Computing Technologies

About the course

The Foundation degree in Computing technologies (Media Systems) will give you an excellent grounding in computing while allowing you to specialise in aspects relating specifically to media systems.

In year one you will develop your knowledge of programming, computer systems architecture, databases and data analysis, networks, wireless and systems analysis.

In your second year you will continue to study a mixture of modules focusing on aspects of computing as well as modules specialising in media systems.

Once you have completed your foundation degree you may be eligible to progress on to a BA (Hons) top-up year at the University of Hertfordshire, subject to obtaining appropriate grades in your foundation studies.

Why choose this course?

• An excellent grounding in computing technologies relating to media systems
• An opportunity to develop knowledge in a vocational and work based environment
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification in two years of full-time study
• Progression routes to appropriate degree programmes at the University of Hertfordshire

Study routes

• Part Time,
• Part Time, 2 Years
• Full Time, 2 Years
• Full Time,

Locations

• Hertford Regional College
• West Herts College
• North Hertfordshire College

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Computer Networks and Introduction to Wireless

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to describe and explain the benefits of computer networks to a business organisation and design a network according to a predefined set of requirements. Network types, topologies, protocols and models will be covered, including technologies and standards. Students will also be introduced to the practical elements of networking.

• Computer Networks and Introduction to Wireless

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to describe and explain the benefits of computer networks to a business organisation and design a network according to a predefined set of requirements. Network types, topologies, protocols and models will be covered, including technologies and standards. Students will also be introduced to the practical elements of networking.

• Computer Networks and Introduction to Wireless

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to describe and explain the benefits of computer networks to a business organisation and design a network according to a predefined set of requirements. Network types, topologies, protocols and models will be covered, including technologies and standards. Students will also be introduced to the practical elements of networking.

• Computer Systems Architecture

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to understand the architecture of computer systems and to specify a computer system according to client requirements. Complete computer system specifications will be documented to include hardware components and operating systems chosen for and on behalf of clients, following a set of requirements. Students will also be introduced to low-level machine language and data representation.

• Computer Systems Architecture

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to understand the architecture of computer systems and to specify a computer system according to client requirements. Complete computer system specifications will be documented to include hardware components and operating systems chosen for and on behalf of clients, following a set of requirements. Students will also be introduced to low-level machine language and data representation.

• Computer Systems Architecture

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to understand the architecture of computer systems and to specify a computer system according to client requirements. Complete computer system specifications will be documented to include hardware components and operating systems chosen for and on behalf of clients, following a set of requirements. Students will also be introduced to low-level machine language and data representation.

• Developing Professional and Employability Skills

  This module is designed to prepare students for the course and for the workplace they will eventually enter. It will identify their skills, and assist in the development of strategies for building on areas of strength and for identifying and addressing areas for improvement. There will be appropriate emphasis on standard academic practices including note-taking, writing, presentation skills, critical thinking, formulation of an argument, finding and using sources of information, referencing and avoiding plagiarism. The transferability of these skills to the workplace will be discussed, as will the expectations of employers with regards to these skills. To aid career planning, the module will introduce processes and models by which career decisions are made and influenced. Topics will be introduced such as career identification, planning for progression, looking at job hunting techniques and self promotion including Personal Development Planning (PDP).

• Developing Professional and Employability Skills

  This module is designed to prepare students for the course and for the workplace they will eventually enter. It will identify their skills, and assist in the development of strategies for building on areas of strength and for identifying and addressing areas for improvement. There will be appropriate emphasis on standard academic practices including note-taking, writing, presentation skills, critical thinking, formulation of an argument, finding and using sources of information, referencing and avoiding plagiarism. The transferability of these skills to the workplace will be discussed, as will the expectations of employers with regards to these skills. To aid career planning, the module will introduce processes and models by which career decisions are made and influenced. Topics will be introduced such as career identification, planning for progression, looking at job hunting techniques and self promotion including Personal Development Planning (PDP).

