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FdSc Computing Technologies (Software Development) (West Herts College)
Key information
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Typical offer:
Entry requirements -
Fees: See below
Full details -
UCAS code: I310
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Institute code: H36
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Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Standard entry requirements
UCAS points A Level BTEC 48 DD PPP Additional requirements
GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS points A Level BTEC IB 48 DD PPP 48 Additional requirements
GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
- Develop a broad knowledge of computing relevant to the needs of a wide range of organisations
- Benefit from a varied programme of work based learning and vocational study
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification in two years of full-time study
- progression routes to appropriate degree programmes at the University of Hertfordshire
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- BSc (Hons) Information Technology
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networks)
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- BSc (Hons) Information Technology
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)
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Level 4
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Developing the Computing Professional - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory This module is designed to prepare students for the programme and future employment Emphasis will be on academic practices and analysis of existing skills, enabling professional development planning. Commercial awareness will be introduced for students to gain knowledge of employers' business environment and how graduates can add value to business. Programming concepts- WHC 15 Credits Compulsory Students will explore programming and its role in problem solving. The core of the unit will focus on understanding programming constructs to solve problems. Students will learn the role of specifications, to work to a specification, and the role of testing, to verify the correctness of a solution. Topics in Computer Systems - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory 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. Designing for User Experience - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory Students will gain the underpinning knowledge and skills required to design user centric applications combined with the experience of examining issues associates with UX and its impact on interface. Students will be introduced to fundamental principles for effective design and develop simple responsive usable interface using front end technologies and frameworks. Applied Programming - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory Students will expand on topics learned from the module Programming Concepts by considering how to solve more complex problems. To do this, they will investigate more advanced concepts such as modular and functional programming. Students will also begin to investigate the role of decomposition in building reusable components for programs. Networking Fundamentals - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory Students will gain knowledge and skills to be able describe and explain the benefits of computer networks to an organisation. They will identify network types, topologies, protocols and the major security threats and impacts of these on an organisation. Project Management - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory This module introduces students to project management principles, methodologies, and techniques that may be used in planning and managing a successful computing project to fulfil client needs. Students will develop project planning documents using techniques such as work breakdown structure, precedence tables, and activity network diagrams. Risk analysis and management will also be considered as these are key considerations of project management. Applied Networking 15 Credits Compulsory Students will gain knowledge and skills to be able to explain the benefits of computer networks to an organisation. They will be able to apply network protocols and IP addressing and identify network requirements, topologies, and the major security threats and impacts of these on an organisation. -
Level 5
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Software Development 1 - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory This module teaches students about industry-standard software development tools and techniques, including the Unified Modeling Language (UML) for creating system models at different stages of a project. It also covers patterns, frameworks, and alternative development models. WBL Project - Software Development - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory The Work Based Learning Project will give students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learnt on the course, with a live organisation, to propose an IT/Computing solution. Students will develop research, problems-solving, and professional skills. Students will be encouraged to build employer links and develop valuable commercial awareness. Data Analysis and Database Design - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory To investigate the data requirements of a business problem, using data modelling techniques. A complete database design and implementation of a database solution, using database management systems along with perform basic database administration tasks and some complex query solutions using SQL for analysis on relational databases. Computing in Organisations - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory This module is designed to provide a vital link between computing technologies and their practical use in businesses. Students will gain an understanding about needs and considerations of businesses, development of computing technologies and the wider environment. Software Development 2 - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory This module will give students an opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained on the software development pathway. Students will be expected to manage their project. The design and quality of their project should demonstrate practical implementation of the principles and characteristics of good software design. Object Oriented Programming - WHC 15 Credits Compulsory Students will further develop their programming skills by investigating the Object Orientated Paradigm. They will investigate how classes and objects are used to create programs and how the paradigm can aid in software design. Students will use this to create programs to solve problems or to meet the requirements of a specification. Web Technologies 15 Credits Compulsory This module focuses on the fundamentals of web technology and IoT, covering data formats, web and IoT architecture components, and web security for API data. Students will also explore the importance of using scripting languages for creating programmable web application and utilising simulated environment for creating smart network using IoT.
Why choose this course?
What's the course about?
The foundation degree in Computing Technologies (Software Development) will give you an excellent grounding in computing while allowing you to specialise in aspects relating specifically to software development.
In your first year, 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 software development.
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.
Progression to the University’s Degree Programmes:
There is a formal articulation arrangement in place for this programme, such that students are given progression to the second (level 5) or final year (level 6) of an appropriate BSc Honours programme, normally the BSc in IT or BSc in Computer Science, depending on the overall marks obtained following the second year of study. A 50% overall mark will allow a progression onto the third year of the BSc Honours programme.
Students expressing the preference early in level 5 of the foundation degree are also able to enter the sandwich placement year or year abroad, of the BSc Honours programme. This is subject to successfully obtaining an approved placement of the appropriate duration.
Students who enter level 5 of the BSc programme are able to progress onto any of the awards as described below:
All of the above listed awards are available as a sandwich award or a year abroad award.
Students who enter level 6 of the BSc programme are able to progress onto the awards listed below:
Students entering at level 6 also have the option of joining the sandwich placement year or year abroad elements of the BSc Computer Science (and all the awards listed above, subject to successfully obtaining an approved placement or year abroad of the appropriate duration.
In addition, all students can progress onto the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (delivered online).
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What's next for my career?
When you have completed your foundation degree you may want to progress your studies and take a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. Alternatively, you will be prepared for a career developing, engineering and producing software. This could be within a software specialist or within any organisation that develops and maintains in-house software.
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Further information - includes assessment method
Course fact sheets FdSc Computing Technologies (Software Development) Download Programme specifications FdSc Computing Technologies (Software Development) Download Additional information Sandwich placement or study abroad year
n/a
Applications open to international and EU students
No Course length
- Full Time, 2 Years
Location
- West Herts College
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How to apply?
2024
Start Date End Date Year Location Link 23/09/2024 31/05/2025 1 West Herts College Apply online (Full Time) 2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link 23/09/2025 31/05/2026 1 West Herts College Apply online (Full Time) 22/09/2025 31/05/2026 2 West Herts College Apply online (Full Time) -
Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £6165 for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
View detailed information about tuition fees
Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
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.