Computing
The Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Computing aims to develop industry current skills to ensure that the future needs of the IT sector are fully met. This qualification will provide you with knowledge and practical experience in programming, networking, database design and development as well as other core skills required for employment within the computing industry.
| Award Name | Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Ulster University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 | Ulster University |
Duration
2 years full-time.
Contact Hours per Week
15 hours' contact time to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials.
Mandatory Additional Study
Maximum of 3 hours per week average over the academic year.
Personal Study
19 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, including use of online materials.
Work Placement – Year Two
4 days per week over 12 weeks in semester 2.
Entry Requirements
General Entry Requirements
The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme.
Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.
You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.
Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.
Course Entry Requirements
A minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points including:
GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile CC
OR
[RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in with overall award profile MPP OR • [RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma with overall award profile MM
OR
Access to HE Diploma (NI): 45% overall and 45% in level 2 Access Mathematics.
OR
An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.
Careers / Further progression
Where will it take me?
Successful completion of this course could lead to either a career in the computing industry or to related degree programmes, normally at second year of entry.
How will it make me more employable?
The course provides the opportunity to undertake a 12-week placement within the computing industry to assist you in developing real-life experience and practical skills that employers want.
You will learn transferable skills such as communication, organisational skills, problem solving and critical thinking which will help you to apply for relevant jobs within the computing industry. The programme is designed to facilitate your development of a range of graduate qualities that are highly valued in the workplace.
Further information
Start Date: 02/09/2024.
Bangor Campus
Lisburn Campus
Downpatrick Campus
Bangor 20+. Downpatrick, Lisburn 18.
£2,850. Access NI clearance, estimated at £33 (only if required for some work-based learning placements).
Year: 2024/25.
Applications are now open for 2024.
Visit apply.serc.ac.uk and apply online (see "Application Weblink").
The Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Computing aims to develop industry current skills to ensure that the future needs of the IT sector are fully met. This qualification will provide you with knowledge and practical experience in programming, networking, database design and development as well as other core skills required for employment within the computing industry.
Course Structure
The Foundation Degree provides you with an opportunity to undertake a structured work- based learning placement within the computing industry during the final year of the programme. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain a suitable work placement employer; however, assistance will be provided by the college as required.
This course will grant you the status of Ulster University Associate Student.
This programme is based on a hybrid learning model with a focus on face-to-face delivery.
Compulsory Modules (All Campuses):
Introduction to Programming
Computer Systems
Personal Qualities in the IT Industry
Introduction to Databases with SQL
Network Technology
Computational Mathematics
Object-oriented Programming
Work-based learning
Compulsory Modules Year 2 (Downpatrick and Lisburn Campuses):
User-Centered Design
Web Technologies
Mobile Application Development
Optional Modules Year 2 (Bangor Campus Only)
Students on the Bangor Campus must also undertake a further 60 credits’ worth of optional modules (listed below). Currently, the optional modules are structured into two distinct pathways; however, it may be possible to study modules from both paths depending on timetable constraints.
Optional modules will be a choice of:
Pathway 1 – Programming
User-Centered Design
Web Technologies
Mobile Application Development
Pathway 2 - Infrastructure
Wide Area Networking
Internet Server Management
Cyber Security
In addition to the above units you will also work towards a Professional / Personal Development qualification and will be involved in a range of activities designed to improve employability within the IT sector.
This is a 2-Year programme and course fees are payable in each year of study.
Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, project based learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
South Eastern Regional College
Bangor Campus
Castle Park Road
Co Down
BT20 4TD
Email: info@serc.ac.uk
Phone: 0345 600 7555
South Eastern Regional College
Lisburn Campus
Castle Street
Lisburn
Co Antrim
BT27 4SU
Email: info@serc.ac.uk
Phone: 0345 600 7555
South Eastern Regional College
Downpatrick Campus
Market Street
Downpatrick
Co Down
BT30 6LZ
Email:info@serc.ac.uk
Phone: 0345 600 7555