English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
Why take this course?
Combining both technical and creative skills, this HND prepares you
for the evolving world of web development and digital design. A full introduction to web development and design is given.
This course allows you to tailor your learning experience to suit your
career goals by focusing on coding, design or a combination of both. As well as creating engaging website experiences, you’ll learn essential digital marketing strategies and how to produce digital and
social media content.
The course will allow you to work on projects with real clients, building on your understanding of professional standards.
Gain the knowledge and skills needed for roles in web development, UX/UI design, and IT, providing a strong foundation for a range of tech-driven careers.
You’ll have access to the latest industry software, tools and trends to ensure
you graduate with a skillset relevant today, and adaptable for the future.
What you will experience
Year 1 covers the fundamental areas of design, development, web technologies, video editing and animation including:
- Digital Graphic Fundamentals
- Systems Development: User Centred Design
- User Interface Design (UI)
- Web Technologies 1: HTML and CSS
- Developing Mobile Web Based Applications
- Developing Software: Introduction
- Building an e-Business
- Compositing and Motion Graphics
- 2D Animation
Year 2 focuses at using advanced tools for development as well as enhancing skillsets in digital media production:
- Designing and Developing an Interactive Websites
- Developing Digital Media
- Advanced Bitmap Techniques (Photoshop)
- Advanced Vector Techniques (Illustrator)
- Human Computer Interface
- Interactive Media Composition
- Web Development: Tools and Technologies
- Web Technologies 2: HTML, CSS and JavaScript
You’ll work with a range of tools and platforms including:
- Figma – UI Prototyping
- CSS and JavaScript libraries and frameworks
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro, etc.)
- Visual Studio Code
- Various online tools for AI creation, digital design, project management, and more
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place towards the end of 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Entry requirements
- One Higher and three National 5s (grade C or above)
- A Foundation Apprenticeship in any subject area will be considered equivalent as one unrelated Higher for entry to this course.
- Alternatively successful completion of the Computer Games Design (SCQF Level 6) course.
- For those returning to education, life skills and experience in the workplace may allow entry subject to availability.
What you will get
HND Web Development (including Digital Design & Development).
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place towards the end of 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Entry requirements
- One Higher and three National 5s (grade C or above)
- A Foundation Apprenticeship in any subject area will be considered equivalent as one unrelated Higher for entry to this course.
- Alternatively successful completion of the Computer Games Design (SCQF Level 6) course.
- For those returning to education, life skills and experience in the workplace may allow entry subject to availability.
What you will get
HND Web Development (including Digital Design & Development).
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
University
Our university partnerships ensure a smooth progression to further study. Subject to meeting conditions, entry to the following degrees may be possible after completing this course:
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BSc (Hons) Computing and Creative Design - Year 3
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BSc (Hons) Computer Science - Year 3
- Edinburgh Napier University - BSc (Hons) Web Design & Development - Year 3
Employment
Career opportunities are available in web development, user interface design, content creation, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, software testing, project management or IT consultancy. Common roles include:
- Web Designer
- Web Developer
- UX/UI Designer
- AI Content Specialist
- AI Consultant
- Content Creator
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Brand Specialist
- E-commerce Manager
- Social Media Influencer
- Software Tester/ Quality Assurance Analyst
- IT Project Manager
- IT Consultant
Student Stories
Danielle Craig
Computing
HND Web Development (including Digital Design & Development)
“I loved that the course covered a broad range of topics, from animation and graphic design to programming”
Read more about Danielle's story
Rebecca Clements
Computing
HND Web Development (including Digital Design and Development)
“I’ve had a passion for computing from a very young age. I decided when my son was starting school that it was the best time to go back and follow a dream I had put on hold.”
Read more about Rebecca's story
Ella-May Quinn
Computing
HND Web Development (including Digital Design & Development)
“I really enjoyed the course and the hands on nature of the learning. Being able to build websites was great and I got a real sense of achievement from the work we were asked to produce.”
Read more about Ella-May's story
Scott Duncan
Computing
HND Digital Development & Design (Games Development)
“I feel the course has prepared me well for my new role and I’m excited to put my new skills into practice and have the opportunity to do something I love every day! “
Read more about Scott's story
Martin Meszaros
Computing
HND Cyber Security
“I really have so much to thank NESCol for. I’m sure it is an experience that will have a positive impact throughout my life.”
Read more about Martin's story
Shay McGillivray
Computing
HND Technologies in Business
Shay’s HND has given him knowledge and skills that are vital for running a business today including cyber resilience, e-commerce solutions and social media and knows the course has given him a solid grounding in business operations, technology and project management which will serve him well for the continued success of their family business.
Read more about Shay's story
Beata Tetkowska
Computing
HND Technologies in Business
“I would definitely recommend NESCol to everyone who wants to study computing. No matter what age, or if this is their first course, or – if like me – you want to change your career. It’s a very friendly environment, well quipped when it comes to computing facilities and – most importantly – with very, very supportive and highly knowledgeable lecturers.”
Read more about Beata's story
Louise Findlay
Computing
HND Digital Design & Development (Web Development)
“I enjoy Computing because it’s such a broad field. There’s a variety of skills to learn and you can easily develop a niche. No two projects will be the same and since it’s such a fast-paced field, there are always new developments to keep abreast of.
“The computing courses give you lots of practical skills and a strong foundation to expand upon.”
Read more about Louise's story
George Madgett
Computing
HNC Computing
“By sharing my experience I hope I can inspire anyone with autism.”
Read more about George's story
Gayle Duguid
Computing
HND Computing: Software Development
“I would say to anyone thinking of returning to learning after time away – just do it.”
Read more about Gayle's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
-
Duration 2 years
-
Course Code C00068
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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