Computing Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will be taught about how the use of computing software impacts the environment from day-to-day activity through use of business and everyday jobs. This is through the excessive use of computing software as well as the changing way that society operates. You will be encouraged to engage in debates and discussions regarding energy consumption in the use of computing software, in terms of the amount of use as well as the type of materials utilised. You will be encouraged to look at responsible innovation and software impact and the long-term effects this may have.

You will look at how the increased use of IT and computing has contributed to the significant development of globalisation in the interconnectivity and internationalisation of the job market. Discussions on how globalisation has contributed to the international development of education, technology development and the emerging market economies through operating systems and internet operations. This is also linked to their assignment in the international platform of Linked In in developing their e-portfolio.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour lab session each week with pair and group work.

There will also be a 30-minute weekly virtual task and multiple-choice quizzes.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a multiple-choice test and online portfolio.

40% - multiple choice test, which will take place online during a class.

60% - online portfolio, in this written task you will create a blog post, which reports on an individual data research and processing project. You will also create a LinkedIn profile and subject weekly learning journal entries.

30 credits

This module focuses on how to solve problems via program development. The module initially builds your understanding of logic, before teaching you how to develop algorithms. The latter half of the module focuses on programming using a Visual Programming Language (VPL) such as Android App Inventor or Google’s Blockly. The module ends with a discussion on the limits of computation, including data representation and physical limitations.

You will be taught about how the use of computing software impacts the environment from day-to-day activity through use of business and everyday jobs. This is through the excessive use of computing software as well as the changing way that society operates. You will be encouraged to engage in debates and discussions regarding energy consumption in the use of computing software, in terms of amount of use as well as type of materials utilised. You will look at responsible innovation and software impact and the long-term effects this may have.

The module explores how advancements in computing and IT have accelerated globalisation by enhancing interconnectivity, transforming industries, and expanding access to information. You will examine the role of computational thinking and problem-solving in a global context, including the impact of software development, and automation on international markets. Discussions will focus on how programming and algorithm design contribute to technological advancements, remote collaboration, and the evolving global job market. Additionally, you will be able to engage with international computing standards and digital platforms, such as LinkedIn, to develop your profile and understand the significance of global networking in the technology sector.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour lab session each week with pair and group work.

There will also be a 30-minute weekly virtual task and multiple-choice quizzes.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using programming coursework and a class test.

60% - coursework, you will design a simple algorithm to solve a problem using flowcharts and pseudocode.

40% - class test, you will construct a program to solve using a Visual Programming Language.