Programme Specification for Business Information Technology FdSc (Foundation Degree)
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Final award |
FdSc (Foundation Degree) |
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Intermediate awards available |
Associate Cert, Cert HE |
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UCAS code |
TBC |
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Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
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Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Foundation Degree, Computing |
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Date specification last up-dated |
November 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
If you want work based training, a great CV, and flexibility to stop after 2 years or progress to a degree programme - then maybe our UEL business information technology foundation degree is for you.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Mature students (21+ years old) without qualifications may be accepted subject to interview.
Typically 60 UCAS tariff points
English and Maths at GCSE grade C or similar
If English is not your first language, we require that you demonstrate your English language skills by achieving an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no skill level below 5.0.
Employment either full time (maximum 40 hours a week) or part-time job (maximum 20hours a week) in a business or IT related business environment with support letter from employers. Please email Dr. Fadi Safieddine if you would require any further clarifications on f.safieddine@uel.ac.uk
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Business Information Technology?
Business Information Technology covers a wide range of topics - theoretical and practical. You are expected to study subjects such as computing, Multimedia Web Site Development as well as the traditionally covered subjects of IT Project Management, Analysis and Design, Management Information System, Hardware, Internet, and Database Systems.
Foundation Business Information Technology at UEL
Foundation in Business Information Technology at UEL is unique. Our foundation degree provides excellent opportunity for students to develop their skills in the work place while studying and completing some highly demanded skills. The modes of attendance have also been designed to suit individual needs.
The programme contains a mixture of practical and theoretical classes with project work forming a central role.
Programme structure
| FD in Business Information Technology | Year 1 | Year 2 |
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Semester A |
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Semester B |
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| FD in Business Information Technology (PT) | Year 1 | Year 2 |
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Semester A |
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Semester B |
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| FD in Business Information Technology (PT) | Year 3 |
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Semester A |
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Semester B |
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(Note that an additional fee may be payable for external certifications)
Learning environment
Whilst studying with us you will use the Computer Network facilities to provide practical support for the theoretical classes.
In addition the LRC has extensive journal and CD Rom facilities which together with online (VLE) access provide excellent information sources to support class based learning.
Group and project work form a key element to the programmes with the use of presentation as an assessment vehicle.
Assessment
Assessment, which occurs on all modules, is be a mixture of assignments and in-class tests.
- All assessment modules are assessed by coursework and/or short time constraint assessments (TCAs).
- Some assessments will require the employers’ feedback and input.
- As a general guide TCAs will not exceed 2 hours in duration with most being of 1 hour duration.
- Each module is graded individually with a percentage mark.
Work experience/placement opportunities
This programme requires students to either full time or part time job in business or IT related businesses. Students working a maximum of 40 hours a week could join as part-time students, where as students working maximum 20 hours a week maybe allowed to study on a full time bases. Employers are required to sign a form to commit time during the term to complete several feedback forms and questionnaires. All these forms will be outlined in the student handbook.
Project work
Work based projects form a key element to the programme.
You will undertake a project in the first year in Semester B and an advanced work based project in the final semester of the programme.
Projects would usually be specific to students’ area of interest and/or work place role.
Added value
The programme also provides students with an opportunity to gain some well recognised market certifications such as the European Computing Driving Licence, BCS certification in IT Law, and Macromedia Certification in Web Design. Additional fees may be required to obtain these certifications. The programme is also supported by a dedicated and experienced team of tutors who are well able to support and supervise you throughout the programme and in particular in your final project. Success on the programme does lead to employment although many students take the opportunity of continuing their studies by entering the placement year (third year) of our Business Information System degree programme.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Gaining a nationally recognised computing qualification
- Progressing opportunities to BSc.
- Studying a practical computing programme
- Building a great CV with many market demanded certifications
If you enjoy...
- Working with computers
- Writing computer programmes
- Working with people in a technical environment
- Working in an interesting and dynamic environment
If you want...
