Computing

A foundation degree is a degree-level qualification that takes two years to complete, and is equivalent to the first two years of a traditional honours degree. Foundation degrees focus on relevant, work-based skills within a particular career route or profession, and are designed to increase employability and progression opportunities. Employers are actively involved in the development of foundation degree programmes to ensure you are ready for employment when you complete your studies. At the end of a foundation degree you have the option to ‘top-up’ your qualification with an additional third year of study to convert it into a full honours degree.

The IT and computing industries are dynamic, fast-moving and constantly in need of qualified professionals. This foundation degree will equip you with the essential skills and competencies that employers seek in graduates, and will open up opportunities for you in both the public and private sectors worldwide. In the current digitally dependent global economy, it is predicted that the digital skills shortage will continue to worsen, requiring new and talented individuals in various sectors such as cybersecurity, software and network engineering. The programme reflects industry requirements with a mix of cybersecurity, programming paradigms, hardware and networking and client and server web development, relevant to the current skills shortage and growing industry needs.

Whilst encouraging digital trends, innovations and entrepreneurial mindset, this programme will give emphasis to current technological advances, such as VR, AR, AI and IoT technologies, highly desired by employers. With the exponential growth of the digital technologies industry, we prioritise the importance of security in all modules on this course, adopting a policy of security by design.

You’ll be learning in our visionary and innovative Hi Tech & Digital Centre, a world-class facility.

Year One Modules

Introduction to Computer Security - 20 credits
Programming Concepts - 20 credits
Client-Side Web Development - 20 credits
Database: Analysis, Design and Development - 20 credits
Computer Systems infrastructure - 20 credits
Fundamentals of Computer Networks - 20 credits

Year Two Modules

Employability and Professional Development - 20 credits
Secure Application Development - 20 credits
Enterprise Networks - 20 credits
Advanced Project - 20 credits
Object Oriented Programming (OOP) - 20 credits
Application Development for Embedded Operating Systems - 20 credits

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by examination/test, practical and coursework is as follows:

Year 1 - 50% coursework 25% test 25% Practical
Year 2 - 50% coursework 25% test 25% Practical