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 website links below to find out more.
Further Study
You will be able to apply for a Top-up degree. Top-up degrees are designed as direct progression from Foundation degree to achieve an Ordinary or Honours degree.
Progression would normally be onto the BSc (Hons) Software Systems Framework level H at Bournemouth University.
Alternatively, you could transfer into a related Honours degree. Entry point would depend on your grades, experience and overlap between courses but could be into the final year.
Go to the Links on the HE Home page for information on available Computing degrees at Bournemouth University (click on sub-heading 'Courses').
Institutions offering Top-ups include:
City of Bath College; Blackburn College; University of Bradford; Bradford College; University of Cumbria; Doncaster College; Havering College of Further & Higher Education; University of Hertfordshire; University of Huddersfield; Hull College;
London Metropolitan University; London South Bank University; University of Northampton; Northumbria University; Stephenson College Coalville; University of Sunderland; University of Wolverhampton.
To search for other suitable courses go to www.ucas.com (UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for the UK ). Use the university/college links for course details.
You will need to use UCAS 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? Go to the university/college website for information on course costs and finance and to www.direct.gov.uk/uni/ for additional help with student support.
With a good Honours degree (First or 2.1), you could progress onto an appropriate higher level degree to attain a Masters and/or PhD doctorate. This could be to develop your area of study to a more in-depth practical and/or academic level or to gain other specialist training.
For information on all postgraduate courses and research, go to the national online directory at www.prospects.ac.uk/links/pgstudy/ .
Go to the main section Further Study in this Guide for more information and help.
Resources
BCS The Chartered Institute for IT - drop down sub-heading 'Qualifications, Training, Careers' to click on 'Students' + 'Careers' for 'Job Profiles' 'Careers in IT Leaflets' 'Selling Yourself' ' 'Your First Job'
ETB - for Job Profiles go to 'Real life engineering'
The Sector Skills Council for Creative Media - Careers section
Go to sector sub-headings
http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/
Careers Advice Service
www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u
Jobs4U Careers Database - click on sub-heading '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 side-heading 'Careers' and choose a category or type in job title.
Graduate Prospects - online national careers service for HE students studying in the UK:
- Drop down 'Careers advice' and click on 'Use your qualification' for 'Your Foundation degree...what next?'
- Drop down 'Sectors' to go to 'IT & information services'
- Drop down 'Jobs & work' and click on 'What jobs would suit me?' to use Prospects Planner.
GTI publication for graduate jobs and careers intelligence - go to sub-headings 'Career sectors' + 'Careers advice'
Inside Careers publication - specialists in Graduate Careers
Hobsons/GTI graduate careers publication - Careers advice section
The Engineering and Technology Board - careers and news
IT Jobs Watch - tracking the IT market
e-skills UK - the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms
Go to Divisions 'Blitz Academy Career Advice' - careers guidance website for those interested in a career in games
Computer Weekly magazine
Computing magazine online
Cisco Systems (UK & Ireland)
The Institution of Engineering and Technology - go to sub-heading 'Careers & Training'
The British Interactive Media Association
The Institution of Analysts and Programmers
ISPA UK represents Internet service providers - includes list of members
Association for Consultancy and Engineering
Intellect representing the UK Technology Industry
National Computing Centre - the UK's leading IT membership organisation
The IT Job Board - a major recruitment site. Browse for range of current job titles and job descriptions.
Go to the Job Applications section of this Careers Guide for advice and help with making applications.
