FdSc Business Computing

Standard Entry requirements for Full Time Students The following admissions criteria will normally apply at level 4: • Students applying for this programme will be a minimum age of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject with a minimum of?48 UCAS points (A level, BTEC). • Programmes will require 4 GCSEs at A*- C or 4 or above. • Students are normally also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills).

Non-Standard Entry Requirements for Full Time Mature students Non-traditional or mature students (aged at least 21 by 31st December of the year of admission) who do not meet the standard entry criteria will be considered on an individual basis as an ‘admissions decision’. The decision on admission will be based on assessment of the candidate’s ability to successfully complete the programme. Applicants will be judged using the following criteria:

• Evidence of ability for self-organisation. • Evidence of ability to work independently. • The motivation to learn. • Interest in the subject area. • Evidence of ability to work with others. • Programme will prefer 4 GCSEs at A*- C or 4 or above, including maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills). • Given the wide experience of potential applicants to this programme, applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) are welcomed in accordance with the College Academic Regulations for the awards of Foundation Degree. However, these must be discussed as part of the admissions process as once a student is registered to a programme RPL/RPEL may not be considered for approval.

This is normally evidenced through a personal statement and/or supporting references and an interview. Background knowledge and skills in relevant industry setting is also considered as evidence of non-certified learning. This is normally demonstrated by at least two years’ full-time work in a relevant organisation.

International Applicants Applicants at level 4 who do not have English as their first language will be required to prove their English Language abilities by taking an IELTS for UKVI test taken at an approved UK Visa and Immigration test centre. Applicants will be required to have a minimum overall score of 5.5 with no component (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) less than 5.0.

You will be required to contribute to trips and visits. We also recommend that students buy texts to support learning, reading list are provided in module handbooks.

You will meet with a course tutor who will ask a set of standard questions. This is also an opportunity for the curriculum team to learn about your motivation for the course and career aspirations and an opportunity for you to ask questions. A tour of the facilities will be available. Please bring your relevant qualifications.

The aim of the FdSc Business Computing programme is to provide students with relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours applicable to Level 4 and 5 computing students with regards to the comprehension, design and exploitation of computation and computer technologies.

Aims: by the end of the programme of study, students will be able to demonstrate they have:
• Acquired and developed transferable skills and knowledge which will enable them to contribute and develop their full potential in their chosen pathway.? • Develop the ability to design, build, test and evaluate computer systems such as databases, websites and mobile applications.
• Acquire and apply a range of advanced technical skills and soft skills that can be applied to commercial enterprises. • Understand the characteristics of different organisations and the technical and economic environments in which they operate and the opportunities available to them by utilising business insights using Data Analytics.? • Understand how organisations can develop digital marketing strategies and use digital media technology to achieve their marketing goals. • Utilise software to analyses data, build dashboards and report findings.
• Understand the importance of cybersecurity in modern business operations. Be aware of the current and emerging tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by cybercriminals when targeting businesses and the impact of such attacks.

You will study the following:

Level 4

Personal Professional Development 1 (PPD1), 20 credits This module challenges the student to develop the skills needed to become successful in higher education including report writing, research skills and independent thought. It will also introduce the soft skills needed to work in the computing and IT industry, along with ethical codes of conduct and personal development. Students will learn the importance of Professional Practice within the computing and IT industry and how to manage relationships, promote teamwork and interact positively with clients. This module aims to help students develop the skills needed to become successful higher education students. Students will also be introduced to goal setting, performance monitoring and self-reflection so that they can evaluate personal progress while working to develop transferable and employability skills to a professional standard.

Work Related Learning 1 (WRL1) (Legislation, Regulations & Ethical Standards), 20 Credits This module challenges the student to develop the skills they need to be successful in the workplace. The module will introduce students to the skills required to be successful in the computing and IT industry. Students will be introduced to the legislative aspects of computing and how security matters are regulated and organised as well as the standards that are adhered to in order to secure computer systems. Students will develop an appreciation for governance and organisational structure as well as any standards, law, regulation and information security management.

Database Design and Development (DDD), 20 Credits This module will provide students with skills to enable them to design, build and test a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) for storing data and retrieving information. It will develop their comprehension of prototyping and application building using SQL and will introduce the students to basic systems analysis and design concepts enabling them to develop a database system to meet a client brief. In Database Design and Development, students will employ industry standard tools and methods for data analysis.

Business Information Systems (BIS), 20 Credits This module aims to ensure students fully appreciate the various roles, functions and activities related to technological solutions within an organisation. Students will investigate the principles of data life cycle different data types, business types and systems used to manage functions at strategic, tactical, and operational levels. Students will use analytical software to create reports/dash boards that will allow senior stakeholders to make informed decisions at an operational or tactical or strategic level.

Digital Marketing (DM), 20 Credits The purpose of this module is to provide comprehensive, practical guidance on how organisations can exploit digital media and technology to meet their marketing goals. Links between marketing theory and practical business experience are explored through case studies from cutting edge companies such as eBay and Facebook, to help students understand digital marketing in the real world. Students will examine best practice frameworks for developing digital marketing strategy, plus success factors for key digital marketing techniques including search marketing, conversion optimisation and digital communications using social media.

