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University of Wales Trinity Saint David

UCAS Code: 121T | Higher National Diploma - HND

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

48

About this course

This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.

Course option

2years

Full-time | 2025

Other options

4 years | Part-time | 2025

Subject

Computer science

Are you interested in keeping digital information safe and building secure computer systems? Our Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Networks and Cyber Security is here to help you learn these important skills.

In this programme, you will learn how computer networks work in different places, like businesses and organisations. You will also learn how to create solutions for networking problems and get the skills you need for network administration. By the time you finish, you will know how to set up and manage network systems.

The programme emphasizes hands-on learning, offering you the opportunity to work in our cutting-edge cybersecurity labs, where you’ll use the latest tools and technologies to simulate real-world scenarios. From configuring secure networks to performing forensic investigations of cyber incidents, you will develop the practical skills required to apply your knowledge in professional settings. This experience will give you the confidence to address cybersecurity challenges and protect critical infrastructure in various industries.

Throughout the course, you will explore a wide range of topics, from network design and administration to security protocols and forensic analysis. This holistic approach ensures you not only understand how to manage and secure networks but also how to investigate and mitigate cyber incidents. In addition to the technical skills, you will develop problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities, all of which are highly valued by employers

We have strong connections with the industry. We have been a Cisco Academy member since 1999 and an EC Council Academy partner since 2018. You will also get to learn in our state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab. It has the latest tools and technologies, giving you a great place to learn. Here, you will work with new technologies and understand how IT systems work. This hands-on experience is crucial for your learning and future work.

Upon completion of the HND, you will be well-prepared to enter the workforce in roles such as network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, or IT security specialist. Whether you choose to pursue a career immediately or further your education in a degree programme, this course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. With the HND in Computer Networks and Cyber Security, you’ll be taking a significant step toward a rewarding career in one of today’s most crucial and in-demand industries.

Modules

Our philosophy is to blend practical application with academic rigour, ensuring that you gain both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. This approach prepares you for real-world challenges in Computer Networks and Cyber Security, equipping you with the skills needed for a successful career.

Year 1:
In the first year, you will focus on the fundamentals of networking technologies and software development. You will learn about data analysis, basic visualisation principles, and an introduction to forensics. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced topics in the following years.

Compulsory

Data Analysis & Visualisation (20 credits)
Software Development (20 credits)
Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (20 credits)
Introduction to Web and Database Concepts (20 credits)
Network and Cybersecurity Essentials (20 credits)
Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits)

Year 2:
The second year delves deeper into network administration and network infrastructure. You will engage in practical tasks, enhancing your skills and knowledge. This year also introduces more complex security measures and forensics techniques, preparing you for industry challenges.

Compulsory

Changemakers: Creativity and Value Creation (20 credits)
Network Operating Systems and Services (20 credits)
Advanced Networking (20 credits)
Network Programmability (20 credits)
Data Security and Compliance (20 credits)
Computer Forensics (20 credits)

Assessment methods

The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of network infrastructures. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.

Students are assessed through a combination of laboratory-based practicals, assignments, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by a written report and presentation.

Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.

The Uni

Course location:

SA1 Waterfront Campus, Swansea

Department:

Computing

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What students say

We've crunched the numbers to see if the overall teaching satisfaction score here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

75%
Computer science

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Computer science

Teaching and learning

73%
Staff make the subject interesting
78%
Staff are good at explaining things
62%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
71%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

66%
Library resources
68%
IT resources
73%
Course specific equipment and facilities
39%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

98%
UK students
2%
International students
79%
Male students
21%
Female students
88%
2:1 or above
24%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
C
E

After graduation

The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Computer science

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£23,500
low
Average annual salary
95%
high
Employed or in further education
50%
low
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

63%
Information technology and telecommunications professionals
13%
Information technology technicians
8%
Sales assistants and retail cashiers

This is a newly-classified subject area for this kind of data, so we don’t currently have very much information to display or analyse yet. The subject is linked to important and growing computing industries, and over time we can expect more students to study them — there could be opportunities that open up for graduates in these subjects as the economy develops over the next few years.

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Computer science

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£21k

£21k

£23k

£23k

£28k

£28k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

This is what the university has told Ucas about the criteria they expect applicants to satisfy; some may be compulsory, others may be preferable.

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This is the percentage of applicants to this course who received an offer last year, through Ucas.

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This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

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Course location and department:

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here