If the following are important to you then this Foundation Degree may suit your needs.
- Flexibility of study and stepping off points
- Gaining a wide range of knowledge and skills in an IT environment
- Re-training in a new field
- Implement your studies at work
Your future career
The Foundation Degree is a nationally recognised qualification in its own right. Many graduates would prefer to progress directly into work at this stage, typical jobs being in user support, or as junior analyst programmers.
Many others however may prefer to progress onto the UEL BSc Business Information Systems programme, where they can also gain further work experience with companies.
Others, a much smaller set, may progress further with their studies to take Post Graduate programmes at some later date.
How we support you
The programme of study has been developed to ease your transition into Higher Education. You will be able to gain the skills and techniques needed for success as you progress through the programme.
In addition to this there is a dedicated programme administrator and team where many of your questions can be answered.
Each student will have a 'personal tutor' who they may contact regarding specific (personal) matters and the Programme Team are always willing to see/talk to students on any matter.
Programme Committee meetings are also used as a vehicle by which students can raise and discuss programme related matters.
Bonus factors
Provides hands-on practical experience with minimum exams.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- be educated in the theory, technology, practice and application of information technology (IT) for business;
- understand and follow the emerging technologies for business development;
- become fully aware of technical and social implications of building computer systems;
- create appropriately designed and implemented IT based systems;
- have a learning experience relevant to the needs of future IT professionals;
- improve employability prospect by having an opportunity to get professional certifications
- gain a proper foundation for the pursuit of professional qualifications and higher degrees;
- work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
What will you learn?
(A) Knowledge
- Software and technologies used to create business information systems;
- Programming and database technologies;
- Network technology;
- Business systems development methodologies;
- Analytical and modelling techniques;
- Management of IT resources;
- Ethical and professional issues surrounding IT development
(B) Thinking skills
- Synthesise information from a variety of different sources;
- Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis and business awareness;
- Discuss the issues surrounding the integration of theory and practice;
- Plan, conduct and write an academic piece of research.
(C) Subject-Based Practical skills
- Produce and manage data resources in a variety of IT environments ;
- Analyse, design, build and deploy business IT systems using a variety of current application technologies and architectures;
- Evaluate and select appropriate technologies and tools for building business IT systems;
- Contribute/manage IT projects in an individual or development team context.
(D) Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Abstract essential information from unstructured sources to understand the technology at a sufficient level to be able to keep themselves up to date and be able to converse with Business IT professionals;
- Demonstrate research skills and make effective use of on-line and written documentation;
- Communicate effectively (written, oral and visual);
- Participate constructively in groups;
- Manage time and work to deadlines.
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 240 credits.
Typical duration
Typical duration for the programme is
- 2 years full time, 3 years part time
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June and will consist of two 15 week semesters.
- A full time student will take 3 twenty credit modules per semester.
- A part time student will take 2 twenty credit modules per semester.
What you will study when
Full time students must complete :-
- 120 credits in the first year with a work based project at the end of the first year.
- 120 credits in the second year with Advanced work based project at the end of the second year.
Part time students must complete :-
- 80 credits in the first year with a programming at the end of the first year.
- 80 credits in the second year with a work based project at the end of the second year.
- 80 credits in the third year with advanced work based project at the end of the third year.
All modules are valued at 20 credits with the exception of the Advanced Work based project which is 40 credits.
