University Centre at Blackburn College
Abbreviated Programme Specification Containing Both Core + Supplementary Information
The Degree consistently involves both employers in all stages of the programme delivery –including
design, delivery, assessment and review. The specific Work Based Learning Unit, the role of
employers as mentors and programme team members, and the explicit integration of work based
application at unit level throughout the programme will further extend, develop and enhance the
employer contribution to the programme.
1.Awarding institution/body:
Lancaster University
2a.Teaching institution:
Blackburn College
2b.Work-based learning:
120 hours
3a. Programme approved by:
Lancaster University
4. Final awards:
FdSc Computing
FdSc Computing(Software
Development)
GG4M
5. Programme titles:
6. UCAS code:
7. Subject benchmark statement:
Computing
8. Date of PS preparation/revision:
December 2009
9. Educational aims of the course

Develop the skills required to help fill the skills gap in business applications, networking and
computing security.

Provide a pathway to allow for the development of higher level skills

Prepare students for professional recognition

Integrate academic and vocational learning in close collaboration with employers

Provide critical insights, substantial technical skills and experiences with current networking
and business systems, methods, tools and technologies.

Equip students with personal and interpersonal as well as technical skills so as to enhance
employability and promote enterprise

Develop practice as a computing technician in business systems, computer networking and
forensic computing.

To provide the students with skills, knowledge and confidence to apply proven technologies
within the workplace.

To provide knowledge and understanding sufficient to allow students to recognise new
applications and developments and their impact on information systems or network
infrastructures in the workplace.

To provide transferable skills suitable for progression into employment and education.
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University Centre at Blackburn College

To equip students with analytical skills and evaluative techniques that can be applied within
their future employment.

To provide relevant work based skills to allow them to operate in supervisory or managerial
roles.

To provide graduates with the skills to compete within the computing and IT employment
market.

To provide a progression route to a level 6 qualification.
Knowledge and Understanding
Level 4
A1
Implement processes that support the delivery and management of systems within a specific
environment
A2
Possess an ability to engage in continuing professional development
A3
Work effectively in teams to accomplish a common goal
A4
Operate as a professional constrained by the professional, ethical, legal, security, and social
issues and responsibilities of a professional.
Level 5
A5
Apply mathematical skills appropriate to the discipline
A6
Analyse a problem, and identify and define the requirements appropriate to its solution
A7
Design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program
to meet desired needs
A8
Work with consideration for local and global impacts on individuals, organisations and
society
A9
Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for effective working practices
Subject Specific Skills – Software Development
Level 4
B10
Select appropriate computer hardware and software for given scenarios.
B11
Design, correctly implement and document solutions to computational problems.
B12
Perform basic tasks applying network principles.
Level 5
B13
Apply proper design principles to creating a relational database.
B14
Employ web technologies. Demonstrate basic level of competency in programming and
logic skills.
B15
Develop, administer, and maintain a web programming system solution.
B16
Apply the skills that are the focus of this program to software engineering scenarios.
B17
Apply fundamental principles and methods of Computer Science to a variety of
applications.
B18
Formulate and solve problems in computing.
Generic Skills
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University Centre at Blackburn College
Level 4
C1
Identify the dynamics of the workplace, to work productively with people of diverse
cultures and technical backgrounds.
C2
Interact effectively as a team member to the achievement of the team goals
C3
Managing learning by utilising resources specific to the discipline
C4
Take control and be independent learners with minimum support
C5
Communicate effectively whilst observing the conventions of the discipline
C6
Identify problems and apply theories and principles of good practice to resolve them
Level 5
C7
Evaluative and Analytical skills: an ability to critically assess and summarise arguments,
reports, documents and other written and verbal data.
C8
Data Collection and research skills: an ability to retrieve and analyse information
independently from a variety of sources
C9
Self Management of learning: an ability to employ well developed self directed study and
learning skills and organise learning in terms of employment time management skills and
the ability to work to deadlines
C10
Appraise and criticise own practice within the context of the IT industry and the rules and
regulations of professional bodies
C11
Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
C12
Analyse own strengths and weaknesses, question others opinions and develop personal
criteria and judgement
10.
Teaching Learning and Assessment Strategy
The School has an explicit Teaching, Learning and Assessment strategy, and a strategy for the
levelling of the academic challenge of its courses. (Appendix 3)
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University Centre at Blackburn College
11.
Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits, and awards
Title
FdSc Computing(Software Development)
Level 4
Level 5
Credits
Credits
120
120
FdSc Computing(Software Development)
Credits
Level
Software
Development
The Reflective Practitioner
15
4
Mandatory
Research Methods
15
4
Mandatory
Introduction to Computerised Systems
15
4
Mandatory
Programming Fundamentals
15
4
Mandatory
Database Design and Application
15
4
Mandatory
Introduction to System Modelling
15
4
Option
Web and Interface Development
15
4
Option
Logic & Implementation
15
4
Mandatory
Programming Techniques
15
4
Mandatory
Research Project
15
5
Mandatory
Multimedia Development
15
5
Mandatory
Object-based Programming
15
5
Mandatory
Project Management Principles
15
5
Mandatory
G.U.I. Design and Development
15
5
Mandatory
Internet Programming
15
5
Mandatory
Work-Based Learning
15
5
Mandatory
Advanced Programming with Object-Oriented methods
15
5
Mandatory
Module
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University Centre at Blackburn College
12.
Support for students and their learning
A week long induction programme welcoming students and introducing them to the programme of
study and study skills.
Higher Education Handbook covering general information of the UCBC and general academic
guidelines.
Course Specific Student Handbook including a comprehensive description of the modules,
information on course administration and other key information.
Library, Higher Education Study Centre and resource packages and drop in centres.
Teaching/Learning materials.
Timetabled Tutorials.
HE Learning Support tutor and access to Teaching and Learning Support Services organised centrally.
Student Services & Career tutors.
13.
Criteria for admission
Applicants will be considered individually and will normally be interviewed to determine interest and
commitment. Applicants without GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English and Mathematics will be
required to undertake an appropriate written assessment.
Historically, students with a low UCAS points score have found the technical complexities of the
programme difficult and have subsequently been unsuccessful. Therefore an entry point of 160
UCAS points has been set. This is equivalent to Merit, Pass, Pass grades achieved on National
Diploma programmes.
Criteria
In addition, any one of the following criteria should be fulfilled:

