Petroc

FdSc Computing

Institution code P51
Duration

3 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location Petroc (Barnstaple: Brannams) and (Tiverton: Mid-Devon)

Petroc is one of the largest colleges in Devon and is committed to driving forward educational success in further and higher education. 

We are passionate about raising the aspirations, knowledge and skills of individuals, and year after year our students produce exceptional results, enabling them to progress further in training or employment. 

Petroc has been delivering a range of degree-level courses for over 30 years and is proud to be able to provide a wide variety of programmes (from HNCs and Foundation Degrees to Higher Apprenticeships and Honours Degrees) in subject areas including education, computing, science, engineering, and health and care. 

Petroc has three campuses situated across North and Mid Devon with modern and stimulating learning environments. We also offer small classes, extensive student support and exceptional links to local industry. 

Visit the Petroc website to find out how we can help you go further in life.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    PETR1120
    Academic and Professional Skills

    Technical expertise is important but good communication skills enable this to be effective in the workplace. Furthermore, the field of computing develops very quickly, so flexibility and good research skills are required. In addition, the effects of computing are wide-ranging, so there needs to be awareness of social and environmental issues.

    PETR1121
    Fundamental Concepts in Computing

    This module covers the fundamental mathematical and computing concepts and principles, which inform the development of hardware and software. This brings a deeper understanding, which supports an appreciation of the complexity of the problem and the elegance of many of the solutions. This module complements the Software Development module where these skills are applied in practice.

    PETR1123
    Software Development

    Programming is an intellectual and a practical skill. This module will introduce programming concepts with no prior knowledge assumed, and progress towards more complex techniques. Professional development tools will be used throughout.

    PETR1125
    Security Fundamentals

    To gain an understanding of current security issues and how these must be considered within an organisation. Provide an introduction to the main principles of security for IT and networked systems. Key areas of security are introduced in order to gain an understanding of how organisations guard against security threats.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    PETR1122
    Web Design and Development

    In this module students will develop professional front-end web development skills which take account of accessibility and responsiveness. The technologies and tools to deliver high quality user experience are changing rapidly and this module provides experience of core languages. Students will be encouraged to make use of online tutorials to learn new skills and reflect on the learning experience.

    PETR2164
    Mobile Applications and User Experience

    Many services are delivered on a mobile platform and this module covers the principle tools and technologies used to implement mobile apps. In addition, guidelines for visual screen design and interactivity will be introduced and implemented within this module. Students will build on programming and web development skills to produce a simple mobile application.

    PETR1124
    Operating Systems and Networking

    Operating systems and networks provide the infrastructure on which computing services are built. This module covers the theoretical structures which underpin operating systems and network services and also gives practical experience of implementing the core features of a network.

    PETR2168
    Emerging Technologies

    This module will give an introduction to a range of emerging technologies and provide students with the opportunity to experiment with practical examples.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    PETR2163
    Group Project

    A real-life project will be selected giving experience of following current approaches to managing the processes of design, implementation and testing. Students can work as individuals in a work setting or in a small group.

    PETR2165
    Enterprise Networks and Cloud Services

    This module covers a broad range of networking terminology and concepts and explores wired and wireless network components in the context of a complex computer network. Theoretical and practical skills will be taught and elements of network security and cloud-based services will be introduced.

    PETR2166
    Object Orientated Programming

    This module builds on the programming principles from the software development modules at stage 4. Further techniques of object-oriented programming, design patterns and data structures are linked to previous learning.

    PETR2167
    Database Applications Development

    This module develops a sound understanding of how client server applications are developed and how an application interacts with stored data.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with Petroc
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact Petroc to apply for this course:

Petroc
Old Sticklepath Hill
Barnstaple
EX31 2BQ

Tel: +441271345291
Email: postbox@petroc.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Petroc

With main campuses in Barnstaple, Tiverton and Brannams, if you decide to study at the combined college, you’ll be able to take advantage of increased resources and the plethora of learning opportunities associated with them.
Plymouth students working on a group project