Computational Thinking and Software Development (MAP)

This course is part of the Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP) that enables learners to study modules from a Higher Technical Qualification. More information on the MAP programme can be found here.

This module covers the basic mathematical concepts that underpin much of computing practice. Students develop the ability to solve problems algorithmically. It is designed to be a practitioner’s guide, emphasising the practical application and implications of the theory. Procedural, object oriented, and event-driven paradigms are studied and applied to create a program to carry out an operation. Students will implement and debug applications. The process of developing an application using the software lifecycle will be explored – comparing and contrasting the various approaches. 

Delivery will be face-to-face and consist of a mixture of lectures, practical workshops and skills-lab sessions. Course delivery and assessment will run over 2 days per week, each 4.5 hours timetabled sessions, for 10 weeks. 

The module will comprise two 20 credit units from our HNC Applied Computing which is validated by the University of Plymouth.  

The component modules are: 

• EXCE1157 Computational Thinking
• EXCE1161 Software Development

There will be 4 assessments in total. A test, a written report on computational theory, the production of a programming product and a report. The assessments will be those used for full time learners studying the corresponding module. 

If learners fail any assessment, they will have the opportunity to resit over the summer referral period which finishes mid-August 2025. 

*Free tuition fees, with nothing for the student to pay. However the funding accessed for MAP will reduce the amount remaining in a future Lifelong Learning Entitlement account. 

You will need 64 UCAS tariff points. GCSE Maths and English is required at grade C (or 4) or above (or equivalent O Level). 

Learners will be dual registered with the University of Plymouth as the validating University. This will permit learners access to further online resources to support learning. You will have access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) with a range of books and journals including many available electronically. Additionally, there is a suite of computers that can be booked to carry out individual work and research. You will also benefit from the faculty’s IT lab facilities, with technical support on hand. The IT Lab allows students to investigate the workings of modern PCs and networks in an accessible, controlled environment. There are multiple food outlets on the Hele Road site that sell refreshments and light snacks. 

A reading list will be provided and there will be a number of recommended textbooks that you are encouraged to purchase. Some of these texts will be available through our Learning Resource Centre, both in print and electronically. The College provides every student with free access to Office 365 and associated OneDrive storage. In addition, students have access to Microsoft Imagine software resources, e.g. operating systems, development tools at no additional cost. Students may freely access vendor specific learning resources, e.g. Microsoft Technical Associate (MTA) and sit related certifications exams at a reduced price. Throughout the course students are encouraged to participate in educational visits which may be separately priced.