Furness Training South Cumbria's Largest Training Provider

This course is designed to provide the leading edge knowledge and skills required to
meet the demands of users in business and industry.  The course provides
experience with a range of hardware, software and the Internet.  Students will gain a
broad knowledge about the components computer systems, security, computer hardware,
web and multimedia applications design, and the development of information systems.

Validation
The University of Cumbria.

Length of course
Full-time Two years
Part-time Three years

UCAS Information
Institution Code Name: UOC
Institution Code: C99
Short form: FdSc/Comp
Course Code: G401
Campus Code: R

Entry requirements
80 UCAS points – typically National Diploma/Certificate or A-level or Level 3 qualification, preferably in a computer related subject. 

Plus normally a minimum of four GCSE passes at Grade C.

What subjects will I study?
The programme will be as follows:

Compulsory Year One Modules

• Essentials of Computer Programming will develop knowledge and understanding of the general principles and concepts of computer programming, and how these skills are deployed in an organisational setting.
• Employability Skills will develop essential and transferable skills for the workplace.
• Solutions Design introduces students to the nature of information systems in organisations, key operating principles and the concept of the systems design process.
• Computer Maintenance and Administration will develop an understanding of how computer hardware works, the role of the operating system and basic systems administration.
• Website Development covers the  protocols used in website connectivity and the design and development of a website.
• Optional Year One Modules (one to be chosen)
• Using IT Applications will develop skills in the use of a range of IT applications, and the critical skills for evaluating software tools for specific applications.
• Essentials of Networking will enable students to understand the principles of networking and to design local area networks.

Compulsory Year Two Modules

• Database Development covers database design and development in an organisational context.
• Work-based Project will require the completion of project work specified by and for an actual client, including planning, analysis, design , implementation, testing and evaluation.
• Agile Project Development will assist students to develop personal and inter-personal skills for planning, monitoring, controlling and evaluating a team-based project.
• Optional Year Two Modules (three to be chosen)
• Computer Security covers the concepts involved with computer security and privacy, and the associated legal and commercial problems
• Network Routing introducing the concepts and practice of network routing and routing protocols
• Network Switching will develop knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of modern switched and wireless network systems, their design and operation.
• ICT in Society will look at the impact of ICT on society from an industrial, political, legal, economic, cultural and social development perspective.   
• Content Management Systems will enable students to research and investigate a variety of content management systems and assess their success.
• Website Administration will provide students with the knowledge for web server installation, configuration, administration and evaluation.
• Dynamic Web Design involves the creation of websites that will interact dynamically with a server-based database.

How will I learn?
A mixture of formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory and field-based practical work, group work, flexible and distributed learning, placement and self-study.

How will I be assessed?
Portfolio, assignments, practical tasks, case studies, reports, presentations, team project, individual project, exams.

Progression opportunities
Top-up to a relevant Honours Degree
Employment in a variety of careers in IT/Computing such as software design, programming, website development, network support (CISCO qualified)