Computing - Foundation Degree
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
3 Years
Start & End Date
14 September 2026
1 June 2029
Location
Ballymena
Interview Required
Yes
The Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Computing is validated by Ulster University and has been designed in partnership with the University and local industry to meet the needs of the student and the industry. It prepares students to progress directly into employment in Computing and it provides suitably skilled employees to serve the needs of industry and the local economy. It also provides students with the knowledge and skills to progress to further study at honours degree level at university.
The broad aims of the Foundation Degree in Computing are:
Modules on the course cover general computing subjects to give students the skills and expertise to seek employment in the field of computing and software development. This includes skill areas such as software design and development, database development, web development and cyber security. The course also develops skills in the mobile application development and web-based technologies.
About this course
This course was revalidated by Ulster University in 2019.
In year 1 you gain an overview of the main computing areas, this includes:
In year 2 you study four modules, with a Work-Based Learning placement in Semester 2:
The course includes a work placement in industry, successful completion of which is mandatory. This will take place in an appropriate computing environment where theoretical skills will be enhanced with practical experience.
There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.
The programme was re-validated by Ulster University (2019) and was commended for its forward-thinking approach in presenting students with a coherent and challenging programme of study. A wide range of computing languages are studied to develop students in several employable areas. Programming language modules are designed to develop students deeper in their knowledge of programming concepts and this is underpinned with current academic teaching and industry application.
To facilitate students learning in their own time, students are entitled to free Microsoft software for use at home via the Microsoft Imagine programme. This includes Software Development, Web Development, the latest Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office. HLA students will also have free access to LinkedIn Learning courses.
Additionally, students will also work towards Professional Qualifications from the Microsoft Office Specialist programme and optionally may undertake Microsoft Technology Associate Certification.
This course is validated by Ulster University.
The modules are assessed with a challenging blend of examinations and coursework. The course provides a fantastic opportunity to enter the exciting and well-paid IT industry, both locally and worldwide.
Many assessments in the course are structured on real-life industry scenarios that students will face in their future careers. There are opportunities to meet software professionals, regular industrial visits and guest speakers. An additional module to enhance your employability is also included as part of the programme. This programme of study is likely to include enrichment components which are aimed at enhancing your employability.
Students will have the option, subject to satisfactory performance published by the University, to progress to Year 2 of degrees in Computing Science or Software Engineering at Ulster University. Students may also apply for undergraduate degrees in other universities.
Through the Work Based Learning placement, our students have worked with strong local and international companies which in many instances has resulted in offers of employment, paid part-time study and the commencement of successful careers.
To be eligible to apply for this programme, applicants must have a suitable Level 3 qualification, for example a BTEC National Diploma or Certificate or a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, or GCE A-levels. Applicants should have a minimum of 56 UCAS tariff points, but entry requirements may be enhanced depending on demand and other factors. Such enhancements may result in preference given to those applicants with additional Level 3 computing-related subjects.
Applicants must also have at least 4 GCSE grades at C or above to include English (or an equivalent University-approved qualification such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication) and Mathematics. Applicants with a National or Extended Diploma (or other relevant qualification) in subjects other than Computing are also eligible to apply.
Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.
Final selection will be by interview.
| Year | Fee | Reduced Fee* |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £1269 | £725 |
| Year 2 | £1269 | £725 |
| Year 3 | £1269 | £725 |
| Total |
*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer, you must upload an approved Employer Consent Form to the online admissions portal.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
The Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Computing is validated by Ulster University and has been designed in partnership with the University and local industry to meet the needs of the student and the industry. It prepares students to progress directly into employment in Computing and it provides suitably skilled employees to serve the needs of industry and the local economy. It also provides students with the knowledge and skills to progress to further study at honours degree level at university.
The broad aims of the Foundation Degree in Computing are:
The programme was re-validated by Ulster University (2019) and was commended for its forward-thinking approach in presenting students with a coherent and challenging programme of study. A wide range of computing languages are studied to develop students in several employable areas. Programming language modules are designed to develop students deeper in their knowledge of programming concepts and this is underpinned with current academic teaching and industry application.
To facilitate students learning in their own time, students are entitled to free Microsoft software for use at home via the Microsoft Imagine programme. This includes Software Development, Web Development, the latest Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office. HLA students will also have free access to LinkedIn Learning courses.
Additionally, students will also work towards Professional Qualifications from the Microsoft Office Specialist programme and optionally may undertake Microsoft Technology Associate Certification.
This course is validated by Ulster University.
The modules are assessed with a challenging blend of examinations and coursework. The course provides a fantastic opportunity to enter the exciting and well-paid IT industry, both locally and worldwide.
Many assessments in the course are structured on real-life industry scenarios that students will face in their future careers. There are opportunities to meet software professionals, regular industrial visits and guest speakers. An additional module to enhance your employability is also included as part of the programme. This programme of study is likely to include enrichment components which are aimed at enhancing your employability.
Modules on the course cover general computing subjects to give students the skills and expertise to seek employment in the field of computing and software development. This includes skill areas such as software design and development, database development, web development and cyber security. The course also develops skills in the mobile application development and web-based technologies.
About this course
This course was revalidated by Ulster University in 2019.
In year 1 you gain an overview of the main computing areas, this includes:
In year 2 you study four modules, with a Work-Based Learning placement in Semester 2:
The course includes a work placement in industry, successful completion of which is mandatory. This will take place in an appropriate computing environment where theoretical skills will be enhanced with practical experience.
There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.
Students will have the option, subject to satisfactory performance published by the University, to progress to Year 2 of degrees in Computing Science or Software Engineering at Ulster University. Students may also apply for undergraduate degrees in other universities.
Through the Work Based Learning placement, our students have worked with strong local and international companies which in many instances has resulted in offers of employment, paid part-time study and the commencement of successful careers.
To be eligible to apply for this programme, applicants must have a suitable Level 3 qualification, for example a BTEC National Diploma or Certificate or a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, or GCE A-levels. Applicants should have a minimum of 56 UCAS tariff points, but entry requirements may be enhanced depending on demand and other factors. Such enhancements may result in preference given to those applicants with additional Level 3 computing-related subjects.
Applicants must also have at least 4 GCSE grades at C or above to include English (or an equivalent University-approved qualification such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication) and Mathematics. Applicants with a National or Extended Diploma (or other relevant qualification) in subjects other than Computing are also eligible to apply.
Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.
Final selection will be by interview.
Course Fees
| Year | Fee | Reduced Fee* |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £1269 | £725 |
| Year 2 | £1269 | £725 |
| Year 3 | £1269 | £725 |
| Total |
*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer, you must upload an approved Employer Consent Form to the online admissions portal.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.