Computing (FdSc) Full Time

Subject : Foundation Degree | Course Code G400 | Print Version

Course Overview

TO APPLY FOR THIS FULL TIME FOUNDATION DEGREE COURSE, YOU NEED TO APPLY ELECTRONICALLY USING THE WEB-BASED ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM AT WWW.UCAS.COM

INSTITUTION NAME: NCAST
INSTITUTION CODE: N23
COURSE CODE: G400

This is a 2 year full time vocational programme leading to the Foundation Degree qualification. The course is validated by Leeds Metropolitan University and provides an opportunity for successful students to progress to an appropriate Honours Degree.

Start Date Duration Venue
September 2012 2 years Full Time Skelmersdale Campus, College Way, Skelmersdale

Who The Course is for

This course is designed for Higher Education applicants wishing to enter computing employment or progress to an Honours Degree programme. This is a two year full time course which will prepare you for the challenges and developments in the computing industry. There is a significant demand for people who can design, develop, implement and manage networked environments, develop websites and software applications, design and develop database applications, and create interactive multimedia based applications, therefore the course has been developed in consultation with key computing contacts throughout the region so you’ll get relevant, career-focussed training in a good range of computing development areas.

Course Content

Year 1
• Systems Analysis & Database Design.
• Fundamentals of Programming.
• Website Fundamentals.
• Networking and Computer Systems.
• Work-Based Learning 1.
• Personal and Professional Development 1.

Year 2
• Web Programming and Development.
• Object Oriented Programming.
• Training and Development.
• Web Authoring (optional).
• Further Networks and Server Administration (optional).
• Personal and Professional Development 2.
• Work-Based Learning 2.

Professional Placements
Year long live projects, as part of Work-Based Learning module in year 1 and year 2, include the production of an application such as a website, programme or database.

Entry Requirements

Typically 120 UCAS Tariff Points will be required.
20 UCAS Tariff Points from Functional Skills at level 2 will be accepted.
Wherever possible, we will make conditional offers expressed in terms of the UCAS Tariff Points. However, for some courses it may be necessary to include in the overall tariff score a number of points from certain subjects. For more information visit: www.ucas.com
GCSE grade C or above in English Language and mathematics is normally required for most programmes. We strongly recommend applicants without grade C consider GCSE re-sits or ask about a Bridging Course.

Your UCAS Tariff Points can be made up of one or more of the following:
• CGE A Level (A2).
• AVCE Single Award/AVCE Double Award.
• Edexcel BTEC Nationals, including Awards, Certificates and Diplomas.
• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers.
• Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers).
• Higher Education Foundation Course (HEFC).
• Access Courses approved by the national recognition scheme.
• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 qualifications.
• Welsh Baccalaureate.
• European or International Baccalaureate.
• New Diplomas (Advanced).

We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and above) and students with alternative qualifications. Students are considered on an individual basis, taking account of alternative qualifications and will be interviewed.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher.

West Lancashire College will also accept credits previously gained through the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

Learning & Assessment Methods

You will learn through a variety of different methods including:
Written practical assignments, Work-Based Project, Presentations, Vivas, Peer Work, Independent Study.

Assessment
In course Technical Reports, Presentations, Case Studies, Peer Assessment, Work Based Projects, Time-Constrained Assessments.

Qualifications Gained

A Foundation Degree, which is a vocational Higher Education qualification. (Validated by Leeds Metropolitan University)(Subject to Approval).

Progression Opportunities

If you complete the Foundation Degree in Computing to an appropriate standard and would like to continue with your studies, you will be offered the opportunity to complete your education to BSc (Hons) level at Newcastle College or alternatively at another institution.

Career Opportunities

We have excellent contacts with a range of companies many of whom have contributed to the development of the course. This means that not only can you be assured your course is valued by employers, but that you’ll also have the opportunity to develop your own links with companies. This will improve your employment prospects when you finish the course. On completions students will either look to pursue a career in Web programming, Systems Design or Network Management.

Course Costs

Course costs may be subject to change. These quoted course costs may not apply for Further Education students resident in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland but are applicable to students from England and the remainder of the EU.
You will normally have to pay for course items such as stationery, books and equipment. Some courses have placements or visits which may have costs attached.
You may also be able to apply for a student loan to cover the cost of your tutition fees and various grants may be available.
If you need information on any financial support that may be available to help you with fees or study costs on this course, please contact the Learner Zone who can also offer advice and assistance on accessing any financial support that may be available.

How to Apply

Please complete and return a College application form. Application forms can be obtained college Admissions – contact details below.

Further Information: If you have a query about this course or would like advice on your study options please contact college Admissions:

In Person:
Until 19 August 2011: West Lancashire College, Westbank Campus, Yewdale, Skelmersdale WN8 6JA.
From 22 August 2011: West Lancashire College, Skelmersdale Campus, College Way, Skelmersdale, WN8 6DX
                

By Phone: (01695) 52300

By Email: enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk

By Post: The Principal, West Lancashire College, FREEPOST, Skelmersdale WN8 6BR

Website: http://www.westlancs.ac.uk

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this leaflet is correct at the time of printing. We reserve the right however, to make alterations or amendments to the information contained in this leaflet. This course will run subject to sufficient numbers.