Computer Science and Digital Technologies - Foundation Degree

Start Date	Location	Duration / Fees
13/09/2021	University Centre	2 Years / £8,750 per year	Enrol

13/09/2022	University Centre	2 Years / £8,750 per year	Apply

Course Overview

Course timetable

Duration:	1 day and 1 evening a week
Day/s of week:	Wed and Mon
Time:	Mon: 5.15pm -3.45pm Wed: 9.00am - 3.45pm
Indicative Delivery	Mainly On-line with occasional On-site

On this 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.

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.

Qualification Obtained

FdSc Computer Science and Digital Industries

Career Options and Progression

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams – the percentage weighting of each of these is outlined below. Coursework might range from written tasks and assignments to the collation of a portfolio of evidence based around a work placement. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently.

Exam

Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. They assess your grasp of the theory and underpinning knowledge related to your chosen career area. The opposite of practicals, they require you to set out your practical understanding within an academic context. Some courses have no exams – the exam/coursework ratio is outlined below.

Practical

Practical assessments identify your technical ability to apply theory to hands-on tasks in your chosen career area. They can be timed or non-timed and involve observation of your practical skills and competencies, either in a work-based environment or a dedicated College setting that closely resembles the workplace. Practical work-based assessments are supported and carried out by a trained assessor.

Assessment Method	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
Coursework	86%	82%	0%
Exam	3%	5%	0%
Practical	11%	13%	0%

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Title	Code	Credits	Options
Network Principles	IH4MD051	20	Mandatory
Introduction to System Security	IH4MD052	20	Mandatory
Introduction to Programming	IH4MD053	20	Mandatory
Markup Languages and Styling	IH4MD054	20	Mandatory
Database Concepts and Communication	IH4MD055	20	Mandatory
Introduction to Academic Study	IH4MD068	20	Mandatory

Level 5 Modules

Title	Code	Credits	Options
Work Based Research Project	IH5MD041	20	Optional
Developing Information Systems	IH5MD042	20	Mandatory
Database and Web Security	IH5MD043	20	Mandatory
Systems Configuration and Management	IH5MD044	20	Mandatory
Software Eng Tech Design Documentation	IH5MD045	20	Mandatory
Responsive Dunamic Web Development	IH5MD046	20	Mandatory
Work Based Learning	IH5MD063	20	Optional (most common)

Teaching and Learning 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.

Learning Method	Level 4	Level 5
Scheduled	288	272
Independent	912	898
Placement	0	30
Total	1200	1200

Industry Placement and Field Trips

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

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.