Computing

This course offers a balance between program development, practical computing theory and the use of applications to help you respond to the needs of today’s businesses.
It will give you an educational foundation for a range of careers within the computing and information technology industries and you will develop essential skills that are relevant to many other careers.
You will also gain industry experience and make valuable contacts through your work placement.
The Foundation Degree in Computing (FdSc) introduces you to the latest innovations in technology and business systems. You will explore new developments in mobile applications, programming, systems design and systems management.
You will also complete a work placement to gain professional practice and develop employability skills to ensure you are fully prepared for the demands of the IT industry.

You will study a range of core modules which may include:

Practitioner skills
Programming
Systems Analysis & Database Design
Introduction to Networking
Interactive Applications
Computer Systems and Security

Agile Development
Human Computer Interaction
Database Systems
Internet Application Development
Work Placement Project

In year 2 you will choose one of the following:
Network Management
Computer Security
Advanced Programming
Information Systems Management

Assessment methods are specified in each module syllabus and the student guide. All learning outcomes in a module are assessed and indicative assessment strategy for each module specifies the learning outcomes being assessed. The nature of coursework varies from module to module.

A variety of methods are used to assess practical skills. These include laboratory exercises, oral presentations, formal reports, examination, implementation of software with supporting documentation reflecting initiative and professional conduct

Intellectual skills are partly assessed through time constrained assessments, where appropriate, but assessment of coursework and practical project work is the main vehicle for assessment of the higher order skills. A variety of assessment methods are used, including formal reports, essays, and oral poster presentations.

A variety of methods are used to assess technical and personal practical skills. These include laboratory exercises, oral presentations, formal reports, and implementation exercises with supporting documentation demonstrating a professional approach and evaluating methods and products.

Staff in class and in supervisory meetings provide informal formative feedback. Intellectual skills are partly assessed through formal examinations but assessment of coursework and practical and theoretical project work is the main vehicle for assessment of the higher order skills. A variety of assessment methods are used, including formal reports, essays, and oral poster presentations.

These skills are assessed through written coursework in many modules, but particularly the individual project, where students write an academic article and a project report, are interviewed, and give a poster presentation.