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: 2023/24

Course Code: 10703

Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn

Study Type: Full-Time

Education Level Higher Education

Sessions

The following sessions are open for application on this course:

Campus & Course Type Start
Full-Time
Downpatrick
04/09/2023

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 Year 1:

  • Mathematics for Computing
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Computer Technologies
  • Database Design
  • Web Development

Compulsory Modules Year 2:

  • Cyber Security 
  • Work Based Learning

Optional Modules Year 2 Students 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

  • Event Driven Programming
  • Mobile Applications
  • UX Design

Pathway 2 - Infrastructure

  • Introduction to Networking
  • Wide Area Networking
  • Internet Server Management

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.

Contact Hours

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.

    GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

    •  GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

    AND

    • GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

    AND

    •  2 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

     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.

    Admissions

    Successful completion of the Admissions Process.

    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.

    International Students English Language Requirements

    International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

    • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)

    • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)

    • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

    For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

    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

    The following sessions are open for application on this course:

    Campus & Course Type Start
    Full-Time
    Downpatrick
    04/09/2023

    Enquiries Information

    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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    Available Sessions

    The following sessions are available to apply for:

    Course Type Title Campus Start Spaces Fee Apply or get more information
    FT
    HE
    Ulster University Foundation Degree in Computing (Year 1)
    Y10703DF1A

    Downpatrick

    04/09/2023

    10

    £2700.00

    Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

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