UDCMPTFY - BSc (Hons) Computing (including foundation year)

The BSc Computing (including Foundation Year) is an inclusive course for those seeking a general qualification to become competent professionals in the IT industry. In the first year of the four-year degree programme, students will have the opportunity to develop basic skills in the fundamentals of Computing, Programming and Problem-solving which underpin subsequent learning and practice. The foundation year will provide a broad, varied and simulating experience which allows students to assess their aptitudes and interests and thus prepares them for modules at higher levels.

The foundation year is designed to develop key academic skills and competencies in a way integrated into the curriculum, and to model the theoretical approach coupled with practice-based learning that is developed later in the curriculum. Assessments at this level are aimed to introduce and develop key skills integral to academic success at higher levels including writing, presenting, researching, and mathematical and technological skills. Also, at this level, early formative assessment is useful as an early indicator of students’ strengths, in addition to giving a hands-on training of submission processes.

Students are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of, and the necessary skills to demonstrate, good academic practice. Particularly, students will be encouraged to complete weekly tutorial and workshop exercises as well as periodic formative diagnostic tests to enhance their learning. During tutorial and workshop sessions students will receive ongoing support and feedback on their work to promote engagement and provide the basis for tackling the summative assessments.

Teaching materials such as lecture content are conveyed in different ways e.g. using diagrams, speech, text, discussion and practical tasks. Use is also made of multimedia technologies such as videos, podcasts and screencasts in lectures which are then made available on the University VLE (Weblearn). All materials such as lecture notes, tutorial materials, workshop tasks and additional support learning materials are accessible on WebLearn on a module by module structure. Delivered lectures are recorded and available online. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in, and are supported by, module leader blogs, use of video, role playing, visits to external organisations, presentations and workshops presented by external guest speakers. Competency with software and hardware tools is achieved through weekly practical sessions, demonstrations from external software vendors, signposted access to online technical guides, encouragement of participation in Computing online forums, access to all required equipment.

Teaching and learning materials such as lecture notes, tutorial materials, workshop tasks and additional support learning materials are accessible on the university VLE network (i.e. WebLearn, Blackboard). Delivered lectures are recorded and available online. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in, and are supported by, module leader blogs, use of video, role playing, visits to external organisations, presentations and workshops presented by external guest speakers. Students are encouraged to use the study facilities in the university library and learning centre (including e-books and e-journals).

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. Module assessment typically consists of a combination of assessment instruments including courseworks, in-class tests and unseen exams. Coursework can include an artefact such as a website, a database or program code in addition to a written report/essay. The volume, timing and nature of assessment enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes.
Formative and summative feedback will be provided using a variety of methods and approaches, such as learning technologies, one to one and group presentation of the submitted work, at various points throughout the teaching period and will adhere to University policy regarding the timing of feedback. Students will also receive feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. This process assists students in developing as independent learners, identifying their strengths and weaknesses.

Foundation year students will be supported during the early stages with focus on introduction to support facilities including Academic Mentor, Success coaches, Course Leader and Academic tutor and Course Weblearn sites. This support mechanism will facilitate transition and progression through the levels. The students will also receive early scheduled sessions with the Subject Librarian which will continue as they progress through the degree.

During the foundation year, cohort identity is fostered through opportunities for engaging with peers and with existing Level 4 (and higher) students at social events, at Career-focused events and through Course-related forums. These opportunities continue throughout the course.

The main aim of the course is to equip students with the core academic and technical skills needed to progress through higher education, via a structured and scaffolded pathway, and on to relevant employment in the IT industry. This degree course provides a professional education in the theory and practice of computing, with special emphasis on the techniques, theory and applications in the design and implementation of modern software/IT systems. The course mainly covers principles of programming, operating systems, database design, application development and software engineering, using a range of modern software development tools.

The specific aims of this course include:
• To provide an education in the development and use of software that will equip students with intellectual, practical and problem-solving skills;
• To provide graduates with transferable skills to enable progression in either management or technical areas, with the ability to master new developments and have flexibility in career structure in an era of rapid organisational change and technological innovation;
• To equip graduates with the necessary ability and study skills to progress to advanced postgraduate courses of study;

To provide industry, commerce and research laboratories with the effective and adaptive IT professionals or computer scientists that society demands.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

LO1. Apply basic problem-solving and analytical techniques, presenting findings, explain results and justifying choice of methods;

LO2. Demonstrate solid understanding of fundamental knowledge in the Computing subject area;
LO3. Contribute to one’s own and others intellectual development and represent with integrity and confidence;
LO4. Perform in a varied context: to understand and apply computing applications in a variety of other disciplines by developing an understanding the subject with computing;
LO5. Identify problems and create robust software solutions using appropriate development technologies, platforms and toolsets in the broader context of the industry business;
LO6. Perform at the system and operational level in a fashion that displays integrity in the managing of data and the development and use of software.
LO7. Demonstrate an appreciation of technical, ethical and professional issues related to software application development for the real world.
LO8. Work effectively as a member of a team and demonstrate effective communication skills.
LO9. Research, plan, structure and deliver an academic report and presentation.

UL10. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline.

Subject benchmark: Computing [March 2022]
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements/computing

Modules of this course are assessed mainly by the combination of coursework, case studies report and presentation, lab logbooks and workbooks, class-test, unseen examinations, and final-year project reports, presentation and viva.
A balanced assessment load per module and a careful distribution of concurrent assessment deadlines will be ensured;
Constructive and timely formative and summative feedback in written and/or oral modes will be delivered, with 15 working days of completing/submitting an assessment;
Online submission of assessment will be used, as appropriate, via University VLE.

Inclusive development and assessment are the leading principle in our learning, teaching and assessment provisions. Each module development and assessment design take account of the students’ background and groups. In this process, we ensure that all aspects of learning, teaching and assessment are fair and accessible for all students, particularly minority and those with disabilities. In the module and assessment design process, students are involved to review the content, marking criteria and delivery methods. Students express their views through the VLE discussion board, Student Hub, emails, face-to-face discussions and through student representatives. Students are encouraged to raise issues such as fairness of marking and allocations, the academic support process and accessibility of assessments. The team review the issues during staff and course committee meetings in the presence of Student Representatives.

Students take the module CS6W50 Career Development Learning at Level 6. The School works with the Employability Service and Careers Service teams to provide support in finding relevant opportunities. The module enables students to undertake an appropriate short period of professional activity, related to their course at level 6, with a business or community organization and to gain credit for their achievements. The activity can be a professional training, a volunteering activity, employment activity, placement or business start-up activity.

British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation is awarded according to the following additional course regulation:

The project must be passed in order for a student to obtain BSc (Hons) Computing.

The project must be passed without compensation.

Students are encouraged and expected to regularly write and demonstrate what they have learned each week, set achievement goals with action plans for personal development on the learning activities. Formative feedback on guided workshop tasks and coursework will be given at various points during the academic year. Students are encouraged to meet their academic tutors to get advice whenever they need.

Numerous and regular events (both online and campus-based) are organized by the University’s Careers Service and by the School of Computing and Digital Media. External presenters are invited to address students at all levels of the degree course.
Students are encouraged to participate in subject-discipline extra-curricular activities and Student Societies.
The core module Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law includes coverage of job search, CV writing, interviewing and aptitude assessments.

Graduates gain employment in the financial, industrial, health and service sectors. Job titles include: Chief Technology Officer, Software Engineer, Network Engineer, Mobile Application Programmer, Web Developer, Software Engineer, Java Developer. Graduates can also pursue careers in research and development in scientific areas of computing.

You could work in scientific research, design and development, management services and computing, financial work, statistical work and teaching. You could also go on to do postgraduate study.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent, eg Functional Skills at Level 2). Applicants who meet the UCAS points criteria but who obtained a grade D/grade 3 in English and/or Maths at GCSE may be offered a University test in these areas

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.