Computing (Networked Systems) FdSc

Computing (Networked Systems) FdSc (Sept 10)

This course information relates to courses starting in September 2010.

Course code: B02251 (yr1) and B02252 (yr2) (UCAS:G422)

Course category: Higher Education

End Qualification: Foundation Degree (FdSc)

Duration: 2

Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm 3 days per week

Course duration: 2 years

Course aims:
Do you want to study a university course with a professional focus? Then a foundation degree at City College may be the right choice for you.
Every year, thousands of students study HE qualifications in FE Colleges, benefitting from supportive relationships with academic staff, hands-on experience, and access to top class facilities. All our HE courses are validated by the University of Brighton, so students benefit from the facilities of the College and the University.
If you want a career in the computing or IT industry in system and network management, then this is the course for you. The course combines practical experience with underlying theory to develop your professional knowledge.
A Foundation Degree is equivalent in level to the first two years of an honours degree.
Students who successfully complete a Foundation Degree can often apply for a one year honours top-up degree.

Course content:
The first year covers general computing and IT topics whilst in the second year network security, system and network management and advanced web programming are taught. The second year also provides the opportunity to undertake a major project.
The course modules include:

• Programming,
• Databases and Analysis,
• GUI Design and Digital Media,
• Network Security
• System and Network Management.

Facilities for students:

• Well-equipped practical workshops and computer suites.
• Use of both City Colleges and the Universitys Virtual Learning Environment.
• Registration with both the City College and University library.
• Free Microsoft software including operating systems, development environments and applications.
• A dedicated HE study room.

Tutors:
The course is staffed by a team of experienced tutors and industry professionals, including: Martyn Hulme who has been involved with computers for all of his professional life, Dave Stubbs who worked for several years at IBM, and Jennie Harding, a graduate of the University of Brighton.

Assessment: Most modules are assessed by assignments that are marked according to published criteria, by portfolios that illustrate practical tasks carried out and/or by phase tests.
Some modules require you to pass an open book examination

Entry Requirements:
Entry Requirements: 160 UCAS points plus a minimum of grade C GCSE In English and Maths or appropriate key skills qualifications. Students with a minimum of 3 years relevant industrial experience may be considered without formal qualifications, subject to interview.

Pre-entry preparation:
This course is only suitable for those with a zest for computing and IT. We expect you to attend regularly and do not tolerate casual or erratic participation.

Progression and links:
Graduates who achieve high grades may transfer to the final year of the University of Brightons Honours Degree in Software Engineering. Optionally a placement year may be undertaken.
The practical nature of this course provides opportunities to enter the Computing or IT industry in areas such as:

• Network Administration
• System Support
• Program development
• Web server support
• Mail server support
• Web application development

Work experience opportunities:
There are many small enterprises in the city that specialise in new media, web development and support and we encourage students to try and obtain work experience.
For those who decide to transfer to the University their placement unit offers help.