Foundation degree in Computing

What is this course about?

This course will see you studying a wide range of computer-specific modules whose topics include: Study Skills, Research and Referencing, PC Hardware, Programming (both functional and object orientated), Networking (CCNA), Database Development (Access and MySQL), Web Design and Development, Multimedia, Systems Analysis, and a final year Project.
Students who are not in suitable IT or Computing employment may enrol instead on the HNC and HND in Applied IT and study alongside students on the Foundation Degree in Computing.
On this course we aim to provide a resource based learning environment with an emphasis on student opportunity rather than simple direct teaching. You will be a partner in the learning experience and will be expected to take responsibility for your own study. The Faculty lays emphasis on the role of the lecturer as a learning facilitator who will enable the you to take a responsibility for your own learning.
The total learning time for each 15-Credit module is 150 hours. The way that this time is spent will reflect the subject matter of the module. On the module specifications, the total learning time is divided into two components namely contact time, and independent study.
The contact time includes any form of classroom teaching whether in the form of seminars, lectures, tutorials or practical laboratory-based sessions. Many modules on the Computing Foundation Degrees, particularly those at level 1 have a learning component, which involves classroom teaching of some description. This is required at level 1 where the emphasis is on building a solid foundation of academic knowledge to underpin future learning. At level 2, the emphasis is on work-based learning and independent study with some modules having very little or no contact time.
The independent study time is broken down into self-study and work-based learning. Work based learning is guided by a Mentor in the workplace.
Additional learning approaches have been chosen to be compatible to the nature of the award and the module material. They may include: case studies, investigations, seminars, resource based learning, and independent reading. Some material will be problem based and lead you through a series of activities designed to incrementally solve a given problem. The emphasis will be on an active learning approach and you will be encouraged to engage with the material.

Entry Requirements

To gain entry onto this course you will need:
- 100 points with 80 points from at least one Advanced GCE/VCE.
- 20 points may come from Key Skills, AS and other units.
If you are studying Advanced Apprenticeship qualifications, these will be considered.
All applicants need GCSE minimum grade C Mathematics or a recognised equivalent (e.g. 4 x OCN Level 2 units, OCR Numeracy).
You should be in suitable employment and must have the support of your employer. Specifically this will involve the willingness of your employer to provide a work-based Mentor and to release you for assessment/study if and when required.
Application to the course will require an interview with a member of the teaching staff.

How is it taught?

You will spend 8 hours per week in a taught, classroom environment with appropriate technologies and a tutor. Taught sessions are made up of lectures, tutorials and practical activities. Youíll also be expected to work independently off-campus in your private time on exercises and activities as set by your tutor. You will also be supported electronically by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

The approaches taken are:
ï Independent resource based learning where you will be expected to achieve specific goals using your own personal efforts. This approach will help you to build up your research skills and develop your own individual study approaches and strategies whilst using resources. ï Independent reading where you will be set passages of text or books to read in your own time;
ï Problem based learning where you will be set a specific problem that requires a solution to be found.
ï Supervision - You will be required to undertake a work-based project. A major factor related to this is learning how to work independently and be guided by a work-based and academic supervisory team;
ï Case studies and investigations on modules. It is often the case that a real life scenario is used for you to investigate in order to understand how theories taught relate to the real world
You will have access to a wide range of resources. In addition to the module material and VLE support, you will have access to the various on-line library facilities. Staffordshire University has subscriptions to electronic book services such as Safari Tech Books, Ebrary and Netlibrary. Staffordshire University also has subscriptions to IEEExplore, ACM Digital Library, Elsevier Science Direct and Infotrac Computer Database all offering full text electronic access to journals and conference proceedings, software support services, and access to some software provided by the University. Every core module has a work-based learning component, which will be guided by a work-based Mentor and which contributes to the overall learning experience. In some modules, this work-based learning is assessed while in others its purpose is to reinforce the academic learning through practical experience.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a variety of coursework, in-class tests, practical assessments and examinations. You will be required to complete portfolios of work, presentations and working system implementations. Students who successfully complete the second year of the Foundation degree, and do not progress onto the third year can be awarded a HNC in Applied IT. Students will be awarded a Foundation degree in Computing upon successful completion of the third year. However, a student can transfer to a HND Applied IT award during the third year, and can be awarded this upon successful completion.

Most modules adopt the use of both formative and summative assessment. The nature of the subject area for the awards is predominantly practical. Assessment throughout the programme can therefore be expected to ensure a suitable balance between theoretical knowledge and practical workplace skills. An assessment strategy will be chosen for each module, which is appropriate for testing the achievement of the learning outcomes.
Coursework assignments provide the opportunity for you to consolidate learning of the theoretical material by applying it in a problem-solving scenario. The coursework takes a variety of forms dependent on the nature of the module, examinations are rarely used. The assessments may differ for the Work Based Learning versions of modules from those of the non-Work Based Learning versions of the modules. This is in order to ensure that the assessment adequately reflects the learning, which has taken place.

What else do I need to know?

Stoke on Trent College has some of the most comprehensive and up-to-date facilities in the country. Learning takes place in a friendly and relaxed environment and your teaching team are here to help you get the most from your course. If you want to study on your own you can use one of the Learning Resource Centres or one of the special study workshops in English, Mathematics and Information Technology. All our classrooms are large, spacious and well equipped, and our staff have an excellent subject knowledge of the industry gained through many years of experience.

What could I do next?

Upon successful completion of the Foundation degree there are various Honours degree courses in Computing that you can progress on to at Staffordshire University.
The course is vendor certified as it includes parts 1 to 4 of the Cisco CCNA training curriculum for computer networks.
This award is designed to give you the necessary skills and experience to progress within your employment (Technician role, Programmer, Web developer, Systems Analyst) and /or to progress to further study within your chosen area. You will be eligible to apply for entry to the HND2Degree Scheme which permits work based top up from HND and Foundation Degrees to an Honours award in Computing. You may also be able to apply for entry to the full time Computing Top-up Scheme, or a Bridging Scheme to top up to Honours through on campus study. The degree title onto which you may be able to progress will depend on the specific mix of modules that you have studied.