Foundation Degree in Computing
Learning and Teaching Techniques
The Department seeks to provide both a supportive and well-structured environment in which students can build their self-confidence by tackling academically challenging tasks along with an appropriate balance of encouragement and constructive criticism. It is expected that students will become increasingly self-motivated and take more responsibility for their own learning and, on occasion, for that of their peers. We recognise the value of, and encourage, collaborative learning. The teaching and learning strategies will seek to support the development of work based skills as well as independent learning. A significant feature of this programme is the amount of time allocated to work in computer industry. This is essential to support the programme aims and objectives. Module Handbooks specify the teaching plan, assessment schedules, recommended reading/web sites, etc.
Assessment
The assessment strategy is deemed to be integral to students' learning and combines with our learning and teaching strategies to ensure that the programme outcomes are delivered.
The central aim is to produce students who are confident, informed, reflective and critical learners, through the creation of a learning environment which encourages the ability to analyse and solve problems and synthesise information not only drawn from lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and e-learning environments but also involvement and work in the IT industry.
Progression to Level 3
Students who pass the Foundation Degree may join third year of BSc Computing. Each student will be counselled by the Programme Director about the most appropriate degree to join and to the most appropriate modules to take.
The Bridging module is compulsory for the candidates who wish to progress to Year 3 of the BSc in Computing. Students will have to obtain a "Pass" mark of 40% for completion of a Project Initiation Document (PID) for progression to year 3 of the BSc in Computing.
In some circumstances it may be more appropriate for a student to join the second year of these degrees in order to consolidate their learning and so provide a better chance of success with Level 3 modules.