a combination of classroom theory sessions together with practical activities carried out in the Faculty networking lab.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Our partnership with Exeter College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact Exeter College to apply for this course:

Exeter College
Hele Road
Exeter
EX4 4JS

Tel: +441392400500
Email: info@exe-coll.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Exeter College

We’re proud of our awards – and you can be proud of your education with us. In 2012 we were recognised as the leading further education college in the country after winning two Times Educational Supplement FE Awards.
Plymouth students working on a group project