Petroc

FdSc Computing

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

    • Software Engineering Principles (NDCO114)

      Whatever language they are written in, computer programs tend to use the same underlying methods to achieve their aims. This module explores the concepts of Structured Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms from a general perspective, outside of any particular programming language.

    • Computer Systems (NDCO117)

      This Module will provide a detailed knowledge of how a modern computer system works. The student will gain thorough knowledge of computer systems architecture. The student will also gain an understanding of operating systems; the need for them, the interaction between applications software and hardware.

    • Developing Graduate Skills (NDCO123B)

      This module is designed to enable students to demonstrate that they have all the qualities and transferable skills necessary for appropriate academic work and employment requiring the exercise of responsibility and decision making, including the ability to relate their professional practice to underlying theory and principles.

    • Mathematics for Computing (NDCO127)

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    • Web Design and Development (NDCO119)

      Introduction to planning, designing, creativity, reviewing, feedback, standards, assessment, improvement and refinement. Introduction to image acquisition and manipulation tools. Introduction to interactive multi-media development tools.

    • Business Enterprise (NDCO121)

      The focus of this module is the generic skills required when starting up a business or discrete business unit within a larger organisation. The module will cover a range of business start up concerns from initial business idea, researching a market, finance and legal requirements.

    • Introduction to Systems Analysis (NDCO125)

    • Human Computer Interaction (NDCO221)

      This Module presents an overview of: the need for a human perspective in the design of computer systems, the fundamental features of human cognition and behaviour, and the design of human-centred systems.

    • Information Systems Requirements Analysis (NDCO232)

      This module is intended to provide the fundamental concepts and skills essential for Information Systems requirements modelling and analysis. It will enable students to acquire, develop and apply specific object-oriented modelling techniques and specific transferable skills required by the computing professional.

    • Object Oriented Programming (NDCO233)

      This module reinforces an understanding of Object Oriented Principles by concentrating on the principles of XP Programming, Test Driven Development, Refactoring, the use of Design Patterns, & continuous integration & delivery.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Group Project (NDCO222)

      The project provides a vehicle for students to develop and demonstrate their proficiency in the design and implementation of a computing system to meet a real requirement. It also serves to develop communication and interpersonal skills within the framework of small project teams.

    • Web Based Databases (NDCO224)

      This module is designed to provide an introduction to databases, with specific emphasis on web based database applications using client-server relational database model. Basic database theory will be covered as well as types of database, database models and database design. Exploration of concepts and ideas will be reinforced by the practical application of databases.

    • Data Communications (NDCO225)

      This module is intended to introduce communication concepts.

    • Networking Theory and Practice (NDCO226)

      This module provides students with an understanding of elements of Networking theory ant the practical implementation of various aspects of networking.

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.

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 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