Highlands College

FdSc Digital Technologies

We are the higher education college of the States of Jersey; all of our foundation and honours degrees are developed with industry professionals from a range of sectors. Take advantage of our work-based learning philosophy and get a head start in your career.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    HIGH1308
    Professional Preparation and Personal Development

    The aim of the module is for learners to develop their professional skills that will assist them in gaining employment and career development. Learners will have the opportunity to attend skills workshops based around CV development and interview skills. They will also produce a development plan that they will be put into action during their work-based learning placement or simulated project with a local business.

    HIGH1309
    Programming Principles and Techniques

    The aim of the module is to introduce learners to event-driven programming and how it is best used in practice. Learners will create a range of small programs that perform specific business-related tasks. Learners will then be provided with a problem that will require them to select appropriate methods to implement a suitable solution and ensure that the solution has been tested thoroughly.

    HIGH1313
    Gamification

    The aim of the module is for learners to understand how gamification influences various disciplines and is used to improve experiences for users. Learners will be expected to understand how different strategies can be implemented and make use of these strategies in the development of their own gamification solution for a business process.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    HIGH1310
    Security

    Security is paramount within the interconnected world, helping to safeguard individuals and organisations against cyber threats, data breaches, and loss. Learners will explore various threats and risks organisations are susceptible to, as well as understanding how to prevent them. Security frameworks, legislation and policies are all fundamental in ensuring consistency.

    HIGH1311
    Computer Networks

    The aim of the module is for learners to understand our reliance on computer networks and the impact they have on our daily lives. Knowledge of various hardware, connection mediums, software, and services, are essential for designing efficient network solutions. Implementing, configuring, and testing are fundamental for ensuring that networks implemented are functional and meet the expected requirements and designs.

    HIGH1312
    Web and Database Technologies

    The aim of the module is for learners to learn and understand databases and their integration with web technologies. Learners will be expected to create their own relational database and integrate with their web solution. Students must ensure that their solution is comprehensively tested against a detailed plan that they have created.

  • Year 3

  • Core modules

    HIGH2308
    Work-Based Learning: Self Development and Industry

    The aim of the module is for learners to build on the personal development from the first year. Learners will review the feedback from last year and devise a new development plan to be utilised in their next placement/project. To better inform future development, learners will research industry, focusing on business processes and different level decisions and how these relate to associated industry positions.

    HIGH2309
    Research Methods Project

    Students will develop practical research skills, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students will be provided with an overarching digital technologies theme that they will then devise a suitable research proposal. Students will complete research projects that have the potential for impact in their respective fields, equipping them with valuable research experience and a deep understanding of research in action.

    HIGH2310
    Cloud Computing

    Cloud computing is central to most organisations and its various uses are replacing existing business systems. Computing specialisms all have a cloud element and employers are increasingly requiring a level of cloud understanding. Learners are expected to be able to analyse a computing problem and plan and develop a cloud solution that incorporates clear security measures and justify future improvements.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    HIGH2311
    Emerging Technologies

    Emerging technologies have the potential to provide great benefits to society and improve present solutions. Emerging technologies are often touted as having the potential to revolutionise computing practices, but it is the small local improvements that are keenly felt by users. Learners will research emerging technologies and look to specialise in one area as they work towards a particular technological solution.

    Optional modules

    HIGH2312
    Internet of Things (IoT)

    We live in a world of billions of connected things. Smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and next generation networks are here. Learners will explore current trends throughout the IoT industry and understand how they are being supported with new and existing technologies. Learners will plan, design, and implement their own IoT solution to solve a problem they deem necessary.

    HIGH2313
    Cyber Security

    As society becomes increasingly reliant on interconnected systems and digital platforms, the need for cybersecurity expertise has never been more crucial. This module explores the current threat landscape and types of attacks we are facing as well as how to protect against them. Learners will delve into social engineering, network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and security operations.

    HIGH2314
    Game Asset Management

    The aim of the module is for learners to develop a detailed Game Design Document and game world assets. Learners will need to study the key components of a successful design document before creating their own document. Using this document, learners will develop original assets using a range of different tools and techniques. Learners will need to evaluate their completed assets against their original planned design.

    HIGH2315
    Games Development

    The aim of the module is for learners to understand the various game engines that are used in the development of video games and the different reasons that they are preferred choices. Learners will develop a functional game using the assets and Game Design Document that they have developed in the HIGH2314 module. Learners will need to test their final game and make changes that enhance the usability of the game.

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. 

Our partnership with Highlands College

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 Highlands College to apply for this course:

Highlands College, Jersey
P.O. Box 1000
St. Saviour
JE4 9QA

Tel: +441534608608
Email: reception@highlands.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.

Plymouth students working on a group project