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HNC Digital Technologies - Software Development & Programming

An HNC introducing digital technologies and specialist software development skills, for anyone exploring software development as a career path.

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Why choose this course

  1. Designed by industry specialists to employers' occupational standards
  2. Build practical skills in specialist computer labs
  3. Take part in competitions, showcases and professional development
  4. Career paths such as Software Developer, Test Analyst or Data Analyst
  5. Option to progress to the HND in Software Development

Overview

HNC Digital Technologies for England Software Development and Programming is a level 4 qualification which provides you with the foundational knowledge to build a strong understanding for the Higher Technical Qualification level 5, or to utilise to gain a thriving career in industry.

Read the full overview

Why chose this course?

This level 4 HNC is designed specifically by industry specialists and conforms to the occupational standards set by employers. This HNC will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to digital technologies, whilst also honing the specialist skills demanded of a future software developer.

If you are looking to explore Software development as a career path, or advance to the level 5 HTQ, this qualification will provide you will the essential knowledge, practical skills and confidence to succeed.

What You Will Learn:

The Pearson Edexcel Digital Technologies for England curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience which will prepare you for the real-world challenges faced in industry. Utilising our brand new, specialist computer labs, you will build practical skills through independent projects, workplace scenarios and research. You will develop industry required behaviours through our assessment methods such as professionalism, adaptability and initiative. Finally, you will gain transferable skills which are essential for higher education or the workplace, such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication and analytical thinking.

Upon completion of this course, you will have a strong understanding of the core competencies required in the field of software development and programming which are essential for relevant to key industries specialising in digital business or digital technologies.

Your Career Future:

This programme is designed to give you the skills to adhere to the needs of local employers. Upon completion of the HNC, you will have the foundational knowledge to pursue careers in:

  • Cyber Security
  • Software Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Networking
  • Animation
  • Cloud Networking
  • Software Testing
  • Animation
  • Business Analytics
  • Change Management

Course Aims:

This programme is not just about what you will learn in the classroom, but also about transforming your potential into future tangible opportunities. This course aims to empower you to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to excel in the national and international digital technologies workforce.

We work with our learners to inspire them to innovate the future, to tackle complex challenges, and to adapt to change and lead the future of our industry in a constructive, ethical and diverse way.

Our teaching team looks to build core skills required for high-demand careers in the digital sector by ensuring employability opportunities. Our learners engage in competitions, showcases and professional development which increases their public presence and enhances their employability opportunities.

Apply Today:

Start your journey toward becoming the next generation of digital professionals and toward your fulfilling and inspiring career. Whether you inspire to specialise in software development and programming, or want to be an innovator or leader, this course will set you up to join an inspiring, exciting and ever-expanding industry.

What you’ll study

Level 4 · 8 modules

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete:

  1. Level 4 Year 1

    • Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
    • Cyber Security
    • Programming
    • Database Design & Development
    • Innovation & Digital Transformation
    • Big Data & Visualisation
    • Software Development Lifecycles
    • Networking in the Cloud.

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

How you’ll learn

You’ll learn through lectures, workshops and practical and lab sessions, with independent study in between.

  • Lectures
  • Workshops
  • Practical and lab sessions
  • Online learning platform
  • Independent study
Read more about how you’ll learn

The primary way of delivering this programme is in-person, on campus. This includes interactive lectures, workshops, practical sessions and independent study. Some elements of this programme may also be delivered online.

Meet us at an open event.

Next: Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book an open event

Where it can take you

Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the HND Digital Technologies Software Development Level 5 qualification, which is a HTQ qualification awarded by Pearson Edexcel.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have acquired skills that enable you to consider career paths as:

  • Software Developer
  • Solutions Architect
  • Test Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Network Engineer or technician
  • Systems Technician

Found where you fit?

Our partnerships

Part of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technologoy

As part of DN Colleges Group, University Campus North Lincolnshire is a key member of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology (IoT).

Student stories

Tommy

I came to UCNL because I needed a new direction in life, I had just started paying a mortgage and was searching for a way to make a better life for my new family.

Read Tommy’s story

“I came to UCNL because I needed a new direction in life, I had just started paying a mortgage and was searching for a way to make a better life for my new family. UCNL offered me that by giving me the opportunity to dive into something alien to me with the hopes of becoming a proficient programmer or data scientist.”

Jake

“Returning to education at UCNL was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Being able to study locally in such a supportive environment has allowed me to turn my interest in digital into a promising career path.”

Entry requirements

Don’t have the standard qualifications? You may still be able to apply.

30UCAS points

30 UCAS Points.

Those who do not have a GCSE in math and English will be required to undertake a pre-entry assessment to ensure suitability for the programme.

Taken a different path?

We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.

Ask a question

Fees and funding

£8,190

a year for UK students, full-time

£4,095

a year for UK students, part-time

Financial support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Additional costs

Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment).

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may wish to buy your own copies)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Trips and enhancement opportunities

As the programme requires vocational hours within the Mental Health and Wellbeing arena, you may be required to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check if you are not in possession of a current one or registered on the update service.

Questions about funding?

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Want to visit first?

Open Event – 7th January 2027Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

UCAS gives you an applicant ID to track your application. Apply direct and we’ll reply by email.

2

You hear back

Responses usually arrive between November and May: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.

3

You get ready to start

Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 4

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Awarding body

Pearson

UCAS code

DT25 (full-time)

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