FdSc Information Technology

Summary 2012/13

• Study a programme that reflects what’s happening in the world of IT right now – and gives you the skills that employers want;
• Study a course designed by academics at Edge Hill at a location convenient to you and at your own pace;
• Take the first step towards an honours degree.

This Foundation Degree introduces you to the latest innovations in technology and business systems. You will explore new developments in programming, systems design and systems management. It offers a balance between program development, computing theory and the use of applications to help you respond to the needs of today's businesses.

2012 Entry Requirements

A minimum of 40 points from one A level or equivalent in a related subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Summary 2013/14

• Study a programme that reflects what’s happening in the world of IT right now – and gives you the skills that employers want;
• Study a course designed by academics at Edge Hill at a location convenient to you and at your own pace;
• Take the first step towards an honours degree.

This Foundation Degree introduces you to the latest innovations in technology and business systems. You will explore new developments in programming, systems design and systems management. It offers a balance between program development, computing theory and the use of applications to help you respond to the needs of today's businesses.

2013 Entry Requirements

A minimum of 40 points from one A level or equivalent in a related subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Details

Who is this course for?

Foundation degrees appeal to people who may need to fit studying around their other commitments and for those who are looking to take their first step into higher education. The flexible locations and study times of this course make it ideal for people who may not have considered higher education before.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will benefit from a programme that is designed and validated by academics from the Edge Hill Business School, but can be studied at a number of convenient locations across Merseyside. The programme will give you an educational foundation for a wide range of careers within the computing and information technology industries and you will develop essential skills that are relevant to many other careers. You will also gain industry experience and make valuable contacts through work placements.

What will I study?

The programme is divided into two parts which each take a year to complete for full-time students. For students studying part-time they can be extended over longer periods.

Modules in year one introduce you to computer systems, programming, GUI applications, and systems analysis. Dependent upon the pathway offered by the partner college you may also have the opportunity to study web page design and the internet, networks and communications, multimedia, graphics technology and a work placement professional practice module.

Year two of the programme covers topics such as databases, project management and research methods. You will also develop a deeper understanding of your chosen pathway in computing, web development, multimedia. The second year also involves an industry placement to allow you to put your learning into practice and gain some valuable experience.

How will I study?

Teaching and learning will involve a blend of lectures, workshop activities, group work and computer-based learning.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by qualified tutors at our partner colleges who are supported by academics from Edge Hill Business School.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of learning is by a mixture of coursework and examinations. For assignments you will need to research information from a number of sources, e.g. the workplace, expert professionals, tutors, library materials and the Internet.

What are my career prospects?

The foundation degree will equip you for a wide range of careers within the computing and information technology industries.

There is also the opportunity to go on to complete an honours degree in an additional academic year of full-time study. You may also be able to progress to further study at Edge Hill, or in other colleges and universities.

How do I apply?

If you wish to study the programme on a full-time basis at Hugh Baird College or Knowsley Community College, you need to apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

If you are interested in joining the programme on a part-time basis at Hugh Baird College, please contact the partner college for information on the application process. Visit www.hughbaird.ac.uk for contact details and more information on studying at Hugh Baird College.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £6,000pa for full-time foundation degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/foundationfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Not got the entry requirements?

You can present your previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support your application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

If you do not have the mathematics GCSE required for this programme, Edge Hill offers equivalency tests.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Modules

Year 1

CIS1501 Programming equips you with an understanding of the software development process. Object-orientated concepts and notions are introduced combined with the application of a Visual programming language. The module will develop skills and knowledge relevant to today’s industrial needs.

CIS1502 Wed Page Design and Development will develop skills in producing and authoring web pages and web sites, gaining knowledge of the underlying protocols that support their development.

CIS1505 Professional Skills introduces basic concepts of IT and develops the professional and study skills you will need to be part of a modern high-tech learning organisation. The module will develop skills in professional practice and issues relating to BCS code of practice for IT professionals.

CIS1599 Work Based Learning 1 provides an introduction to professional practice within industry. Information technology is an area of practical activity, which in different ways, employs and affects a large number of people in society. You will develop employability skills and improve your understanding of how organisations work. You will undertake a work placement of 20 days so you can apply the theories and concepts you have learnt in a practical setting.

Computing Pathway

CIS1503 Systems Analysis provides you with a firm basis on which to develop the ability to analyse problems and design solutions. You will be given an introduction to a business environment and the problems faced in devising computer-based approaches to business systems. You will discover how many of the problems of designing and implementing information systems relate to the difficulties in defining the problem and determining the scope.

CIS1504 Systems Architecture and Networks. Computer architecture is about making computing hardware, software and networks work for the business and not against it. Over the years improvements in networking and advances in computer architecture have resulted in huge increases in computer capabilities. This module examines the fundamentals of computer architecture and networks.

Multimedia Pathway

CIS1506 Introduction to Multimedia develops your understanding of authoring and creating imagery for multimedia applications and consolidates learning in multimedia systems development. It exposes you to the skills needed to plan, design, capture and implement graphics and introduces you to appropriate authoring tools for this purpose. This module represents the first step in the progressive development of graphic / multimedia knowledge and skills and the ability to apply this knowledge and understanding to different contexts.

