With employment in the computing and digital industries set to grow at five times the national average over the next decade, computing and digital technology is fast becoming one of the UK’s most highly paid and in‑demand career areas, accounting for over 1.58 million jobs across the UK. The computing industry continues to grow faster than the rest of the UK economy, creating a wide range of high‑skilled career opportunities.
Top employment sectors include application and software development, data management, cyber security, data analytics, hardware, devices and open‑source hardware. All our full‑time courses are aimed at students who want to gain nationally recognised qualifications in computing and digital technology.
Whether you are leaving school, returning to education, already in work or simply want to improve your digital skills, we will help you to meet your personal, career and employment goals. Past students are now working as software developers, dynamic CRM developers, data analysts, IT support and operations technicians, web and eCommerce developers, data warehouse analysts and systems analysts.
Our dedicated lecturers have strong sector experience backed up with subject‑specific knowledge. Lessons are delivered in creative and engaging ways, illustrated with real‑life case studies and practical examples. Students also have opportunities to take part in industry‑related work experience to enhance employability.
You will learn in an innovative and forward‑thinking department that continues to introduce industry‑required courses and modules to prepare learners for the future of IT. Developments in AI, AR/VR technologies, and the rapid growth of games, eSports and digital media have played a key role in shaping our curriculum.
The department uses modern hardware and industry‑standard software including Adobe Creative Suite, Visual Studio Community, Visual Studio Code, Java, Audacity, Game Maker, Unity, Maya, React Native, VM Ware, macOS, Windows, Linux and Oculus Quest 2. All courses are delivered in bespoke IT laboratories, including specialist suites for PC construction and network development.
Achievement on our programmes currently stands at 99%, and 100% of BSc students progress into computing‑related employment within three months of graduating.
What will I do?
You will explore how computing and digital technology are used across a wide range of industries, developing sector‑specific knowledge alongside essential technical and practical skills.
Through hands‑on learning and realistic, work‑related projects, you will gain experience in applying your skills in real‑world contexts. This approach helps prepare you for progression into further study, apprenticeships or employment within the digital and technology sector.
Career Opportunities and Progression
The majority of students on computing and digital technology courses progress to higher education. Within NPTC Group of Colleges, students can progress from a Level 3 Extended Diploma or A Level programme onto an HND in Computing, followed by a BSc (Hons) Applied Computing.
Our courses also prepare you for employment in a wide range of business and technology‑focused organisations. Past students and graduates have progressed into roles with organisations including Fujitsu, NPTC Group, The Good IT Company, BVG Group, Tech‑Wales Ltd, Box UK, DVLA, CGI, Arvato CRM Solutions and Virgin Media.
Potential career paths include:
- Software and app design and development
- Cybersecurity and digital forensics
- Games design and development
- Web design and development
- Systems analysis
- Database development and administration
- Technical support and IT services
- Network and security roles
- eSports event management
Please note: students considering teaching as a career should be aware that universities typically require GCSEs at grade B or above in Maths, English and Science. Some Computer Science courses also require a minimum of grade B in GCSE Maths.
Games Design: Development in Creative and Digital Industries
The gaming and creative industries are dynamic and fast‑moving, and we recognise the continued growth of this sector by offering dedicated Games Design and Games Development courses.
These courses are designed to help students develop their understanding of creative and digital technologies. Units include exploring and researching the games industry, creating 2D and 3D digital art, animation and audio, and using professional 2D and 3D game engines.
Students build skills progressively throughout the year and have the opportunity to design and develop their own game as part of a final major project. This hands‑on approach allows learners to showcase both their creativity and technical ability.
Following successful completion at Level 2, students can progress to Level 3 Games Design: Development in Creative and Digital Industries, where they further develop their skills and prepare for progression into higher education, apprenticeships or employment within the gaming and wider digital industries.
Games Design courses are available across multiple campuses, including Neath College, and continue to grow as one of our strongest and most successful curriculum areas.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (ASBW) and Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
These qualifications have been developed as a direct result of discussions with industry and reflect the growing demand for applicants who possess strong transferable skills alongside subject‑specific knowledge.
They meet the needs of employers and help make students more employable and better prepared for higher education. All learners within the Creative Arts and Digital Industries department complete either:
- Essential Skills Wales at Level 2, or
- Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales at Level 3, including Global Community, Future Destinations and the Individual Project.
