Skip to content

Computing (Foundation)

Course Code: FDC
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Foundation Diploma
  • Awarding body: Pearson
  • Duration: 35 weeks
  • Course type: Full-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: 16 hours per week, days to be confirmed
Apply now Career Coach

What's it all about?

Have you got a passion for code? Interested in the world of Cyber Security? Fancy working with AI, Robotics or technology that is yet to be invented?

This Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in IT is the right choice for you and offers the perfect stepping stone into the industry. It’s a diverse and interesting foundation to all things computing and will help you to take the next steps into work or higher level study.

Upon successful completion of your Foundation Diploma, you will be able to enrol on a full Extended Diploma equivalent to 3 A Levels providing access to our suite of Foundation Degrees or Apprenticeships in IT Solutions, Software Development or Cyber Security.

Course information

In the first year, you’ll gain an understanding of a range of areas of computing including:

  • principles of computer science
  • fundamentals of computer systems
  • planning and management of computing projects
  • software design and development projects.

In our experience in order to be successful on this level of course you will need one of the following: 

  • four to five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) (including English and maths) 
  • an intermediate GNVQ in a related subject 
  • a BTEC first diploma in a related subject 
  • an NVQ Level 2/technical certificate in a related subject 
  • successful completion of an Apprenticeship course 
  • equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

Internal Assessment by portfolio of evidence and four exams over the two year programme. 

You could progress onto our foundation degrees in software development, computer systems or cyber security. The course is also a suitable progression route onto a wide range of computing Apprenticeships. 

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

IT Business Analysts, Architects and Systems Designers

£77,032.25

Potential salary

£27,362.18

Entry level salary

£46,659.99

Average salary

12

Annual openings in Plymouth

View career details

Related courses

Principles of Cyber Security

  • Level: 2
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Awarding body: Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE)
  • Duration: Seven weeks
  • Course type: Distance learning

Coding Practices

  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Awarding body: Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE)
  • Duration: Seven weeks
  • Course type: Distance learning

Understanding Coding

  • Level: 2
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Awarding body: Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE)
  • Duration: Seven weeks
  • Course type: Distance learning
View all courses

Book an open day and come visit us!

Come and visit us on one of our college open days, where you can find out more about our courses, check out our facilities and speak to current students and staff.

Book an open day