Computing and IT

Foundation Degree Applied Computing Licensed from University of Bath

This programme is designed to prepare undergraduates for a variety of careers across the IT Industry through the provision of specialised options. It equips students with practical and professional abilities in specific areas, as well as providing a broad range of analysis, design and software implementation skills.
The modules are closely linked to the demands of IT in business contexts and many include projects for businesses. In addition, this course provides access onto our one year BSc (Hons) year degree in Applied Computing programme.

• The programme is designed for preparing people to work in the computer industry.
• Includes multiple opportunities for real work experience.
• Lecturers are trained teachers, with extensive industry experience.
• Some of lecturers are IT contractors in addition to the work they do for the college. Ask for a course prospectus for further details of the teaching staff, their background and research interests.
• Offers excellent computing facilities.
• Offers opportunity for one to one and small group tuition.

You will receive your Foundation Degree award from the University of Bath.

UCAS code: G401
Institution code: B21

Course structure

The foundation degree is designed to take two years full-time (we no longer offer this course on a part-time basis). The first stage of the course is to build up a base of skills.

Stage One
Web development - including building a website for a local firm
Computer hardware- building PCs and fault fixing
Business analysis - including a simulation
Cyber Security- including various IT Security simulations
Networking- building and maintaining a network
Database Development

Stage Two
Visual Basic
Project Management
Optional units note, not all may be offered in a particular year
Multimedia - including developing multimedia for local firms
Geographical Information Systems- in collaboration with Devon Country Council
Games Programming- developing a game
Help Desk- including paid part-time employment for the college.
Advanced Databases
Methods of Study and Assessment

Progress is measured through a series of assignments and examinations. The examinations are open book examinations, taken on computers, with internet access. These assessments are designed to test students' ability to put into practise the skills they have learnt.

Course Outcomes

The Foundation Degree in Computing is designed to meet the following aims:

• To enable students to develop an understanding of the basic underpinning theory and knowledge of computer systems.
• To prepare students for employment as Computing Practitioners according to the expressed needs of employers.
• To provide students with a broad base of skills to design and implement computer based solutions across a range of IT areas.
• To enable students to understand the nature and principles of business processes and to gain direct experience of them.
• To utilise employers' experience as appropriate to enrich the learning experience of students.
• To provide students with work experience opportunities to allow them to test and refine their acquired skills and knowledge.
• To provide opportunities for students to develop and practise their transferable skills.
• To equip students to progress to the BSc Honours degree offered at the college, or other vocational and professional qualifications.

Progression Opportunities

Although the Foundation Degree is a stand-alone (career-related) qualification in its own right, students successfully completing this course are normally eligible to progress onto our BSc (Hons) year degree in Applied Computing - depending on your overall pass percentage.

Students may also be able to apply to other institutions (through UCAS) for entry onto second or third year of other related degree programmes.

Employability

Students successfully completing this programme enhance their employment prospects. Past students have gone into a wide variety of jobs - from running the networks for local businesses, to developing applications for the Ministry of Defence, Buro Happold, Future Publishing and local authorities. For example, see http://www.alw.org.uk/winners-stories/winner-story/2011/fran-bunce 

Entry Requirements

Applications are welcomed from candidates

• The college sets its own entry level.
• This is normally a Level 3 qualification such as a National Award / Certificate / Diploma, Progression / Advanced Diploma, GCE A-level, Access to Higher Education Course, or a work-based course such as NVQ 3 or Advanced Apprenticeship. Where these qualifications are recognised on the UCAS tariff, candidates should normally have achieved a minimum tariff of 120 points. For the Progression / Advanced Diploma, 120 UCAS tariff points must be gained from the principal learning element of the qualification.
• Applicants should note the entry offer will normally be higher than the minimum
• Without formal qualifications, but who have a minimum of two years' relevant work experience and are able to demonstrate that they have developed the necessary skills to succeed on the course.

All applicants will normally also require at least four GCSE passes (at grade C or above), including Maths and English or their Level 2 equivalents. Applications may be subject to interview.

Where English is not the applicant's first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 237 (computer-based) or equivalent qualification, will normally be required.

Please be aware that all full-time applications must go through UCAS. Alternative qualifications are welcome, particularly from mature students with a particular interest in, or already working in, the computer industry.

Full-time Fees 2012/13

First Year starting 2012/13 = £7500
Second Year's who started in 2011/12 = £2195

Please note:  this information is correct at the time of publication, but please be aware that elements of the above may change. The University of Bath may at its discretion, and for any reason, alter or not offer courses, or parts of courses.

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