• Developing Professional and Employability Skills

  This module is designed to prepare students for the course and for the workplace they will eventually enter. It will identify their skills, and assist in the development of strategies for building on areas of strength and for identifying and addressing areas for improvement. There will be appropriate emphasis on standard academic practices including note-taking, writing, presentation skills, critical thinking, formulation of an argument, finding and using sources of information, referencing and avoiding plagiarism. The transferability of these skills to the workplace will be discussed, as will the expectations of employers with regards to these skills. To aid career planning, the module will introduce processes and models by which career decisions are made and influenced. Topics will be introduced such as career identification, planning for progression, looking at job hunting techniques and self promotion including Personal Development Planning (PDP).

• Further Programming (HRC)

  This module equips the student with the ability to explain and apply the more advanced fundamental concepts of procedural language programming, typically Pascal or C. It expands the foundation provided by IPP for further study of more advanced programming in any language including Graphical User Interface programming and Object Oriented Programming.

• Further Programming (NHC)

  This module equips the student with the ability to explain and apply the more advanced fundamental concepts of procedural language programming, typically Pascal or C. It expands the foundation provided by IPP for further study of more advanced programming in any language including Graphical User Interface programming and Object Oriented Programming.

• Further Programming (WHC)

  This module equips the student with the ability to explain and apply the more advanced fundamental concepts of procedural language programming, typically Pascal or C. It expands the foundation provided by IPP for further study of more advanced programming in any language including Graphical User Interface programming and Object Oriented Programming.

• Systems Analysis

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate a business related problem and identify system requirements. A complete systems specification will be documented to include relational data analysis, input, output and process specification. Students will also be introduced to styles of solution including transaction processing, management information, decision support, expert systems.

• Systems Analysis

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate a business related problem and identify system requirements. A complete systems specification will be documented to include relational data analysis, input, output and process specification. Students will also be introduced to styles of solution including transaction processing, management information, decision support, expert systems.

• Systems Analysis

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate a business related problem and identify system requirements. A complete systems specification will be documented to include relational data analysis, input, output and process specification. Students will also be introduced to styles of solution including transaction processing, management information, decision support, expert systems.

• Understanding Databases and Data Analysis

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate the data requirements of a business problem and establish through the use of data modelling tools the structure of the database. A complete database design and development process will be undertaken and documented to include entity relationship diagrams, data dictionary, designs of forms and reports, testing and evidence of SQL code being used to create the tables.

• Understanding Databases and Data Analysis

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate the data requirements of a business problem and establish through the use of data modelling tools the structure of the database. A complete database design and development process will be undertaken and documented to include entity relationship diagrams, data dictionary, designs of forms and reports, testing and evidence of SQL code being used to create the tables.

• Understanding Databases and Data Analysis

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate the data requirements of a business problem and establish through the use of data modelling tools the structure of the database. A complete database design and development process will be undertaken and documented to include entity relationship diagrams, data dictionary, designs of forms and reports, testing and evidence of SQL code being used to create the tables.

• Understanding Programming (HRC)

  This module equips the student with the ability to explain and apply the fundamental concepts of procedural language programming, typically in Pascal or C. It is the foundation for further study of more advanced programming in any language including Graphical User Interface programming and Object Oriented Programming.

• Understanding Programming (NHC)

  This module equips the student with the ability to explain and apply the fundamental concepts of procedural language programming, typically in Pascal or C. It is the foundation for further study of more advanced programming in any language including Graphical User Interface programming and Object Oriented Programming.

• Understanding Programming (WHC)

  This module equips the student with the ability to explain and apply the fundamental concepts of procedural language programming, typically in Pascal or C. It is the foundation for further study of more advanced programming in any language including Graphical User Interface programming and Object Oriented Programming.

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Advanced Programming and Paradigms (HRC)

  Students will be required to use an object oriented programming language system such as Sun MicroSystem JDK, C++. Topics will typically include: objects and classes; attributes/properties of objects; behaviour/methods of Objects; information hiding, separation of public and private; simple inheritance; visual components as objects.

