Computer Science and Digital Technologies - Foundation Degree

Entry Requirements

Admission to this programme would normally depend on you having a minimum of 64 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline OR evidence of relevant work/life skills or knowledge.

Candidates who do not hold GCSE Maths/English at grade C/4 or higher (or equivalent qualifications), will be supported to undertake these qualifications alongside their main programme. Candidates who have successfully undertaken B&FC’s HNC Computing will be permitted direct entry to level 5 of this programme.

Course Detail

On this foundation programme you will produce work in a range of computer science disciplines, including configuring network infrastructure, practically applying contemporary practices that support a wide range of digital systems.

You will design and develop database-driven systems, including information systems that form a core part of modern business. You will become familiar with emerging cyber security trends as well as how to apply them to secure databases and websites.

You will prepare for careers that are in demand as well as those that may not yet have been created. Significant practical content is complemented by a raft of transferrable skills that will enable you to be adaptive in an evolving sector and across a range of disciplines. Our cutting-edge curriculum, high quality resources, friendly and skilled staff and supportive environment will give you the best opportunities to excel in the future.

Key elements of the programme include:

• Setting up network infrastructure and configuring servers, using current practices employed in evolving DevOps contexts to support a wide variety of digital projects, using PowerShell and Windows Server, as well as alternative technologies.
• Investigation of emerging cyber security threats and practices, performing penetration tests on web servers to identify security holes and then patch them ensuring robust solutions.
• Development of a number of database-driven projects, including developing an information system prototype.
• General software engineering skills, including working with databases; sharing data between distributed components of applications; requirements gathering; producing technical designs and working to established development methodologies; and developing and testing interfaces, all of which increase the range of careers you can pursue both in and out of software and web development.
• Analysis of organisational structures in the industry and development teams and building workplace skills.

Qualification Obtained

Industry Placement and Field Trips

At Level 5, you will be required to undertake 96 hours of industry-based activity related to the programme. Industry placements are managed by an appointed workplace coordinator, who liaises with employers, performs visits, and logs required documents such as insurance. You are encouraged to seek out your own placement, the preparation for which will begin in the second semester of Level 4.

Some placements require DBS checks; the workplace co-ordinator will produce and collate the forms for this to ensure they are processed in good time. Should you not be able to locate a placement yourself, the workplace co-ordinator will arrange interviews with relevant employers. If there is difficulty in getting students placed, then there is the option to be placed internally with our netlab engineer or IT networking and infrastructure team.

In timetabled sessions, delivery includes CV generation, exploring professional guidelines and legislation, as well as discussions on the application of skills to a workplace context, all of which is then logged electronically in a reflective format. 

Our strong employer relationships provide ample opportunities for live briefs, supported projects, checking of real-world scenarios for assessments, and constantly evolving our curriculum.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

Resources required to achieve the learning outcomes of the programme are available while working in college, with many resources available through remote services.

However, we do recommend that you have access to a computer with internet connectivity for completing work outside college times and accessing these resources.

You should also be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

Tuition Fees

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: None

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

We are in an increasingly interconnected world with technology pervading all parts of our lives. Indeed, there are jobs today that simply did not exist in the past, enabled by technical innovations and the people that create and consume them. Moreover, there will be jobs created in the future that do not exist today and this course gives you a number of highly transferable skills that will allow you to adapt and take advantage of this rapidly changing environment.

Career opportunities that graduates of this programme could currently successfully pursue include:

• Entry Level Web Developer
• Entry Level Data Analyst
• Network Support
• Entry Level Developer

There is also the opportunity to progress onto our one-year BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Digital Technologies top-up degree, validated through Lancaster University.