FdSc Computing with Networking

Information technology and web-based solutions are a large part of all businesses. This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop and support web-based and commercial systems to an advanced level in website development, internet systems operations and technical website database support and the management and development of e-business operations.

Aims

This programme aims to allow you to develop strong networking skills throughout the duration of the two year programme, using state of the art CISCO equipment. This will be combined with the development of programming skills and systems analysis and design techniques. You will use industry standard database software at Level 5, to develop your database skills. This is essential for storing, handling and manipulating data.

Modules

• Personal Professional Development 1 you will develop your skills to become successful in higher education and effective at work.
• Work Related Learning 1 become confident in your understanding of current legal standards, regulations and ethical standards relevant to the computing and IT sector.
• Business Information Systems investigate the different business types and the range of systems employed to manage the functions at strategic, tactical and operational levels and explore how organisational structure can influence business operations within a variety of environments.
• UX Design & Development introduces the (UX) User Experience design process.
• Digital Marketing develop a digital marketing strategy for a given business case.
• Database Design & Development you will design, build and use a relational database for storing data and retrieving information.
• Innovation, Idea Generation & Enterprise develop your innovation, idea generation and enterprise skills and knowledge to enable you to become an innovative thinker and achiever.
• Work Related Learning 2 investigate risk assessment methodologies, looking at vulnerabilities in organisation’s security management systems.
• Advanced Web Development implement both client-side and server-side technologies to produce more technically advanced web-based solutions.
• Advanced Database Concepts introduces security strategies and advanced coding.
• Mobile Application Development develop your skills and knowledge of programming and the complete process of developing software, from the initial gathering of requirements, through the design and development of the application, documentation, testing and creation of the finished product.
• Software Development Methods introduces a range of SDLC methods.

Teaching & assessment

• Lectures for the introduction of relevant theories/knowledge of the individual topic areas within a subject.
• Workshops/seminars for developing an understanding of the theories from the lectures through the use of case studies, role-plays and exercises. Please note that each of the Cisco (CCNA) modules have online exams.
• Academic tutorials to develop study/academic skills, for example, research/information gathering. The development of these study/academic skills will assist in your learning throughout the programme.
• Course assessment is comprised of 10% exams and 90% coursework.

Interview Instructions

• You will be interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via internet (e.g. Skype) – please bring all relevant qualifications and a printed copy of your personal statement.
• This is an opportunity for the curriculum team to learn about your motivation for the course and career aspirations - an opportunity for applicants to ask questions will be provided.
• A tour of the facilities will be available.

Entry Criteria

• UCAS tariff points: 48
• Ideally, you will hold four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and English (or Level 2 equivalent). If you do not hold these qualifications, you will be required to commit to study GCSE maths and English alongside the programme.
• International applicants require a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band.
• You will be interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via Skype).
• You will hold 48 UCAS points or a combination of qualifications that show you can be successful on this programme.
• You must provide a personal statement.
• Your standard of academic writing will be assessed at induction.

Non-standard entry criteria:

• Evidence of relevant experience which demonstrates you can be successful on this programme.
• A personal statement.
• You will be required to attend an interview with two members of the curriculum team.
• You will participate in induction activities to assess your standard of academic writing in English.
• You will complete basic and key skills builder (BKSB) assessments to establish your level of maths, English and ICT skills (applicable where no formal qualifications in computing and/or IT related subjects and/or work experience in a computing or IT related job role can be evidenced).
• If you do not hold the required qualifications in maths and English, you must commit to studying GCSE maths and English alongside the programme (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).

Part-time entry criteria

In addition to a student being required to satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements of the course, part-time students must be employed in a relevant computing related post which provides them with the opportunity to develop and complete the requirements of the following:

• Personal Professional Development 1
• Innovation, Idea Generation and Enterprise
• Work Related Learning; modules 1 and 2.