Undergraduate courses/Extended Education courses/Digital Technologies: Software Development & Programming

Key facts

Typical offer

UCAS points:

64

A Level:

64 UCAS points from at least one A level

BTEC:

MPP

Key facts

Duration:

1 year full-time (2 evenings per week), 2 years part-time (1 evening per week)

Study mode:

Full-time, Part-time

UCAS code:

I300

Institution code:

D26

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Typical offer

UCAS points:

64

A Level:

64 UCAS points from at least one A level

BTEC:

MPP

UCAS code

I300

Duration

One year full-time (2 evenings per week) or Two years part-time (1 evening per week)

Study mode

Full-time, Part-time

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Build the practical coding skills to design, develop and deliver software in a fast‑growing digital economy

Overview

Software developers are at the heart of today’s digital economy, creating the applications, websites and systems that power modern life. This Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Digital Technologies: Software Development & Programming will equip you with the skills to design, build and deploy software that solves real-world problems.

Delivered as a flexible one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) programme, the course has been developed in collaboration with employers and ensures that everything you learn is directly relevant to industry.

Taking a practical, hands-on approach, you will work across the full software development lifecycle, from initial concept and design through to testing and deployment. Alongside this, you will develop a strong foundation in core digital technologies, including programming, cyber security, data, databases and cloud networking, preparing you for a wide range of roles in software development.

On successful completion, you will be awarded a Level 4 Higher National Certificate, giving you both a recognised qualification and the confidence that your skills are in demand by employers.

Who is it for? This course is designed for a wide range of learners including; school and college leavers, adult returners, career changers, and professionals looking to enter or progress in software development roles. We recognise that balancing study with work and personal commitments can be challenging, which is why this course is delivered in the evenings – offering the flexibility to learn in a way that fits around your life.

How is it delivered? Teaching is delivered in 4 structured 9-week blocks as evening sessions at DMU’s Leicester campus. You will learn via a blend of lectures, seminars and hands-on practical sessions.

What will you study? Eight modules covering professional practice, digital transformation, cyber security, programming, big data and visualisation, cloud networking, database design and the software development lifecycle.

Support and resources: You will have access to professional development environments, version control tools, DMU's computing labs, and the full range of library and digital learning support.

What you will study

This programme is delivered across four teaching blocks in a single year. All eight modules are mandatory and must be passed. The first six modules are shared across all three Digital Technologies pathways; the final module is specific to your chosen specialism.

Career focus: Each module is directly connected to industry needs.

Professional Practice in the Digital Economy

Explores the evolving nature of professional work in digital environments. You will examine how technology is transforming workplaces, develop core employability skills including communication, problem-solving and resilience, and reflect on continuing professional development.

Why it matters: Employers consistently cite professional skills as essential alongside technical knowledge. This module helps you thrive in any digital workplace.

Career focus

Prepares you for roles across the digital sector by building the workplace behaviours and professional awareness that employers value most.

Innovation & Digital Transformation

Examines how organisations use digital technology to transform their operations, products and services. You will study frameworks for digital transformation, explore how businesses innovate, and assess the impact of disruptive technologies on modern enterprises.

Why it matters: Digital transformation is reshaping every industry. Understanding how and why organisations change positions you to contribute from day one.

Career focus

Opens doors to roles in digital strategy, IT consultancy, business analysis and change management.

Cyber Security

Introduces the fundamental concepts of cyber threats, vulnerabilities and defence. You will explore the nature of cybercrime, common attack vectors, hardening techniques and incident response, and examine the responsibilities that all digital professionals share in maintaining cyber resilience.

Why it matters: Cybercrime is growing rapidly. Every organisation needs people who understand how to protect systems and data.

Career focus

Relevant to any digital role and foundational for those pursuing specialist paths in security operations, risk management or IT infrastructure.

Programming

Develops your ability to design and write software using core programming concepts including algorithms, data types, control structures and functions. You will build practical coding skills that underpin all areas of digital technology.

Why it matters: Programming is the language of the digital world. Even non-developer roles benefit from understanding how software is built.

Career focus

Essential foundation for software developer, data analyst, AI engineer and automation specialist roles.

Big Data & Visualisation

Covers how organisations harness large, complex datasets to drive decision-making. You will use industry tools to query, manipulate and visualise data, explore ethical responsibilities around data use, and learn how to turn raw information into meaningful insights.

