Foundation Degree ICT

Course Information

The Foundation Degree ICT is a higher-level computer qualification (Level 4/5) certified by USW. The course at Coleg y Cymoedd is delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales and is taught at the Nantgarw Campus.

On completion of the course you can move straight into work in the IT industry, as most of our learners do. Some learners may choose to top-up to a BA course. The Foundation Degree ICT is a complete qualification in its own right with USW certification and cap and gown graduation ceremony.

The subjects studied on the course give broad coverage of key computer knowledge and skills that employers are looking for, ranging from responsive web development to computer programming.

Overview

For full-time students, the course comprises 120 credits at Level 4 in the first year, and 120 credits at Level 5 in the second.

At Level 4, the Foundation Degree ICT provides a broad foundation of core computing and develops skills in software development, web development, systems analysis, computer systems and networking and problem solving.

At Level 5 most of those themes are developed further. Students will develop professional skills in software development, systems analysis, computer systems, systems security and strategic management to a level suitable for employment. They will use their problem-solving and technical skills on an individual project that is negotiated with their project supervisor.

What will I study?

Year 1

Professional Practice in Computing
Software Development
Information Systems Analysis and Design 1
Computer Systems & Networking Concepts
Computer Programming 1
Web Development
Problem Solving for Computing

Year 2

Information Systems Analysis and Design 2
Independent Study
Responsive Web Development
Supervised Work-Based Learning

Progression

Upon completion students will be able to go straight into work within the IT sector or top up to BA qualification at university.

Entry Requirements

Completion of a previous Level 3 program. (BTEC Level 3 etc)

Mature students, over 21, will be considered on an interview basis where they can show competence for the course.

Admission requirement for an undergraduate degree programme is 80 UCAS points from 6 or 12 unit GCE/VCE qualifications, supported by three GCSEs at grade C or above.

Level 3 equivalent qualification does not have to be computing discipline. i.e. the course is designed to start at the beginning and build learners skills, knowledge and confidence.

How do I apply?

Apply direct

Apply now

Fees and Funding

Course Fees and Funding

Course Fees for the Foundation Degree ICT are £7500 for full time applicants.

There are grants that may be available. Eligible full-time student can claim a minimum grant of £1,000 they will not have to pay back, regardless of their household income, and means-tested grants of up to £8,100 will be available to those who need them most.

Students who wish to study at Higher Education level can contact Student Finance Wales for financial help with course fees, provided that they are living in Wales.

Please note: Fees are payable for each year of study. HE Fees are subject to change on a yearly basis.

For more information visit Welsh Government’s Student Money.

Staff Information

Jeff Wood – Course Leader FD ICT

01443 816 888
Ystrad Mynach Campus

jeffrey.wood@cymoedd.ac.uk

Lesley Hughes – Course Tutor

01443 816 888
Ystrad Mynach Campus

lesley.hughes@cymoedd.ac.uk

David Reed – Course Tutor

01443 816 888
Ystrad Mynach Campus

david.reed@cymoedd.ac.uk

Facilities

PC Suite with access to all the software and hardware required for the course
We use industry standard Adobe Creative Cloud software (Photoshop, Dream Weaver, Animate etc)
QGIS, Visual studio, Office 365 (Teams, Power Point Word, OneNote, One Drive)
You can home install fully licenced versions of Office 365 apps using your college ID as well 1TB OneDrive space
Student Laptops are available to request for learners whilst studying the course for home working

What our students say

“I am starting a new job and moving to Bristol to work in software development company. The course gave me the skills and the confidence to apply for more technical jobs with good career progression”.

“I’ve just started a new job at CGI in Bridgend. I am really looking forward to the new role and using the skills I learnt from the Foundation Degree.”

Apply Now