160 UCAS points (not including Key Skills) with the majority generated from directly relevant
subject areas;

Minimum GCSE grade C or equivalent in Mathematics and English

Demonstrably equivalent UK or overseas qualifications

Applicants with no formal qualifications but who demonstrate an aptitude for the relevant
field of study judged suitable after an interview and other appropriate methods of assessment
of suitability;

Applicants offering other entry qualifications may be admitted with the consent of the course
consultant.
Non Standard Admissions including APL and requests for direct entry to Level 5 will be considered on
a case by case basis in consultation with a Lancaster University Course Consultant and will be subject
to an interview and aptitude test.
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University Centre at Blackburn College
When considering whether to offer a place where a learner discloses a disability the disclosure will
not be taken into consideration. Applicants will be offered a place according to their academic
ability, aptitude, prior experience or portfolio.
An Information Sharing Interview will be arranged by Disability Services to discuss with the learner
and the Programme Leader the implications of undertaking the programme in relation to their
disability. Where it is deemed that reasonable adjustment is not feasible and or the prospective
learner will be unable to meet the requirements of the Core Academic Criteria the learner may
choose to withdraw their application or it may be necessary for UCBC to withdraw the offer of a
place or to offer alternative provision.
14.
Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching assessment, the curriculum and outcome
standards:

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Module reviews
Annual course review
Planned review and revalidation
Course review for external verifiers
Staff appraisal and action plans
Peer teaching observation
Centre Learning & Teaching Committee
Centre Quality Team
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards

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Centre Student Committee
School Student Committee
Course Team
Employer Forum
Centre Quality Group
Academic Council
Assessment & Awards Boards
Learning Teaching and Research Committee
Marketing Team
Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience.

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Centre Student Committee
School Student Committee
Evaluation of modules and course administration by the use of student questionnaires.
Academic and Information and Guidance Tutorials.
Staff Development priorities

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

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Staff are expected and supported to gain higher qualifications
Staff appraisal
In house Staff Development
Work Shadowing
All full-time staff required to attain formal teaching qualifications
Regular course team meeting and annual review and planned staff development days.
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University Centre at Blackburn College
15.
Regulation of assessment
Assessment is based on numerical marking schemes which grade work according to the standards
expected of Foundation Degree students at the end of the second year of a university 3 year
honours degree, valuing (with due allowance for the year of study) the threshold achievement
defined in the QAA Benchmark statement at 40%, the modal at 50% and that expected of an
outstanding student at 70% or more.
16.
Re-validation
Five years from date of validation.
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