Foundation Degree in Computing

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.

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)

Level 5

• - Research Project (30 CATS)

• - Machine Learning and Ethics (30 CATS)

• - Systems Analysis (30 CATS)

• - Software Architecture (15 CATS) - Digital Technologies (15 CATS)

Please be aware that modules studied may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline or in response to student and stakeholder feedback. Students can always find the most up-to-date information about their modules and who is teaching them in the course handbook.

A typical week for a full-time student has around 9-12 hours of contact time in taught sessions, plus additional 1-1 support available by student request. As with all HE programmes, students are required to take ownership of their learning and development and should expect to spend time studying and completing assessment tasks with independence outside of lectures. As a rough guide, between timetabled sessions and independent work, a full-time student should expect to spend around 1,200 hours studying each academic year, and part-time students should expect to spend roughly half this amount.

Each module will include assessments that will need to be completed by set deadlines. More information on assessment methods is included in the ""How will I be assessed?"" section below.

Tuition Fees: Full information on tuition fees, including tuition fee lists, can be found on our Financial Support page. Please be aware that fee levels vary depending upon the year in which a student commences their studies. For more detailed information, see the YCUC HE Fees Policy, available in the Policies and Reports area of our website.

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.

Typical entry requirements are 48 UCAS tariff points in a related subject area from two A levels or equivalent, T Levels, BTEC Level 3 Diplomas, or a Access to HE Diploma. UCAS points from other qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers, or Advanced Highers are generally accepted.

Grade 4 (C) in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) is required.

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.

Full-time: To apply for this course on a full-time basis, you will need to apply via UCAS (Campus name: Yeovil College University Centre; Institution code: Y25; Course code FDCO . For more information on UCAS and how the application process works, see our How to apply page.

Part-time: To apply for this course on a part-time basis, you will need to submit an application form directly to the University Centre. You can find out more about this process and download a copy of the application form by visiting our How to apply page, or you can request a copy of the application form directly from the Yeovil College University Centre team via 01935 845454 or university.centre@yeovil.ac.uk.

If you have any questions, or want to know more about this course, please get in touch! You can contact us via email (university.centre@yeovil.ac.uk), phone (01935 845454), or you can fill out our Contact form.