FdSc Computing Technologies (Software Development) (West Herts College)

Course overview

The foundation degree in Computing Technologies (Software Development) will give you an excellent grounding in computing while allowing you to specialise in aspects relating specifically to software development.

In your first year, you will develop your knowledge of programming, computer systems architecture, databases and data analysis, networks, wireless and systems analysis.

In your second year, you will continue to study a mixture of modules focusing on aspects of computing as well as modules specialising in software development.

Once you have completed your foundation degree you may be eligible to progress on to a BA (Hons) top-up year at the University of Hertfordshire, subject to obtaining appropriate grades in your foundation studies.

Progression to the University’s Degree Programmes:

There is a formal articulation arrangement in place for this programme, such that students are given progression to the second (level 5) or final year (level 6) of an appropriate BSc Honours programme, normally the BSc in IT or BSc in Computer Science, depending on the overall marks obtained following the second year of study. A 50% overall mark will allow a progression onto the third year of the BSc Honours programme.

Students expressing the preference early in level 5 of the foundation degree are also able to enter the sandwich placement year or year abroad, of the BSc Honours programme. This is subject to successfully obtaining an approved placement of the appropriate duration.

Students who enter level 5 of the BSc programme are able to progress onto any of the awards as described below:

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networks)
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)

All of the above listed awards are available as a sandwich award or a year abroad award.

Students who enter level 6 of the BSc programme are able to progress onto the awards listed below:

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Students entering at level 6 also have the option of joining the sandwich placement year or year abroad elements of the BSc Computer Science (and all the awards listed above, subject to successfully obtaining an approved placement or year abroad of the appropriate duration.

In addition, all students can progress onto the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (delivered online).

Why choose this course?

• Develop a broad knowledge of computing relevant to the needs of a wide range of organisations
• Benefit from a varied programme of work based learning and vocational study
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification in two years of full-time study
• progression routes to appropriate degree programmes at the University of Hertfordshire

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

• 2025/26