• Advanced Programming and Paradigms (NHC)

  Students will be required to use an object oriented programming language system such as Sun MicroSystem JDK, C++. Topics will typically include: objects and classes; attributes/properties of objects; behaviour/methods of Objects; information hiding, separation of public and private; simple inheritance; visual components as objects.

• Advanced Programming and Paradigms (WHC)

  Students will be required to use an object oriented programming language system such as Sun MicroSystem JDK, C++. Topics will typically include: objects and classes; attributes/properties of objects; behaviour/methods of Objects; information hiding, separation of public and private; simple inheritance; visual components as objects.

• Computing in Business

  This module will explain the range of activities which constitute e-business and provide a detailed insight into why organisations need to adopt e-business practises as an alternative or sole channel for their operations. Students will be able to reflect on the impact of e-business in organizations and on society. Areas covered will include: links with the BIS systems and databases in an organisation; investigation of the information needs within an organisation and how this information can impact on business performance; CRM, SCM and sales as a means of extending marketing; markets and the overall success or failure of a business; and web design criteria.

• Computing in Business

  This module will explain the range of activities which constitute e-business and provide a detailed insight into why organisations need to adopt e-business practises as an alternative or sole channel for their operations. Students will be able to reflect on the impact of e-business in organizations and on society. Areas covered will include: links with the BIS systems and databases in an organisation; investigation of the information needs within an organisation and how this information can impact on business performance; CRM, SCM and sales as a means of extending marketing; markets and the overall success or failure of a business; and web design criteria.

• Computing in Business

  This module will explain the range of activities which constitute e-business and provide a detailed insight into why organisations need to adopt e-business practises as an alternative or sole channel for their operations. Students will be able to reflect on the impact of e-business in organizations and on society. Areas covered will include: links with the BIS systems and databases in an organisation; investigation of the information needs within an organisation and how this information can impact on business performance; CRM, SCM and sales as a means of extending marketing; markets and the overall success or failure of a business; and web design criteria.

• Entertainment Systems 1 (HRC)

  Students will investigate text, graphics, audio, animation and video. Issues that arise when multimedia are combined will be discussed and the interaction provided by scripting and multimedia distributed over networks, predominately the web. Consideration will be made of the contexts in which entertainment, multimedia and digital systems are specified, developed, implemented, and used. How traditional roles are changing and who is leading the technology will be considered.

• Entertainment Systems 1 (NHC)

  Students will investigate text, graphics, audio, animation and video. Issues that arise when multimedia are combined will be discussed and the interaction provided by scripting and multimedia distributed over networks, predominately the web. Consideration will be made of the contexts in which entertainment, multimedia and digital systems are specified, developed, implemented, and used. How traditional roles are changing and who is leading the technology will be considered.

• Entertainment Systems 1 (WHC)

  Students will investigate text, graphics, audio, animation and video. Issues that arise when multimedia are combined will be discussed and the interaction provided by scripting and multimedia distributed over networks, predominately the web. Consideration will be made of the contexts in which entertainment, multimedia and digital systems are specified, developed, implemented, and used. How traditional roles are changing and who is leading the technology will be considered.

• Entertainment Systems 2 (HRC)

  Students will utilise individual media artefacts to design and implement a viable cohesive multimedia package incorporating aural and visual components typically found in a contemporary stand-alone multimedia application. The module will cover the requisite technical and creative skills required to produce a modern artefact. All aspects of the design and implementation of such an application will be delivered throughout the course of the module.

• Entertainment Systems 2 (NHC)

  Students will utilise individual media artefacts to design and implement a viable cohesive multimedia package incorporating aural and visual components typically found in a contemporary stand-alone multimedia application. The module will cover the requisite technical and creative skills required to produce a modern artefact. All aspects of the design and implementation of such an application will be delivered throughout the course of the module.

• Entertainment Systems 2 (WHC)

  Students will utilise individual media artefacts to design and implement a viable cohesive multimedia package incorporating aural and visual components typically found in a contemporary stand-alone multimedia application. The module will cover the requisite technical and creative skills required to produce a modern artefact. All aspects of the design and implementation of such an application will be delivered throughout the course of the module.

