Foundation Degree Software Development (FdSc) – 2 years

This programme is approved through, and forms part of, the University of Derby’s School of Computing and Engineering.

The two-year Foundation Degree reviews all aspects of software design.

The programme is delivered by experienced Higher Education lecturers who have had careers within the Digital and IT sector and who can relate this topic using a diverse range of scenarios.

Although you may only be in classes on two or three days per week, there is an expectation that you will spend the equivalent of a further three days in independent study and undertake a period of mandatory employer engagement to support your studies.

This may involve you being invited in on non-timetabled days or working with employers during weekends to fulfil some elements of the course. Please note that classes can take place over traditional half-term holidays that fall within the identified semester weeks.

The course is regulated by the OfS and the qualification is awarded by the University of Derby.

All students have access to the UDO online platform, the Derby College Group Learning Resources Centre, the University of Derby library, and the College’s Moodle pages. 

All applicants will be invited to complete an online interview or site visit at which interviews will take place to discuss their qualifications, experience and any other related topics.

You should have one of the following:

• 48 UCAS points, with at least 32 preferably coming from a related subject (e.g. ICT or Computer Sciences)
• Access to HE qualifications

You will also need:

• GCSE English at grades 9-4 (A*- C)
• An appropriate competency in maths for higher level study

We also welcome applicants who lack institutional qualifications. All such applicants will be interviewed and may be set an appropriate piece of work upon which a judgement will be made, taking into account their academic potential and relevant experience.

All applicants are subject to approval from the University of Derby. 

You will need to be aged 18 or over at the beginning of the course.

Modules:

Year 1: There are six modules. These are split over two 12-week semesters. You will complete three in the first semester and three in the second semester.

Year 2: There are six modules. These are split over two 12-week semesters. You will complete three in the first semester and three in the second semester.

You will be expected to undertake a relevant work placement or meaningful employer engagement each academic year.

You will learn on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre. Your studies are likely to be timetabled over three days, with independent study and research expected across the rest of the week.

Attendance is expected to be no lower that 90%. This is linked to Student Finance England maintenance loans which will be put at risk if you drop below this level.

The core higher education academic year will be for a duration of 33 weeks for the purposes of maintenance loans. You will receive a proportion of this time as direct delivery, with any additional time – as deemed appropriate by the programme team and the awarding body – for activities such as induction, tutorials, research, directed study and reading weeks.  The direct delivery time for this course will be 30 weeks.

Course fees are £7000 per year.

It is advisable that you have access to your own laptop for research and assignment writing. 

Additional trips and visits are usually provided as part of your study programme. However, there may be social or team building opportunities which would incur additional costs. As a University of Derby affiliate, you would be able to access the same events and activities that are offered to Higher Education students there.

You will be assessed using a variety of methods which may include practical and theory exams, reports and assignments, presentations and project work. The assessment methods are designed to review your understanding and knowledge relevant to the sector.

The Foundation Degree provides the perfect progression platform for further study on a Top Up Degree.

You may also wish to progress to employment within the sector as a software developer. 

This qualification is awarded by the University of Derby. www.derby.ac.uk

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk