Foundation Certifictate in Computing
Overview of the Foundation Certificate in Computing
“This is a certified first year of a five year programme, which upon satisfactory successful completion of the Foundation Certificate, allows you to extend your studies to one of our degree programmes. The Foundation Certificate year is made up of four modules which prepare you for undertaking undergraduate degree level studies. “
School overview
The School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences within the Faculty of Technology and Environment, is located in the James Parsons Building , Byrom Street , between the entrances to the two Mersey Tunnels and only five minutes walk from Lime Street Station, (the main line station for London ) and Liverpool city centre. The School, which is based on the sixth and seventh floors of James Parsons Building , has excellent computer laboratories and support facilities. The School teaches more than 1200 students (including part-time and postgraduate students) of which, over 900 are studying on full time degree courses. The lecturing is undertaken by over 50 academic staff, and the School is supported by a team of 22 technical and clerical staff. The School also has over 50 research students, some of whom assist in tutorials and practical sessions.
Computing facilities
The School has six specialist teaching laboratories containing over 150 Windows XP/Linux dual-boot PCs and 32 workstations. The principal student laboratories are air conditioned and run IBM compatible or Linux based machines. The remaining laboratories contain multi-media equipment, advanced networking facilities and game technology hardware and software. All equipment is networked either locally or to the University network. In addition to the School based resources, all students are registered users of the University Central Computer Service which is linked to computer laboratories throughout the University. There are numerous networked PCs in the James Parsons Building third floor IT suite for students, as well as access in the nearby Avril Robarts Learning Resource Centre. This is one of two large learning resource centres within the University both of which are open seven days of the week for student use (during term time). All students have access to the internet.
The Modules
Computing Fundamentals(36 Credits) is a year long module that introduces you to the hardware and software aspects of computing, including the hardware architecture and the software development process. This module does include an element of computer programming and application development.
Computer Application Tools(36 Credits) is a year long module that gives you practical experience in using the Office suite of applications, communication using email and through developing web pages.
I.T. Project Case-studies(24 Credits) is a year long module that focuses upon developing your analytical skills by using case-studies to help you comprehend and design solutions to problem-based scenarios.
Personal Development(24 Credits) is a year long module focuses upon developing your key skills for success in the work place. This includes communication skills, personal management skills (time and task management) as well as working in groups.
Course structure
All of our courses operate within the University Modular Framework (UMF). The courses are taught over two semesters, the first from September to December, the second from January to May. At each level, the courses are split into modules; some will run over one semester (12 credits) and some will run over two semesters (24/36 credits). Depending on the modules, you will be assessed either at the end of each semester, or at the end of the academic year, and the marks and associated credits are then recorded on your transcript. Once awarded, the credits cannot be removed. You need to accumulate 120 credits to complete the programme.
Course delivery
A variety of methods and formats are used in the teaching on the courses. Whilst you will have formal lectures supported by tutorial sessions, you will also have practical sessions and you will work in small groups and give presentations.
Assessment and Progression
Each module’s final mark is derived from assessed course-work only on this programme, there are no formal examinations at the end. Your overall mark will determine which of the higher programmes you can progress on to.
Transferable skills
This course offers more than an education in your chosen specialist subject. It is designed to enhance your transferable skills such as IT, problem solving, report writing, giving presentations and working in teams. These are the skills which allow you to operate effectively in an ever changing world of work and are highly regarded by employers.
Career prospects
This programme prepares you for progression onto one of our higher programmes, which are designed to prepare you for a wide range of jobs in the field of, software engineering/analyst/programmer, web site development, software development and interactive electronic publishing. A first destination survey of recent graduates showed an excellent record of employment, with over 90% finding employment or going on to further study soon after graduation. Possibilities for further postgraduate study also exist nationally and particularly within the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
Entry requirements
If you require further information on Entry Requirements and Admissions procedures, or you would like to request a Course Factfile for any of the other courses in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, please contact:
Debbie Parker or Lucy Wilson (Admissions and Information Officers)
Tel: 0151 231 2267
Fax: 0151 207 4594
Email: cms-admissions@livjm.ac.uk
Or write to:
School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences,
Liverpool John Moores University ,
James Parsons Building ,
Byrom Street ,
Liverpool L3 3AF
Web Site
If you have access to the Internet, you can obtain further details of all the courses and modules offered by the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences from our web site http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/cmp For further Admissions information please visit http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/cmp/admissions
Note
The University reserves the right to cancel, suspend or modify in any way the matters contained in this document. | 