FdSc
Computer Programming
| Delivered at | Nelson and Colne College University Centre |
| Start Date | September 2022 / January 2023 start dates available |
| Mode | Full-time or Part-time |
| Duration | 41 Weeks |
| Cost | £8250 Full-time or £4125 Part-time |
| UCAS Code | FCPR |
* The fees charged on your course will not rise by more than inflation during your studies but the College reserves the right to increase fees annually by not more than RPIX (Retail Prices Index excluding Mortgage Interest). If your studies are to be funded by your employer or as part of an Apprenticeship then different rates may apply, please enquire for details. |
|
Course overview
This is a programme leading to foundation degrees (university second year equivalent qualifications) awarded by Liverpool John Moores University with the following titles.
- FdSc Computing
- FdSc Computer Programming
- FdSc Cyber Security and Networking
- FdSc Computer Information Systems
All pathways provide a broad-based grounding in Professional Computing. Each named pathway has a focus on the skills needed to by the specialism in its title, and the Computing pathway allows students to mix and match modules from the other pathways to suit their own preferences or employment needs.
All awards are available through full-time or part-time study and timetables are designed to minimise the number of times that a student would need to travel to College.
Students without a relevant qualification at Level 4 will first complete the HNC Computing and then progress to complete the FdSc. Students with an HNC Computing would complete the Level 5 modules only.
It is not necessary to select your pathway at the time of application, this can be selected later in discussions with the programme team.
What will I learn
The modules for the FdSc Computer Programming are:
Level 4:
Mandatory modules:
- Computing Project
- Database Design and Implementation
- Networking and Security
- Programming and Software Development
- The Computing Professional
In addition to the mandatory modules, students will take one option from the following list:
- Computer Systems Architecture
- Website and e-Commerce Development
- Data Analytics
Level 5:
Mandatory modules:
- Work-Based Learning Project
- Cloud Computing and Programming
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Operating Systems Design and Security
- Games Design and Development
In addition to the mandatory modules, students will take one option from the following list:
- Data Analysis and Informatics
- Cryptography, Security and Forensics
- Network Design, Implementation and Management
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
- Human Computer Interaction and Interface Design
- Data Mining and Knowledge Acquisition
Candidates should note that the College reserves the right to update the programme periodically and that the offer of option modules is dependent on staff availability and students numbers.
How will the courses be assessed?
Most assessment is by a mixture of written assignments, practical work, presentations and online tests. There are no formal examinations at Level 4 but two modules at Level 5 contain 90-minute written examinations.
Entry requirements
Entry at Level 4:
Candidates are selected on the basis of their ability to cope with and benefit from the programme. Their suitability can be demonstrated either through previous educational achievement or through experience and aptitude.
Admission by prior qualification will normally require a minimum 48 UCAS Tariff points with the majority of the points gained in engineering, mathematics or science subjects. Typically, points can be derived from:
- One GCE A level or Vocational A level pass or equivalent
- Two AS level passes
- BTEC National Diploma/Certificate
- Other qualifications such as Scottish Highers, Welsh Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificates,
- International Baccalaureate, with the required UCAS points
- A pass in a recognised Access course
- Equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications
Admission by experience and aptitude will be based on the length and type of the candidate’s employment experience and his/her ability to demonstrate an aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject. As part of this process, candidates may be required to undertake aptitude tests and/or to provide personal and/or employment references.
Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English Language competence equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or higher.
Entry at Level 5:
Candidates should hold the HNC Computing from this programme. Those holding other HNCs, or other Level 4 awards in related subjects, will be considered for entry to Level 5 on the basis of the subject content of their previous studies.
Progression
Students who complete FdAs in Computing are highly sought after by employers, and also have the opportunity to progress to complete an Honours Degree.