44 Computing Preparatory Programs in Europe

The purpose of the Higher National Diploma in Computing programme is to equip you with the necessary knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to succeed in employment in the computing industry.

We recognise that there are many routes to success at the degree level. Our Computing and Mathematics Foundation Year specifically caters for those who lack the traditional entry qualifications to join the first year of a science degree. You are likely to be someone with either non-computing/maths-based qualifications, someone who has tried computing/maths-based subjects but has yet to realise their potential or you are a mature student, with skills and experience from employment, who wants to return to education.

The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the computing sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them. Providing a thorough grounding in computing principles at Level 4.

The International Stage Two in Computing gives you a head start to achieving a Scottish degree in Computing with the University of Dundee’s prestigious School of Science and Engineering. Computers affect every part of our lives. Technology is rapidly evolving, and the need for computer scientists to work across almost every industry continues to grow. Our IS2 in Computing is the first stage in your integrated BSc (Hons) Computing Science degree course. 

The BTEC HNC and HND in Computing programme is run as both a full-time and a part-time option, and provides you with extensive knowledge of computing principles, with particular reference to the analysis, design and implementation of computer applications in a business context.

The Access to HE Diploma in Computing aims to prepare students for Higher Education in Computing and related disciplines. It is aimed at students, who for whatever reason are unable to pursue traditional routes, for progression to higher education and offering bespoke computing provision to meet the needs of existing Level 4 HE courses. It provides a broad-based educational experience in the core subjects relating to Computing, whilst enabling students to develop relevant HE study skills. The Access to HE Diploma in Computing is designed to ensure students demonstrate ability in core subjects in order to embark on a specialist course in the Computing, Digital or IT Sector

This programme offers you comprehensive knowledge of computing principles, with particular reference to the analysis, design and implementation of computer applications in a business context.

Designed in partnership with experts from the University of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering, this course will give you subject-specific preparation within Computing and will allow you to develop your ability to use software development tools. Upon completion of this course, you will continue onto your chosen degree with the University of Dundee School of Science and Engineering. 

NCI's Higher Certificate in Computing is an ideal starting point to your studies as it offers a clear path into the computing degrees at NCI and other institutions. This full-time course will provide you with all the skills you need to pursue a career in the Information and Communications Technology industry.

This course is designed to further develop the practical skills and theoretical understanding of computer systems, software, hardware, cyber security and games development. You will complete a range of units which are designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the world of computing. You’ll develop industry relevant skills in our fantastic purpose-built computing labs, under the guidance of our expert staff, all of whom have extensive industry experience in the computing and IT sectors.

The Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing is a specialist technical programme with a strong work-related emphasis.

Whether you are already working in IT or would like to gain a higher level qualification to start your career, the HND will allow you to gain leading-edge skills in the field of computing and systems development through a nationally recognized qualification awarded by Pearson.

The Computing Level 3 National Foundation Diploma is crafted to cater to students interested in pursuing Computing either as a standalone one-year course or as part of a full-time study program leading to the Extended Diploma. Recognized with UCAS tariff points, this qualification holds equivalence to 1.5 A Levels in terms of size. Throughout the course, students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of key computing concepts and technologies, preparing them for various roles within the field.

Quantum mechanics provides the basis for a new computing paradigm. In the 1990s Shor's algorithm which exponentially speeds up classical integer factorization demonstrated the theoretical power of quantum computers. Recently, the development of quantum computers is making great progress and we need to learn how we can use the advantage of quantum computers.

This course is designed to develop the practical skills and theoretical understanding of information technology, computer systems, software and hardware. You will complete a range of units which are designed to give you a fundamental understanding of the world of computers and how they can be used, improved and repaired. You’ll develop your skills in our fantastic purpose-built computing labs, under the guidance of our expert staff, all of whom have extensive industry experience in the computing and ICT sectors.