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Foundation Degree (FdSc) Computing (Software Development)

Key Details

  • Available at:
    Rhos-on-Sea
  • Study Mode:
    Part-time, Full-time
  • Course Length:

    Full-time: 2 years OR Part-time: 4 years. Also available on a modular basis.

    Monday & Thursday, 9am-5pm

  • UCAS Codes:
    G400
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Foundation Degree (FdSc) Computing (Software Development)

Degrees (Higher Education)

Part Time

If you are applying to study part-time you can apply directly to the campus of your choice.

Rhos-on-Sea

Full Time

There are two ways to apply to study for a full-time higher education course - either through UCAS or directly to the college.

Applying through UCAS:
You should apply through UCAS if you are currently studying for A Levels, a vocational Level 3 course (i.e. BTEC) or an Access to Higher Education qualification, or if you wish to apply to more than one higher education provider.

Applying to College:
If you only want to study at the college, or if you already have the qualifications/experience to meet the requirements for your course, you should apply directly to the campus of your choice.

Rhos-on-Sea

Course Description

Would you like a challenging career working within the computing industry?

Computers and the internet are an integral part of everyday life and business. There is a growing demand for skilled programmers and developers to create the software applications that we all rely on. This course prepares you to become one of those specialists, and allows you to fulfil a number of roles in this varied sector.

This course is suitable if you have studied at Level 3 or equivalent (not necessarily in Computing) and would like to progress into such careers as programming, web development and application development.

The course gives a firm understanding of a wide range of computing skills such as programming, graphics, databases, web development, mobile technologies and project management.

As well as these specialist computing skills, you will also develop vital employability skills such as team-working, self-management, business awareness and problem solving which are vital in today’s fast-moving environment.

Throughout the course you will benefit from an outstanding learning environment, with state-of-the-art technology, open access computer facilities and excellent tutor support.

Modules include:

Year 1 (Level 4)

  • Computer Systems
  • Creating and Managing Accessible Web Sites
  • Data Modelling
  • Database Design and Management
  • Designing Accessible Websites
  • Employment in the Computing Industry
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Operating Systems Fundamentals

Year 2: Level 5

  • Computing Industry Research Project
  • Cybersecurity and Future Technologies
  • Developing Mobile Technology
  • Introduction to Middleware
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Project Management for Computing Professional

Additional information

More detailed information on Modules is to be found in the ‘Additional Campus/Course Information’ section.

Entry Criteria

Academic requirements:

  • a minimum of 72 UCAS tariff points in a main level 3 qualification, usually gaining a pass in at least one relevant subject which could include: A Levels, BTEC, International Baccalaureate, ACCESS to HE; or NVQ Level 3; many additional qualifications from Wales, England and Scotland are accepted to support the UCAS points in addition to the relevant subject, such as the Welsh Baccalaureate.
  • GCSE Mathematics/Numeracy, grade C/4 or above, or Key/Essential Skill equivalent level. For applicants without these qualifications, evidence of numeracy skills at a suitable level to meet the demands of the programme successfully, will need to be demonstrated.
  • Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable

For individuals who do not meet the above academic requirements we will consider a wide range of non-standard or professional qualifications and experience, through the submission of a portfolio for accreditation of prior learning (APL/APEL/RPEL), in accordance with GLLM regulations and policies.

Entry onto Level 5 will be considered individually in line with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s admissions policies.

All places may be subject to a satisfactory interview.

Language requirements:

  • GCSE in Welsh or English as first language, grade C/4 or above
  • Any degrees, diplomas or certificates eligible should have been taught and assessed in Welsh or English, or
  • For overseas applicants, for entry onto Level 4, English fluency to IELTS 5.5 or higher (with no element less than 5.0)
  • For overseas applicants, for entry onto Levels 5 or above, English fluency to IELTS 6.0 or higher (with no element less than 5.5)

If your qualifications do not meet the entry requirements listed above, we would still encourage you to apply for the course you're interested in, as many of our courses will consider learners based on their previous work and skills experience rather than their qualifications.

Delivery

You will learn through a blend of the following:

  • Interactive lectures
  • Practical workshops
  • Group discussions / activities
  • Guest speakers
  • Virtual learning environment (MOODLE)

Learning is participative, informal and full of opportunities for individual exploration and creativity. Industrial placement may also form part of the course.

Students are responsible for organising their own work experience if it is a requirement on their programme, and they will be supported by the course team.

Timetable

  • Full-time: 2 years, 2 days per week (typically 9.00 am – 5.00 pm)
  • Part-time: 4 years, 1 day per week (typically 9.00 am – 5.00 pm)

Fees

Visit our course fees page for information on full and part-time degree course fees.

Financial Support

Visit our financial support page for information on the range of support available.

More detailed information on other costs associated with your course and work placements/work experience (if applicable) will be outlined in the programme validation document and explained to you at your interview.

Start date

September

Contact:

For specific course enquiries, please contact:

Inge Powell (Programme Leader): powell1i@gllm.ac.uk

David Clarke (Administration): clarke1d@gllm.ac.uk

For general enquiries about our degrees, please contact: degrees@gllm.ac.uk

Assessment

The course is assessed through a blend of the following:

  • Practical and theoretical assignments
  • Time-constrained assessments
  • Reports
  • Oral presentations
  • Project work
  • Portfolios
  • Work-based assessment
  • Group/team-based assignments
  • Log books and reflective work

Feedback

Where relevant, assessments will be marked and returned to students with constructive and developmental feedback. Effective feedback combines information which enables students to understand the strengths and limitations of their past performance, and information which enables them to recognise how future performance can be improved. Students will be provided with feedback in a timely manner and this feedback will justify how the grade has been awarded. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the feedback given and identify their strengths, things they found challenging and areas for development that they will feed forward to their next assessment. Feedback will include linking evidence to assessment criteria to demonstrate how the student will have met the learning outcomes.

