Course summary

From analysis and design, through to database theory, networking, object-orientated programming, mobile computing and web-development, this specialism offers a strong understanding of current computing applications, design and development. You'll learn about all crucial aspects of computer system and software development including analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance. You'll study a full-range of system development skills, including maintenance and quality assurance. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme. Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? Learn the latest industry knowledge alongside working with industry professionals to gain invaluable practical experience whilst building your network base. Studying our programme allows you to learn fundamental vocational skills such as analysis and design, programming and testing, networking and security, software engineering and databases. We are a student focused and employer-led university which means that you are at the forefront of all that we do. We provide you with a thorough understanding in computing and systems, web development and programming and our modules are designed to reflect the latest issues in the constantly changing area of computing to ensure you graduate ready for employment or further postgraduate study. Not only will you be learning vital information, you will be learning from innovative, forward-thinking and highly motivated expert lecturers. Our lecturers have close industrial links and all work together to ensure that you have the best possible enriched and stimulating learning environment. What will I study? In the Foundation Year of this four-year course, you’ll build essential academic study skills. This year will help you gain confidence in your abilities. You’ll also identify your strengths and areas for development. Together, these will prepare you for progression to the undergraduate degree. From analysis and design, through to database theory, networking, object-orientated programming, mobile computing and web-development, this pathway offers a strong understanding of current computing applications, design and development. You'll learn about all crucial aspects of computer system and software development including analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance. You'll study a full-range of system development skills, including maintenance and quality assurance. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to extend your knowledge in programming and database management. This hands-on course will see you master the art of Java, C# and C++. You’ll cover the full systems implementation cycle, using industry standard tools and techniques including CASE. You’ll learn alternative architectures for emerging cloud-based technologies. You will also study modules on developing and deploying secure and mobile-ready web applications with backend databases. This will help prepare you for both generic ‘computing’ job markets and more specialised areas that require mobile web-based services. In year one you will work on developing a range of knowledge and skills to provide you with a solid foundation of the fundamentals of computing. You will look at a range of topics from computer architectures to networking (Cisco), application programming to web development, and user experience to digital technologies. You will also develop technical competency in user-interface and location-sensitive frameworks, industry-standards for secure and robust software engineering, database development, network operation, mobile systems, and information and network security.