Computing
Software Development HND
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 8
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This two-year associate degree course, in collaboration with Heriot-Watt University, is our take on the Software Development HND. It is designed to equip you with a comprehensive range of computing and software development skills highly valued by the software industry.
This is a hands-on and practical course that will enhance your employability skills. Edinburgh College has strong industry connections with Edinburgh-based digital companies. This course offers you an up-to-date award that reflects recent developments within the software development sector. Each specialist subject area you cover is tailored to jobs available in the industry, and you receive the best education to progress toward a successful career.
Upon completion, you will be well-prepared for further study and, depending on your course choice, qualified to progress to university in year two or three.
Edinburgh College has a partnership with Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University to give you third-year entry to various courses.
What you will learn
- Software Development
- Project Management for IT
- SQL and Databases
- Computer Systems Fundamentals
- Troubleshooting Software Problems
- Teamwork in Computing
- Software Development: Systems Foundations
- Systems Development: Introduction
- Professionalism and Ethics in Computing
- Software Development: Data Structures
- Software Development: Object-Oriented Programming
- Systems Development: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
- Software Development: Programming Paradigms
- Systems Development: Testing Software
- Systems Development: User-Centred Design
- Mathematics, Calculus and Matrices
- Advanced Web Scripting Concepts
- Developing Mobile Web-Based Applications
How the course is assessed
- You will be assessed on your practical skills.
- There will be some written assignments and multiple-choice tests.
Number of days per week
- 2.5 days per week (approximately).
Entry requirements
- For school leavers: Three Highers, one B grade pass in Computing, Mathematics or a Science and two other C Passes.
- For college students: SCQF Level 6 course in Computing.
- For everyone else: All enquiries are welcome regardless of qualifications. Edinburgh College computing staff can assess where you can start or progress in your computing career and find the right course for you.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You will be invited to attend an interview and undertake a Skills and Experience screening exercise on a computer.
- Please bring along any qualification certificates.
- Further course information will be provided by a lecturer on the course, as well as an opportunity for you to ask questions.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 6.0, ideally no component below 5.Progression and Articulation Routes
- HND Software Development year two is taught at Edinburgh College.
- Progress to the second or third year of various university degree courses after completing year two at College.
Career options
- Software engineer
- Software developer
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