Introduction to programming with Python (IPP), 20 Credits Python is a programming language that’s flexible and easy to read. It’s one of the most popular languages today, and programming in Python is used for everything from web and software development to Data Analytics and quality assurance. This module introduces the principles of programming with Python. Students will be introduced to procedural and object-oriented programming to gain skills needed for L5 Data Analytics module.

Level 5

Innovation, Idea Generation & Enterprise (IIGE), 20 Credits In this module, students will explore different types of innovation, idea generation and enterprise and the common factors for success in the development and scaling up of a product, process, or service. Students will learn how to test an innovative idea before deciding whether it is worthy of development in an organisational context.
Students will develop innovative vision and mind-set and learn how to assess and take calculated risk, develop a positive attitude and self-motivation. Inquisitiveness and curiosity, openness to change, and the ability to have vision and the capacity to inspire. Finally, students will reflect on their own development through studying this module and plan their own personal development as an innovator to meet the growing demands of employers. There will be a mix of individual and group work with this module.

Work Related Learning 2 (WRL2), 20 Credits Develop students’ employability and technical IT skills with a view to enabling them to enter the employment market. It requires students to undertake some work experience activity and to investigate risk assessment methodologies implemented in the workplace and the potential impact of system breakdowns.

Web Application Development using Python framework (WADPF), 20 Credits. In recent years, the Python-based web framework has become the preferred choice of most web application developers worldwide.
This module will introduce students to a Python-based web framework. It will also inform students how and why an integrated development environment (IDE) is used in the development of Python-based web framework websites.
Students will use UX design methods that satisfy given client and user requirements. Students will learn how to create a virtual environment and how to install essential files and libraries before web development can commence. Students will learn techniques to create front and backend web applications. Prior to the release of the website, it will be tested to ensure correct functionality and that it meets client requirements.

Mobile Application Development (MAD), 20 Credits Software is prevalent in many aspects of society. It's an integral part of both your life and that of business. Companies are increasingly making more use of software in their products, websites, and internal infrastructure.
This can take the form of applications (apps) on a phone, interactive websites, gaming software, order, and database processing software, through to a car's engine management software.
The Mobile Applications Development module helps students develop their skills and knowledge of programming and the complete process of developing software, from the initial gathering of requirements, through the design and development of the application, compiling of documentation, testing and creation of the finished product.

Data Analytics (DA), 20 Credits Data Analytics is one of the most in-demand skillsets that companies are constantly hiring for. Companies are looking for Data Scientists who can manage data, get results, and drive decision-making. In this module students will learn how to analyse data, build dashboards, and deliver impactful reports. Students will build portfolio-worthy projects.

Cyber Security for Business (CSB), 20 Credits The aim of this module is to provide students with an overview of the current and emerging tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by cybercriminals when targeting businesses and the impact of such attacks. The module will, in the first instance, investigate and critically analyse the current threat landscape analysing several business/industry sectors and the typical threat actor motivations against technological weaknesses. This will be achieved through the analysis of current real-world examples. In the second instance, the module will explore and analyse the need to protect the CIA of data leading to researching current industry standard risk mitigation and management strategies/practices.

Year1 L4 Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00, Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00

Year2 L5 Thursday 09:00 - 17:00, Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

The nature of the programme is directly applicable to work situations and the theory is related to practical work-based situations, where possible. Each individual module will use different teaching and learning strategies depending upon the nature of the subject. The teaching and learning methods will include a combination of different approaches including but not limited to:

Lectures: The purpose of a lecture is to introduce the relevant theories/knowledge of the individual topic areas within a subject, e.g., Digital Marketing.

Workshops/Seminars: The purpose of the workshop/seminar is to develop the students understanding of the theories from the lectures by using case studies, role-plays and exercises, e.g. Web Application Development requires students to work with a client to determine the requirements for a working website, during workshops and seminars students will be taught industry standard design, build and testing techniques to enable them to deliver a working prototype that meets the clients' requirements and expectations.

Academic Tutorials: Students will be time tabled one hour per week for tutorial. The purpose of the tutorials is to develop study/academic skills, for example, research/information gathering. The development of these study/academic skills will assist in your learning throughout the programme, Students are advised to book at least one session with the named HE Academic tutor. Academic Tutors will also be invited to deliver a tutorial on academic skills during programme induction.

The department’s industrial links have included BT, Durham City Incubator, Nissan, Raytheon, Durham County Council, Geek Talent and Layers Studio. We have worked closely with them on many Innovation projects and placements over the years.

A work placement is a fundamental expectation of this foundation degree programme. You will be expected to source work experience which provides you with an opportunity to stretch your knowledge, understanding and practical skills beyond what you have learned in your modules. This will be a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your positive attitude, ability to use initiative and independent learning skills to future employers.

You will have the opportunity to gain professional advanced qualifications from the British Computer Society.

You could progress to the one year BSc (Hons) Business Computing programme at New College Durham to top-up this qualification to a degree.