| Level | Credits | Full time (September Starter) | Full time (February Starter) | Part time (September Starter) | Part time (February Starter) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 |
Introduction to Object Oriented Systems Development |
20 |
1A |
1A |
1A |
1A |
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1 |
Web Authoring and Web Management |
20 |
1A |
1A |
2A |
1A |
|
1 |
Academic Skills for Computing |
20 |
1A |
1B |
1A |
1B |
|
1 |
Introduction to Computer Networks |
20 |
1B |
1B |
1B |
2B |
|
1 |
Introduction to Computer Systems |
20 |
1B |
1B |
1B |
1B |
|
1 |
Work based Project Workshop |
20 |
1B |
1A |
2B |
2A |
|
2 |
Internet Connectivity |
20 |
2A |
2A |
3A |
3A |
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2 |
Information Technology Planning and Infrastructure |
20 |
2A |
2A |
3A |
2A |
|
2 |
Multimedia Design and Web Development |
20 |
2A |
2B |
3B |
3B |
|
2 |
Database Systems |
20 |
2B |
2B |
2B |
3B |
|
2 |
Multimedia Design and Web Development |
20 |
2B |
2B |
3B |
3B |
|
2 |
Advanced Work based Project |
20 |
2B |
2A |
3B |
3A |
*U&EL Skills Curriculum Modules
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain a foundation degree you will need to obtain 240 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain an honour degree you will need to obtain 360 credits this involves a top up year:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level one or higher
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
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The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
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70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
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60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
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50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
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40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
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0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Participation in lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars & practical classes
- Directed reading as indicated in module handbooks/assignments
- Research activities to support tutorials & programme work
- Web based activities (UELPlus)
- Peer support groups/discussions
Thinking skills are developed through
- Preparing for seminars, tutorials and presentations.
- Analysing requirements for programme work
- Completion of continuous assessment / multiple choice tests
Practical skills are developed through
- Practical sessions based on lectures
- Completing course work (group and individual)
- Preparation for presentation
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- The Personal and Professional Development module, which runs throughout the programme
- Integration of skills in the general course work (assessed)
Assessment
Each module/assignment will identify the Assessment Criteria associated with it. In this way it can be determined if all Assessment criteria are covered for that module, and the skills coverage for the programme is adequate.
A variety of assessment techniques are used that will enable the student to develop skills and demonstrate understanding:-
- Essays
- Reports
- Employer’s feedback
- Presentations
- Demonstrations
- Case study analysis
- Systems modelling
- In-class tests
- Multiple choice tests
- Practical based, work related, activities
- Project work
- Portfolio building
- Database/web research/design/implementation tasks
- Analysis, design & implementation assignments .
Knowledge is assessed by
- Evidence of comprehension reading/research in the module being assessed
- The ability to analyse given case scenarios in tutorial/assignment work/In-class Test work
- The ability to explain, identify, discuss and synthesize ideas related to assessment material in the module being assessed.
Thinking skills are assessed by
- The ability to develop and refine solutions to meet new problem areas
- Evidence of evaluation of materials/solutions produced in the module being assessed
- The ability to transfer ideas to new and changing environment.
Practical skills are assessed by
- The ability to produce and demonstrate working solutions to database, programming networking, and computer systems based assignments.
- The ability to use appropriate case tools to produce models of analytical solutions to analysed type problems in the module being assessed.
- Evidence of logical management, and planning in project based modules.
Skills Key/Common
Are integrated and assessed in the skills module.
- Evidence of time & task management in projects
- Evidence of group activities - meetings, monitoring and other related documents.
- Presentations for communication skills.
- The production of a portfolio.
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started the University checked that:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the University's Quality Standing Committee.
Once every six years the University undertakes an in-depth review of the whole field. This is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments
- Attending assessment boards
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
- Ensuring that regulations are followed
- Providing feedback to the University through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future
- Ensuring the standard of the Programme Team is adequate
- Ensuring resources are appropriate
- Meeting students on External Examiner visits
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting 6 times year)
- One to one with members of programme team.
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
- providing details on the programme noticeboard
- email notification
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- feedback from former students (in work / on BSc)
- feedback from placement visits for students continuing education
- feedback from employers (employing our students)
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
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Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site http://www.uel.ac.uk/
- The student handbook
- Foundation Degree http://www.foundationdegree.org.uk/
- UCAS Foundation Degree page http://develop.ucas.com/FDCourseSearch/Gateway.html
- UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
