Ulster University Foundation Degree in 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.


Academic Year: 2022/23

Course Code: 10703

Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn

Study Type: Part-Time

Education Level Higher Education

Sessions

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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.

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.

 

Contact Hours

Contact Hours per week

7 hours per week to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials.

Personal Study

A further 8 -10 hours per week on average, studying and preparing assessments in your own time, including use of online materials.

Placement

The Foundation Degree also provides students 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.

The part time option of this course runs over 3 years, 1 day per week.

Entry Requirements

GCSE English

  • GCSE English Language Grade C or above or Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy

GCSE Maths

  • GCSE Mathematics Grade C (or University-approved equivalent)

2 Additional GCSE’s

  • In addition to Maths and English, two additional GCSE’s at Grade C or above are required

UCAS

A minimum of 64 UCAS points:

  • A levels  OR
  • Level 3 Diploma

Access Diploma

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with an overall average of 45+%

English Language Requirements for International students:

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level
  • B2 IELTS 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • PTE 51 Or an approved equivalent test in English

Equivalent qualifications include:

  • Grade C (or above) in GCSE English
  • Successful completion of a Level 3 Vocational Programme with assessments completed in English Language
  • Essential Skills in Literacy (Level 2)
  • ESOL Level 2 

Tier 4 Students:

  • SERC will only accept a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for issuing a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Admissions

APEL

  • Provide evidence of ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Further details on APEL can be found in the Admissions Section of our website

How will I be assessed and given feedback?

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.

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. 

Additional Costs
Access NI clearance, estimated at £33 (only if required for some work-based learning placements).

Accreditation
Course and Provider regulated by Ulster University.
Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

In addition to the above Terms & Conditions students must also adhere to the following:
  • Comply with College Policies and procedures
  • Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates, coursework submitted without prior consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted
  • Pass all modules in each year of study in order to proceed to the next year of the programme. *The minimum overall pass mark of 40% is required to be achieved in all modules.

Available Sessions Summary

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Student Testimonial

Photo of Andrew Scott.
Andrew Scott
Ulster University Foundation Degree in Computing
have really benefited from my course at SERC. I completed a 12-week work placement which allowed me to apply what I was learning on this course into practice.
Read Full Testimonial
Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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