Careers Brief - Computing FdSc
Overview
The Foundation degree in Computing offers you the opportunity for progression onto an Honours degree programme or direct job entry.
IT graduates with good technical skills are still in demand. In recent years with new technologies, a greater diversity of job roles have become available, from the in-depth skills of the software developer to those requiring less detailed knowledge. You will need to read job descriptions when considering job opportunities, rather than rely on job title.
Although, there are opportunities for 'techie' graduates, having good people and client-facing skills would offer a greater choice of jobs. Success in your course not only provides you with technical skill training, but also you will have demonstrated the key transferable skills and competencies in demand by employers. Specifically: time management; logical, analytical problem-solving skills; effective communication (both written and verbal) and the ability to work successfully in a team.
The IT industry is constantly in a state of development with new technologies offering new solutions. You will need to be adaptable and keep up-to-date with new developments in this fast moving industry.
Use the Resources links below for industry, job profiles and how to get in.
Further Study
Top-up degrees are designed as a direct progression from Foundation degree to Ordinary or Honours degree.
Use the Links on the HE Home page to Bournemouth University School of Design, Engineering and Computing, for information on Computing Top-up degrees.
Other institutions offering related Top-up honours degrees:
Anglia Ruskin University; University of Bath; University of Bradford; Bradford College (Associate Leeds Metropolitan University); University of the West of England, Bristol; University of Central Lancashire; Stephenson College Coalville; University of Cumbria; Doncaster College; East End Computer & Business College; East Lancashire Institute of Higher Education at Blackburn College;
Glasgow Caledonian University; Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education; University of Hertfordshire; University of Huddersfield; Hull College; London Metropolitan University; London School of Science & Technology; London South Bank University; University of Northampton; Northbrook College Sussex; Northumbria University; Norwich City College of Further & Higher Education;
University of Plymouth; University of Portsmouth; Sheffield Hallam University; Southampton Solent University; Staffordshire University; University Campus Suffolk; University of Sunderland; Wigan & Leigh College; University of Wolverhampton.
Progression to the final year of a BSc (Hons) degree is possible. Entry point would depend both on your grades and overlap between courses.
To find suitable courses use www.ucas.com (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for the UK ). Use the university/college links for course details.
You will need to use UCAS (see link above) to apply for courses. Contact the Course Tutor of your chosen course to find out your position, before you make your formal application.
Find out how much this will cost you. Where is the funding coming from? Refer to the university/college website for information on course costs and to www.direct.gov.uk/uni/ for additional information on student support.
Go to the main section Further Study in this Careers Guide for more information and help.
Resources
The British Computer Society - click on 'Careers' for 'Job Profiles' 'Careers in IT Leaflets' 'Selling Yourself' 'your First Job'
www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/
Learn Direct Careers Advice
www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u
Jobs4U Careers Database - click on 'Job Families & Articles' and go to 'Computers and IT'
http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/
Careers database and links to jobs nationally. Search by either clicking on 'careers' and choose a category or type in job title.
Graduate Prospects is the careers website for HE students in the UK:
- Drop down 'Careers advice' and click on 'Use your qualification' for 'Your Foundation degree...what next?'
- Drop down 'Communities' and click on 'Engineering, science and technology'
- Drop down 'Jobs & work' and click on 'What jobs would suit me?' to use Prospects Planner.
GTI publication Graduate jobs and careers intelligence - go to 'Careers intelligence' - Sector profiles
Inside Careers publication graduate jobs and career guide
Hobsons/GTI publication Graduate Employment and Training
The Engineering and Technology Board - engineering and technology careers and news. Go to 'Engineering' - 'Job Profiles' and to 'Jobs' for 'Jobfresh - advice for job seekers'.
e-skills UK - the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms
Computer Weekly magazine
Computing magazine online
Cisco Systems (UK & Ireland)
The Institution of Engineering and Technology for electronics, electrical, manufacturing and IT professionals
The British Interactive Media Association
The Institution of Analysts and Programmers
ISPA UK represents Internet service providers - includes list of members
ACE represents the consultancy and engineering industry
Intellect On-line is the UK trade body for IT, telecom and electronics industry - see database
National Computing Centre
The IT Job Board - major recruitment site. Browse the range of job titles and job descriptions.
