Course summary
Foundation Degree in Computing, awarded by the Open University and regulated by the Office for Students. This Foundation Degree (FD) Computing covers theoretical concepts and vocational skills that are required in the IT industry and has been developed to equip learners with the specialist knowledge and skills to make them competitive and employable in the job market. The core aims of the program are focused on the development of foundational computing expertise in order to provide students with a deep understanding of fundamental computing principles. Yeovil College University Centre's Computing department boasts a range of modernised IT infrastructure, including updated classroom equipment, high-spec gaming room and a modernised IT lab / workshop that is equipped with servers, storage area network, and virtualised environment for students’ lab activities. This course is available on both a full-time and a part-time basis and is taught in-person at our Yeovil College campus. The full-time course is studied over 2 academic years, and students are typically timetabled for two days per week. The part-time course is studied over 4 academic years, and students are typically timetabled for one day per week. This course would prepare students well to progress into 'top-up' study at Level 6, such as the BSc (Hons) Computing degree offered at Yeovil College University Centre. Upon successful completion, students may also wish to seek employment within the IT / Computing sector, in a technical role in an area such as software development, network management, or database management.
Modules
You will study a range of units that will develop your specialist knowledge and skills, totalling 120 Credits (or 'CATS') at Level 4, and 120 at Level 5. Modules currently offered include: Level 4
- Project Management (30 CATS)
- Software Development (15 CATS)
- Networking Fundamentals (30 CATS)
- Relational Database Development (15 CATS)
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (15 CATS)
- Computer Architecture (15 CATS)
- Research Project (30 CATS)
- Machine Learning and Ethics (30 CATS)
- Systems Analysis (30 CATS)
- Software Architecture (15 CATS)
- Digital Technologies (15 CATS)
Assessment method
An assessment schedule, outlining all assessments and deadlines, will be issued to you at the start of each academic year. The programme uses different types of formative assessments to test and prepare learners for the summative (graded) assessments. You will be assessed using a range of methods including essays, presentations, assignments, time-controlled assessments, and practical demonstrations. Feedback will be provided to you in writing, along with information reflecting your performance and recommendations for improvement.
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
14Jan
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
- Course code:
- FDCO
- Institution code:
- Y25
- Campus name:
- Yeovil College University Centre
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 48 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Applicants who already hold a relevant Level 4 qualification (such as a HNC or CertHE in a relevant Computing discipline) can be considered for direct entry at the start of Level 5 of the programme. Mature Applicants: We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over as of 1st September in the academic year of admission) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants. Mature students requesting contextual admission are required to provide details of their relevant prior work or study experience, and to also undertake a pre-entry admissions assessment to ensure there is suitable grounds to suggest they are academically ready to begin the programme and there is a reasonable expectation that they will succeed in their studies. Please email [email protected] to find out more. Interviews: As part of the admissions process, applicants who meet the entry criteria for the course will be invited to attend an admissions interview with a member of staff from the course they are applying to.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.yeovil.ac.uk/course/338249/foundation-degree-in-computing/
English language requirements
International applicants will be required to evidence English language skills - this could be an IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component, a grade 4 in GCSE English (or equivalent), or having recently completed a Level 3 qualification taught and assessed in the English language. For more information, please get in touch via [email protected] or call 01935 845454.
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
| England | £7560* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7560* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7560* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7560* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Please be aware that the fee amounts listed here are subject to an approval decision by the OfS about our Access and Participation Plan. For full information about tuition fees please see the 'YCUC Fees' and 'YCUC HE Fees Policy', both available in the 'Policies and Reports' area of our website. Please also be aware that fees are payable each year of the programme.
Additional Costs: Throughout the course there are opportunities to undertake trips and visits to industry exposition events and trade shows. Whilst these are not mandatory, they will enrich the learning experience. Students would be expected to fund their own travel to and from such events.
In addition, it is of significant benefit if students have access to a device (ideally a laptop) of a high enough specification to run virtual machines, network simulators, and IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). This will allow students to install and configure software directly and will support in their undertaking of assignment work. Students are welcome to discuss device specifications in more detail at interview, or can contact the University Centre office who will put them in touch with the curriculum team.
Provider information
Yeovil College University Centre
Mudford Road
Yeovil
BA21 4DR