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NQ COMPUTING LEVEL 5

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 5
  • Course Type:   Full-time

NQ COMPUTING LEVEL 5

Elevate your tech potential with this hands-on course, designed to ignite your passion for information technology and computing.

Start date – August 2026
End date –  July 2027
SCQF Level -  5
Mode –  Full time
Duration: 1 year

Perfect for aspiring innovators, this course lays the foundation for advanced pathways like HNC Computing or HNC Cyber Security, equipping you to step confidently into the future of IT. 

At West Lothian College, we've partnered with industry giants like EC-Council, Palo Alto Networks to give our students access to cutting-edge materials and state-of-the-art digital labs. These world-class resources ensure you're learning with the tools and technologies that define the future of the IT and cyber security industries.

  • What the course includes

    • 3D Modelling for Games Development 
    • Games Development for VR 
    • Teamworking in Games Development 
    • Introduction to Computer Systems 
    • Introduction to Web Development 
    • Professional Development 
    • Networking 
    • Introduction to Python Scripting 
    • Data Security 
    • Ethical Hacking 
    • Digital Forensics 
    • Cloud Computing and Cyber Resilience 
    • Introduction to Operating Systems 
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Why choose this course

The NQ Computing course at West Lothian College offers an exciting and practical introduction to the world of computing, designed to help you explore a wide range of digital disciplines before choosing your specialism. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience across areas such as 3D Modelling, Games Development, Cyber Security, and Web Development — all while building your confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. 

A highlight of the course is a major team project, where you’ll bring together skills from 3D Modelling for Games Development, Games Development for VR, Teamworking in Games Development, and Introduction to Web Development to design and build your own Virtual Reality (VR) game. This collaborative project mirrors real industry practice, helping you develop both technical expertise and essential teamwork skills. 

Beyond game development, you’ll also explore key areas of modern computing including Networking, Cloud Computing and Cyber Resilience, Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics, and Data Security. You’ll strengthen your understanding of Computer Systems, Operating Systems, and Python Scripting, while enhancing your professional skills through the Professional Development unit. 

Whether you’re passionate about game design, cyber security, programming, or IT infrastructure, this course provides the perfect foundation to progress to further study or start a career in the dynamic world of computing. 

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements of:  

  • National 5 English  
  • National 5 Mathematics  
  • National 5 (A Science Subject)  
  • Relevant work experience
  • We consider mature candidates with relevant experience

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course. 

  • Where it leads

    Education: HNC Computing, HNC Cyber Security

    Employment: Office environment as data entry operative, clerical or secretarial support staff, trainee computer technician, or junior programmer.

Interview arrangements

If you're invited for an interview, please plan to spend around 2 hours at the college.  

The process includes a one-on-one interview, with time slots allocated on the day. We kindly ask you to bring evidence of your qualifications and any employment/character references you may have.  

This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you better, assess your suitability for the course, and observe how you interact with lecturers and in group settings. Please note that meeting the qualification entry requirements alone does not guarantee a place on the course.

Interview Questions

General Motivation & Background 

  • What made you choose this course? 
  • What do you hope to achieve by the end of this course? 
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for someone working in Computing?

Skills & Learning Preferences 

  • How do you prefer to learn – hands-on, visual, written, or a mix? 
  • What subjects or skills do you feel most confident in? 

Reflection & Commitment 

  • What are you most looking forward to on this course?
  • What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you?

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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