Progression

Our Computing graduates have progressed onto employment in a wide range of organisations. Others have started their own businesses particularly in the areas of application development and web development.

There is also the option of continuing your studies up to BSc Honours. This can be done full-time or part-time to combine work and study.

Campus Information Rhos-on-Sea

This course combines general computing skills with specialist modules focussing on programming / software development.

For every 10 credits, students should engage with around 100 notional hours of learning. This will be approximately 30% direct learning contact 70% independent student learning.

This combination of modules leads to the Foundation Degree (FdSc) Computing (Software Development).

A separate Foundation Degree specialising in Networking is also available.

Year 1 (Level 4)

Computer Systems (10 credits, compulsory):
Modern computer systems take many forms and are used in every environment; work, leisure, home. This module will provide an essential understanding of all the hardware and software components that make a computer system work. (Portfolio 60% / Time-constrained assessment 40%)

Creating and Managing Accessible Web Sites (20 credits, compulsory):
This module will enable learners to use a suitable mark-up language (e.g. HTML5) and style sheets (e.g. CSS3) to create a standards-compliant, accessible website which complies with a given brief. (Practical work 60% / Report 20% / Presentation 20%)

Data Modelling (10 credits, compulsory):
This module will introduce learners to the different approaches that can be taken to design automated systems. It will allow the learners to develop an awareness of the concepts and terminology involved in analysis and design. (Report 40% / Practical work 60%)

Database Design and Management (20 credits, compulsory):
This module will provide the learners with the skills required to design, create and maintain a relational database. The skills gained will then help the learners to enter a commercially operated database environment and to administer the system to the requirements of the industry. (Report 20% / Practical work 40% / Time-constrained assessment 40%)

Designing Accessible Websites (10 credits, compulsory):
This module introduces the rationale for designing websites which are accessible by as many users and on as many platforms as possible. (Practical work 60% / Presentation 40%)

Employment in the Computing Industry (20 credits, compulsory):
This module aims to develop the knowledge of learners about the requirements of working in the computing industry. It will develop their knowledge of different working models along with developing skills relating to finding employment opportunities within the sector. (Reports 80% / Reflection 20%)

Introduction to Programming (20 credits, core):
This module will introduce learners to the fundamental concepts used in the development of computer programs using an appropriate development language for example Java, Python or Visual Basic. The learners will gain an understanding of the process of program creation from examination of an initial problem through to designing and developing a final solution. (Practical work 100%)

Operating Systems Fundamentals (10 credits, compulsory):
This module looks at the features and functions of Microsoft Windows and Linux which are two very popular operating systems and provides a practical as well as theory based learning experience to how operating systems support businesses is their day to day operations. (Report 40% / Practical work 60%)

Year 2: Level 5

Computing Industry Research Project (20 credits, compulsory):
The module aims to enable students to apply a range of research skills appropriate to study of Computing. Through a micro-dissertation, the module will prepare them for either further studies at Level 6 or career related research. (Report 90% / Presentation 10%)

Cybersecurity and Future Technologies (20 credits, compulsory):
This module will enable learners to develop an understanding of how security and ethical considerations need to be applied in the introduction and exploitation of computer technologies. It will address legal requirements and examine computing and security standards. (Report 70% / Presentation 30%)

Developing Mobile Technology (20 credits, core):
This module will introduce learners to various aspects of mobile technology. The learners will gain an understanding of the process involved in developing applications for mobile devices using suitable software development tools for example: Android Studio, App Inventor, Xamarin, Phone Gap, Corona SDK. (Practical work 100%)

Employability Project (20 credits, compulsory):
This module allows learners to apply skills and knowledge from their Level 4 studies to a suitable work placement or project (or simulation). (Report 10% / Practical work 70% / Reflection 20%)

Introduction to Middleware (10 credits, compulsory):
This module will introduce learners to the fundamental concepts used in middleware development. Learners will develop an understanding of the process of program creation from examination of an initial problem through to designing and developing a final solution that will demonstrate how a website form interacts with a database held on the server side. (Report 30% / Practical work 70%)

Object Oriented Programming (20 credits, core):
This module will introduce learners to the object oriented approach to creating computer programs. The learners will gain an understanding of the process of creating a range of object oriented programs using a suitable programming language. (Practical work 100%)

Project Management for Computing Professionals (10 credits, compulsory):
This module will introduce learners to the main concepts behind project management. The learners will examine the main project management methodologies used in current business practice. The module will also allow learners to understand the requirements of practical project management in terms of the main stages through which a typical project will progress. (Report 40% / Case study 60%)

Other details

Course type: Degrees (Higher Education)

Level: 4+5

Programme Area:

  • Computing, Digital Technologies and Games Development
  • International

Awarding Body: Bangor University

Bilingual:

n/a

Computing, Digital Technologies and Games Development

Learn more about this area and see our course level guide:

Computing, Digital Technologies and Games Development

Games Development - Learner using VR set

Awarding Body

DiscoverUni

Full-Time course


Part-Time course