Why it matters: Data is the fuel of the digital economy. The ability to work with big data and present findings clearly is one of the most sought-after skills in the sector.

Career focus

Directly relevant to data analyst, business intelligence, data engineer and product analyst roles.

Networking in the Cloud

Explores the networking principles that underpin cloud computing — including protocols, standards, security considerations and infrastructure design. You will develop a practical understanding of how remote and local networks support cloud services.

Why it matters: Cloud is now the default infrastructure for most organisations. Understanding the networks that make it work is essential for cloud and infrastructure professionals.

Career focus

Relevant to cloud engineer, network administrator, DevOps and infrastructure roles.

Database Design & Development

Focuses on how to design, build and query databases that support organisational systems. You will learn relational database principles, data modelling, SQL and how databases integrate with applications, including cloud-hosted systems.

Why it matters: Databases are the backbone of almost every digital system. This skill is valued across software development, data, and IT operations roles.

Career focus

Relevant to database developer, data engineer, backend developer and systems analyst roles.

Software Development Lifecycles

Takes you through the complete process of planning, building and delivering software — from initial feasibility and requirements gathering through to analysis, design, implementation and testing. You will work with real lifecycle methodologies including Agile and Waterfall.

Why it matters: Professional software development is not just about writing code, it is about delivering reliable, quality software on time. Understanding the lifecycle is what separates effective developers from beginners.

Career focus

Prepares you for roles in software development, systems analysis, quality assurance, DevOps and application support.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Want to learn more?

Want to learn more? Get in touch and we’ll help guide you through HNCs, funding options, career opportunities, and any study-related questions.

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Our facilities

Computing facilities

Whether you're passionate about computing, technology, or innovation, our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to expand your skills and help you turn your ideas into reality.

Computing facilities

Cyber Security laboratories

The Cyber Security laboratories are among the best equipped facilities of this type in the UK

Cyber Security laboratories

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Where we could take you

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Career & Course Progression

Graduates are well placed for roles such as:

  • Junior Software Developer
  • Application Support Analyst
  • Systems Analyst
  • QA / Test Analyst
  • DevOps Technician
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Further Study

You may progress to further study including a full undergraduate degree in Software Engineering at DMU or another higher education provider.

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How to apply

This course is not currently available to international students.

Save these details for your application.
Programme title:
Digital Technologies: Software Development & Programming HNC
Programme code:
I300

UCAS applications

Apply now
  1. Register on UCAS Hub (create an account)
  2. Fill in your UCAS application form:
  3. Personal details (name, contact, residency)
    • More about you (any mental health conditions or long-term illnesses, parenting responsibilities, whether you’ve served in the armed forces)
    • Education history (qualifications taken or pending)
    • Employment history (if applicable)
    • Course choice
  4. Write your personal statement (why you want to study the course, skills, achievements, future goals)
  5. Get your reference (usually from a teacher/tutor/employer)
  6. Pay the UCAS fee (single choice or multiple choices)
  7. Submit the UCAS application before the deadline.
Save these details for your application.
Programme title:
Digital Technologies: Software Development & Programming HNC
Programme code:
I300

Part-time students can apply using the DMU Application Portal. This method allows you to save, revisit and review your application before submitting it at any time of day.

The following should be submitted with the application form:

  • Where required, one current reference on official headed paper or from a professional email address. This can be a work or academic reference and must be signed and recently dated
  • Copies of your academic transcripts
  • Your personal statement
DMU Application Portal

Key facts

Course title

Digital Technologies: Software Development & Programming

Award

HNC

UCAS code

I300

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Part-time

Start date

September

Duration

One year full-time (2 evenings per week) or Two years part-time (1 evening per week)

Fees

2026/27 UK tuition fees:
£9,790

Fees in subsequent years may rise. See the undergraduate tuition fees page for details

Additional costs

Entry requirements

Typical offer

UCAS points:

64

A Level:

64 UCAS points from at least one A level

BTEC Extended Diploma:

MPP

Contextual Offer:

This course does not provide contextual offers. To find out more about our contextual offer policy at DMU, head to dmu.ac.uk/contextual

T Levels:

Pass (D or E on the core)

Access to HE:

Merit

GCSEs:

5 x GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths

Interview and portfolio

Interview required: No

Portfolio required: No

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise relevant vocational experience and transferrable skills.

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

Learn more about fees and funding information.