Computer Science and Digital Technologies - Foundation Degree
Course Code: IH1HE19
UCAS Code: I120
Next available course:
| Start Date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/09/2019 | University Centre | 2 Years | Apply |
| 08/09/2020 | University Centre | 2 Years | Apply |
Course Overview
The digital and creative sectors are expected to need 1.2 million new UK jobs by 2022 with the UK Digital Strategy 2017 recognising that investment in this area is increasing, an area of key economic strategic importance. We are the first college in the UK to be accredited to Honours level by the British Computer Society and are continually updating our resources to remain at the cutting edge and industry focused. This provides you with the best opportunities to take advantage of continued growth in the digital and creative industries, and increased demand for designer and developer roles locally, nationally and internationally.
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, the core of many modern organisations
- 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.
- Working in team projects and individually, building collaborative and problem solving skills, which will enhance value to future employers and develop yourself, both personally and professionally.
- Analysis of organisational structures in the industry and development teams, and building workplace skills so that you can adapt and thrive in modern digital organisations.
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. You must also be actively employed within an appropriate setting in a relevant sector.
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.
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 | 84% | 84% | 0% |
| Exam | 3% | 5% | 0% |
| Practical | 13% | 11% | 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 Comp Sci Eng | IH4MD056 | 20 | Mandatory |
Level 5 Modules
| Title | Code | Credits | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Based Research Project | IH5MD041 | 20 | Mandatory |
| 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 |
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 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 920 | 816 | 0 |
| Independent | 280 | 288 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 96 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 1200 | 0 |
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.
Tuition Fees
Read our tuition fees guide.