• Web Applications and Mobile Technologies

  This module involves the design and creation of interactive web pages using server-side and client- side scripting. It also involves the creation of a server-side database which can be actively manipulated on the client side. Various web tools are required for both client- and server-side implementation. These include HTML, JavaScript, SQL and one web-scripting language such as ASP, ASP.NET, PHP and Flash. Additionally skills learned in L4 modules will be used to design and implement an active database component which will be processed by the client. The production of such pages also requires a fundamental understanding of web design and the operation of web servers.

• Web Applications and Mobile Technologies

  This module involves the design and creation of interactive web pages using server-side and client- side scripting. It also involves the creation of a server-side database which can be actively manipulated on the client side. Various web tools are required for both client- and server-side implementation. These include HTML, JavaScript, SQL and one web-scripting language such as ASP, ASP.NET, PHP and Flash. Additionally skills learned in L4 modules will be used to design and implement an active database component which will be processed by the client. The production of such pages also requires a fundamental understanding of web design and the operation of web servers.

• Web Applications and Mobile Technologies

  This module involves the design and creation of interactive web pages using server-side and client- side scripting. It also involves the creation of a server-side database which can be actively manipulated on the client side. Various web tools are required for both client- and server-side implementation. These include HTML, JavaScript, SQL and one web-scripting language such as ASP, ASP.NET, PHP and Flash. Additionally skills learned in L4 modules will be used to design and implement an active database component which will be processed by the client. The production of such pages also requires a fundamental understanding of web design and the operation of web servers.

• Web based Systems and Human Computer Interaction (HRC)

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to design and develop simple web based systems using Rich Internet Application technologies combined with experience examining issues associated with HCI and its impact on interface and interactive design. Students will be introduced to fundamental principles for effective design and given the opportunity to investigate in further detail the principles behind successful graphical user interfaces.

• Web based Systems and Human Computer Interaction (NHC)

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to design and develop simple web based systems using Rich Internet Application technologies combined with experience examining issues associated with HCI and its impact on interface and interactive design. Students will be introduced to fundamental principles for effective design and given the opportunity to investigate in further detail the principles behind successful graphical user interfaces.

• Web based Systems and Human Computer Interaction (WHC)

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to design and develop simple web based systems using Rich Internet Application technologies combined with experience examining issues associated with HCI and its impact on interface and interactive design. Students will be introduced to fundamental principles for effective design and given the opportunity to investigate in further detail the principles behind successful graphical user interfaces.

• Work Based Learning Project (Media Systems) (HRC)

  The Work Based Learning Project will give students an opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt on the course, with a local employer in a work based situation. Students will be encouraged to develop the necessary employer links for their project with the help of the college . Part-time students may choose to dovetail the project into their work. The amount of time spent in the workplace will be negotiated between the student, the employer and the college. For part-time students, the project will usually be hosted by their employers. Local employers will usually be SME (small to medium sized enterprises) and may include charitable and voluntary organisations. It may also be possible to carry out a project within the colleges or university (as an employer).

• Work Based Learning Project (Media Systems) (NHC)

  The Work Based Learning Project will give students an opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt on the course, with a local employer in a work based situation. Students will be encouraged to develop the necessary employer links for their project with the help of the college. Part-time students may choose to dovetail the project into their work. The amount of time spent in the workplace will be negotiated between the student, the employer and the college. For part-time students, the project will usually be hosted by their employers. Local employers will usually be SME (small to medium sized enterprises) and may include charitable and voluntary organisations. It may also be possible to carry out a project within the colleges or university (as an employer).

• Work Based Learning Project (Media Systems) (WHC)

  The Work Based Learning Project will give students an opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt on the course, with a local employer in a work based situation. Students will be encouraged to develop the necessary employer links for their project with the help of the college. Part-time students may choose to dovetail the project into their work. The amount of time spent in the workplace will be negotiated between the student, the employer and the college. For part-time students, the project will usually be hosted by their employers. Local employers will usually be SME (small to medium sized enterprises) and may include charitable and voluntary organisations. It may also be possible to carry out a project within the colleges or university (as an employer).

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £5,000 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply