NB: We are no longer accepting applications for this program!

(FdA) Foundation Degree in IT for Business University of Sunderland
(Equivalent to HNC / HND )



LAHE in Partnership with .

FdA Information Technology for Business
Delivery Full Time, Sandwich
Duration 2/3 years

Entry Requirements
Prior experience of computing is not an essential entry requirement. Mature candidates without traditional minimum entry requirements are also encouraged to apply.

Curriculum 2000:

Our typical offer will be 80 points from a minimum of 1 x 6 or 1 x 12 unit awards or equivalent.
We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology.

Qualifications Taken Before 2001/2002:

A Level/AS Level
Our typical offer is 6 points from a minimum of 1 A-Level (excluding General Studies). We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language.

GNVQ Advanced:
Our typical offer is an overall pass from a 12 unit award. We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language.

Access Courses:
We would require successful completion of a suitable kite-marked Access programme and that you would have a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English or have obtained the equivalent as part of your course.

Scottish Highest - our typical offer is for CC
Irish Leaving Certificate - Our typical offer is for CCC

Description
The Foundation Degree prepares students to be able to work as an IT professional providing computer based information systems that meet the information needs of business. The programme is mainly non-technical in nature, emphasises the business aspects and focuses on the building of information systems in the business environment.

The programme content is very practical and involves problem solving, information systems for industry and commerce, electronic commerce, systems analysis and design, conventional programming, databases, and website development. You will learn how to use software languages and packages such as Visual Basic, HTML, Oracle, ACCESS and Dreamweaver to develop computer based and Internet based information systems.

The development of work-related personal skills is vital to success in an IT environment. The programme contains skills development in the areas of team working, showing initiative, self-motivation, presentation skills and working and talking with people.

A fundamental part of the programme is having students address real world problems. The core module `Introduction to Application Building` contains a significant information system building activity provided by a `real-world` client. This module promotes the development of inter-personal and team-working skills that are so much in demand by employers. Each team has to analyse system requirements, produce a design and build a database information, system for their client.

Another core module `Students as Practitioners` provides the opportunity for an individual student to apply and develop some of the knowledge and skills acquired during their programme by engaging in a significant project that addresses a real business requirement from a `real-word client`.

No prior knowledge of computing is necessary and students are welcome from both science and arts backgrounds. On completion of the Foundation Degree, you have a guaranteed progression route to an honours degree, the BA Computer Studies.

Awards
FdA in Information Technology for Business

Teaching & Assessment
A broad range of teaching methods are employed on the programme. These include lectures, discussion groups, resource-based and open learning, project and group work. Assessment is carried out through methods that include examinations, essays, reports, multiple-choice tests and computer-based evaluation.

Pre-Requisite English
All students whose first language is not English should normally have reached a level of competence equivalent to a TOEFL score of 550 (213 CAT) or Band 6 on the IELTS scale or an equivalent qualification.

Programme Structure
Stage 1

Module Code Description Core/Optional
COF105 Web Basics C
COF106 Problem Solving Tools & Techniques C
COF108 Information Systems For Industry & Commerce 1 C
COF101 Introduction To Application Building C
COF120 Introduction To Internet Information Systems C
COF104 It & People C
COF107 Systems Development C

Stage 2

Module Code Description Core/Optional
COF210 Integrative Project O
COF208 Networks For Business O
COF209 Product-based Web Development C
COF201 Database Systems Development C
COF207 Information Systems For Industry And Commerce 2 C
COF205 Students As Practitioners C
COF202 Systems Analysis & Design C

For information on applications and start dates contact: Rexford Sam
For academic information on programme content contact: Larry Jones

Stage 3

Module Code Description Core/Optional
CET200 Industrial

Industrial Placement Year

Industrial Placement. One year placement in a computing environment