CIS1507 Graphics Hardware and Software. Graphics are becoming ever more present in most aspects of media, business and entertainment. Advancements in PC technology have enabled the graphics and video industries to utilise this digital power to produce bigger, better and more detailed imagery in both still and video dimensions. This module will provide you with an understanding of graphics hardware and software and the relevant theories and practical skills required to use multimedia technologies.

Web Design and Development Pathway

CIS1503 Systems Analysis provides you with a firm basis on which to develop the ability to analyse problems and design solutions. You will be given an introduction to a business environment and the problems faced in devising computer-based approaches to business systems. You will discover how many of the problems of designing and implementing information systems relate to the difficulties in defining the problem and determining the scope.

CIS1506 Introduction to Multimedia develops your understanding of authoring and creating imagery for multimedia applications and consolidates learning in multimedia systems development. It exposes you to the skills needed to plan, design, capture and implement graphics and introduces you to appropriate authoring tools for this purpose. This module represents the first step in the progressive development of graphic / multimedia knowledge and skills and the ability to apply this knowledge and understanding to different contexts.

Year 2

CIS2501 Introduction to Databases. Contemporary databases perform a central role in many information systems and support many organisational functions. The software and database design procedures have evolved to meet changing needs. This module will focus upon the major principles and theories of database design. The importance of capturing database requirements correctly, describing user data structures and their implementation using database software will be addressed.

CIS2502 Group Project introduces you to the importance of project planning, monitoring and control. It includes the techniques and tools that can be used and also discusses the human factors that must be taken into account when managing projects. You will carry out a relevant project as part of a small team, the outcome of which will be based on a small business solution.

CIS2599 Work Based Learning 2 is focused on preparing you for the demands of employment in the IT industry. It achieves this by a mixture of classroom sessions, e-learning and work-based learning in the form of a placement. You will undertake a minimum of 40 days in the workplace.

Computing Pathway

CIS2503 Networking. Networking has now been integrated into the operating system. This means that to fully understand operating systems, it is necessary to understand networking, and similarly, it is necessary to look at how networks have been integrated into the operating system. This module seeks to build this integrated understanding, further develop your knowledge of LANs, WANs, WLANs and VLANs.

CIS2504 Object-Oriented Application Development. In this module you will develop a firm understanding of the basic principles of object-oriented design and implementation methods which can be easily maintained and extended.

CIS2505 Web Design develops your awareness of a range of web development applications, going beyond the simple delivery of information through web pages and providing an overview of the technologies that are used in their implementation. The module also develops skills in the design and implementation of web sites using appropriate authoring tools.

Multimedia Pathway

CIS2506 Animation. As computing power has increased, so has the capacity for desktop computers to create 2D and 3D animation, and to incorporate this animation in multimedia products. In this module, you will gain a theoretical understanding and practical experience of computerised animated graphics, including such concepts as rendering, lighting and texture. It will further provide you with an insight and some experience of the complexities of rendering an animated sequence.

CIS2507 Interaction Design for the Web. The World Wide Web has become an increasingly complex interactive media. At its inception, simple interactions were based on hypertext, however, developments in multimedia technologies have added a complexity to this interaction. In addition, the quality of this interaction experience has become central to the success of web-based systems. Interaction Design determines how people interact with computers and is largely concerned with shaping interfaces with particular attention to the qualities of the experiences they provide to users. This module will provide you with knowledge of the processes and factors effecting interaction and the expertise to design and produce effective interactive artefacts.

CIS2508 Desktop Audio Production. This module contributes to a broadening perspective on Multimedia Systems Development. The non-linear nature of digital audio differentiates it from analogue audio in terms of complexity and versatility. A wide range of digital audio software tools and products are now becoming available providing learning support at all levels. This module will give you the ability to command skills in digital audio using some of the wide range of production tools available. The skills and knowledge you gain will be a vocational asset.

Web Development Pathway

CIS2505 Web Design develops your awareness of a range of web development applications, going beyond the simple delivery of information through web pages and providing an overview of the technologies that are used in their implementation. The module also develops skills in the design and implementation of web sites using appropriate authoring tools.

CIS2507 Interaction Design for the Web. The World Wide Web has become an increasingly complex interactive media. At its inception, simple interactions were based on hypertext, however, developments in multimedia technologies have added a complexity to this interaction. In addition, the quality of this interaction experience has become central to the success of web-based systems. Interaction Design determines how people interact with computers and is largely concerned with shaping interfaces with particular attention to the qualities of the experiences they provide to users. This module will provide you with knowledge of the processes and factors effecting interaction and the expertise to design and produce effective interactive artefacts.

CIS2509 Web Usability concerns itself with the field of usability engineering, which is part of the broader area of human computer interaction (HCI).

Usability engineering is a systematic approach to producing a website or user interface. It involves several methods, including gathering requirements, developing and testing prototypes, evaluating design alternatives, analysing usability problems, proposing solutions, and carrying out usability testing on websites or other system interfaces.

This module will develop your analytical study skills by giving you both the knowledge of the methods of usability engineering and the practical experience of carrying out a usability test.