Course summary
The Foundation Degree in Cloud Computing Technologies is validated by The Open University. Why study this course? As the cloud continues to ascend, reshaping the technological landscape, the demand for cloud computing experts is skyrocketing. From infrastructure as a service to software as a service, the cloud offers a world of possibilities, empowering businesses and individuals alike. This course will serve as your cloud compass, guiding you through the vast expanse of cloud technologies and architectures. Explore the intricacies of virtualization, scalability, and security, and become a master of the cloud. Cloud computing is a global phenomenon, connecting people and organizations across the digital sphere. About the course The Foundation Degree (FD) in Cloud Computing Technologies is aimed at meeting the local demand of Cloud experts in Northern Ireland. It will cover a range of computing specialisms allowing successful students to follow different career paths. The Foundation Degree consists of 60 credits (normally 3 modules) per semester in Year 1 and Year 2. 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 programme is based on a hybrid learning model with a focus on face-to-face delivery. How will it make me more employable? SERC is committed to delivering learning that is rooted in the real world and to develop work-ready graduates with the professional skills and behaviours that employers need. The course will help learners develop a wide range of skills including, but not limited to: Technical Skills • Programming (Language reviewed yearly to meet the needs of industry). • Data analysis • Database administration • Application Design • Design Tools and Techniques • Development Tools Critical Thinking • Critical Thinking • Emotional Intelligence • Entrepreneurship • Leadership • Reflective Practice • Decision Making • Team Working Where will it take me? Students that successfully complete the Foundation Degree traditionally progress to one of the following areas: Related Degree Programmes- Students that wish to further their studies may undertake a related Level 6 qualification, either at a university or at SERC. SERC offer a 1 year degree top-up for this programme. Employment- This Foundation Degree programme has been designed to equip students with the knowledge required to thrive in the changing world of work. Roles may include, but are not limited to: • Software Engineer: Create applications and systems using programming knowledge/code. • Cloud Architect: Design and implement cloud-based solutions, ensuring scalability, performance, and security. • DevOps Engineer: Bridges the gap between development and operations teams, automating processes and improving collaboration.
Modules
Year 1 Modules (Level 4): Computational Mathematics: Learn mathematical principles to support the development of software. Computer Systems: Develop skills to build, maintain and troubleshoot hardware and software. Programming Fundamentals: Learn how to design and implement algorithms using industry relevant IDE’s and languages. Cloud Fundamentals: Develop an understanding of cloud services and technologies. Web Technologies and Applications: Be able to develop and test a web application. Data, Information and SQL: Learn how create and manage databases using SQL. Year 2 Modules (Level 5): Software Testing: Plan, demonstrate and evaluate testing on a variety of software systems. Data Analytics and Visualisation: Develop an understanding of how to collect, analyse, and interpret data to uncover insights and trends. Cloud Development: Design and develop software applications for the cloud. Innovative Delivery of Mobile Applications: Learn to design and develop mobile applications. Work-based Learning: This work placement enables students to apply their learning within the workplace. Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Assessment method
Assessment is scheduled throughout the course using a combination of assignments and practical work/observations. Each module is graded individually with an overall single final grade (Pass, Merit, or Distinction) awarded at the end of the course. Students are assessed using a range of methods. These may include: Class tests: Work will be completed exam conditions, typically during your timetabled session. Coursework: You will be asked to complete research and/or report on your development activities in a formal report. Presentations: Students will present their findings to peers with some external entities involved where appropriate. Practical: You may be asked to demonstrate your skills by completing assigned tasks/activities. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written or online feedback will be provided during the course to help improve and monitor performance.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We offer a diverse range of world class courses and study options, and we’re delighted to offer our international students a warm welcome to study at SERC. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/international/students
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - CC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. 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.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Other
All applicants must hold 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 passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above) and 2 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Minimum of 5.5 in all skills |
| PTE Academic | 51 | Minimum of 46 in each part |
All applicants must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test For further information please contact our International Department at [email protected]
Click here to find out more about becoming an international student at SERC.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| England | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2940 | Year 1 |
| International | £7500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
There are a number of sources of financial support available to students. These vary depending upon your course of study. Apply as soon as possible as closing dates vary between funds. The main types of student finance are tuition fee and maintenance loans, which have to be paid back, and grants and bursaries, which do not have to be paid back. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/support/student-finance/full-time
Provider information
South Eastern Regional College
Castle Park Road
Bangor
County Down
BT20 4TD