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Computing

Course details
  • FD
  • 2 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Yeovil College University Centre
Awarded by:
The Open University

Course summary

Foundation Degree in Computing, awarded by the Open University and regulated by the Office for Students.

This Foundation Degree (FD) Computing covers theoretical concepts and vocational skills that are required in the IT industry and has been developed to equip learners with the specialist knowledge and skills to make them competitive and employable in the job market. The core aims of the program are focused on the development of foundational computing expertise in order to provide students with a deep understanding of fundamental computing principles.

Yeovil College University Centre's Computing department boasts a range of modernised IT infrastructure, including updated classroom equipment, high-spec gaming room and a modernised IT lab / workshop that is equipped with servers, storage area network, and virtualised environment for students’ lab activities.

This course is available on both a full-time and a part-time basis and is taught in-person at our Yeovil College campus. The full-time course is studied over 2 academic years, and students are typically timetabled for two days per week. The part-time course is studied over 4 academic years, and students are typically timetabled for one day per week.

This course would prepare students well to progress into 'top-up' study at Level 6, such as the BSc (Hons) Computing degree offered at Yeovil College University Centre. Upon successful completion, students may also wish to seek employment within the IT / Computing sector, in a technical role in an area such as software development, network management, or database management.

Modules

You will study a range of units that will develop your specialist knowledge and skills, totalling 120 Credits (or 'CATS') at Level 4, and 120 at Level 5. Modules currently offered include:

Level 4

  • Project Management (30 CATS)
  • Software Development (15 CATS)
  • Networking Fundamentals (30 CATS)
  • Relational Database Development (15 CATS)
  • Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (15 CATS)
  • Computer Architecture (15 CATS)

Level 5

  • Research Project (30 CATS)
  • Machine Learning and Ethics (30 CATS)
  • Systems Analysis (30 CATS)
  • Software Architecture (15 CATS)
  • Digital Technologies (15 CATS)

Please be aware that modules studied may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline or in response to student and stakeholder feedback. Students can always find the most up-to-date information about their modules and who is teaching them in the course handbook.

Assessment method

An assessment schedule, outlining all assessments and deadlines, will be issued to you at the start of each academic year. The programme uses different types of formative assessments to test and prepare learners for the summative (graded) assessments. You will be assessed using a range of methods including essays, presentations, assignments, time-controlled assessments, and practical demonstrations. Feedback will be provided to you in writing, along with information reflecting your performance and recommendations for improvement.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
FDCO
Institution code:
Y25
Campus name:
Yeovil College University Centre
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 points

A level

48 UCAS tariff points in a related subject area from two A levels

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

48 UCAS tariff points from BTEC Level 3 Diplomas

Access to HE Diploma

48 UCAS tariff points from an Access to HE Diploma

Scottish Higher

48 UCAS tariff points from from Scottish Higher

Applicants who already hold a relevant Level 4 qualification (such as a HNC or CertHE in a relevant Computing discipline) can be considered for direct entry at the start of Level 5 of the programme.

Mature Applicants: We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over as of 1st September in the academic year of admission) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants. Mature students requesting contextual admission are required to provide details of their relevant prior work or study experience, and to also undertake a pre-entry admissions assessment to ensure there is suitable grounds to suggest they are academically ready to begin the programme and there is a reasonable expectation that they will succeed in their studies. Please email university.centre@yeovil.ac.uk to find out more.

Interviews: As part of the admissions process, applicants who meet the entry criteria for the course will be invited to attend an admissions interview with a member of staff from the course they are applying to.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

International applicants will be required to evidence English language skills - this could be an IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component, a grade 4 in GCSE English (or equivalent), or having recently completed a Level 3 qualification taught and assessed in the English language. For more information, please get in touch via university.centre@yeovil.ac.uk or call 01935 845454.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

More information about our admissions process and contextual offers can be found on the course listing on our website.

Learn more on the Yeovil College University Centre website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£7560*Year 1
Northern Ireland£7560*Year 1
Scotland£7560*Year 1
Wales£7560*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please be aware that the fee amounts listed here are subject to an approval decision by the OfS about our Access and Participation Plan. For full information about tuition fees please see the 'YCUC Fees' and 'YCUC HE Fees Policy', both available in the 'Policies and Reports' area of our website. Please also be aware that fees are payable each year of the programme.

Additional Costs: Throughout the course there are opportunities to undertake trips and visits to industry exposition events and trade shows. Whilst these are not mandatory, they will enrich the learning experience. Students would be expected to fund their own travel to and from such events.

In addition, it is of significant benefit if students have access to a device (ideally a laptop) of a high enough specification to run virtual machines, network simulators, and IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). This will allow students to install and configure software directly and will support in their undertaking of assignment work. Students are welcome to discuss device specifications in more detail at interview, or can contact the University Centre office who will put them in touch with the curriculum team.

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