Computing and Digital Technologies at B&FC

Computing is a growth sector in the North West and exciting career opportunities await those with the correct skill set, along with a high average salary and quick progression into senior roles. You'll need technical know-how, an eye for detail as well as excellent communication and problem-solving skills to succeed in this industry.

B&FC’s programmes are designed to help launch or advance your career in the IT, technical and networking industries. We’re the only college in the country whose BSc (Hons) Computing degrees are accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS) and our BCs (hons) Digital Technology Solutions is gold accredited through TechSkills. Gold programmes integrate industry-relevant academic learning with the technical, business and interpersonal skills new recruits need to excel in digital careers. We’re also a CISCO Academy so our programmes automatically lead to CCNA certification.

Computing and Digital Technologies programmes

School Leavers Degree-Level Courses Apprenticeships For Business Adults

Careers

Locally, the Computing sector is continuing to gain momentum with cities such as Liverpool and Manchester home to an increasing number of technology companies. These include relatively new start-ups as well as tech giants such as Google.

The career opportunities in this field are vast, and with the correct skill set you can expect a high average salary and quick progression into senior or even consulting roles.

Most popular career routes:

£36,500

Average annual wage in this sector

140,000

Number of jobs in the North West

What our staff and students say

“This programme is great because it covers all the different areas and we do real work-based projects so you learn what to expect in employment. Computing is my passion and I want to stay on and do a degree here, partly because it’s close to home but also because I’ve already got that connection with the tutors.”

Emily Taylor, IT - Level 3

The facilities at B&FC allow projects to be worked on to a professional standard, with an example being the green screens and lighting available for video making. The teachers and tutors at B&FC ensure lessons are engaging and fun, but are also on hand to provide informative and helpful guidance.

Declan Tate, Interactive Media Development BSc (Hons)

“I love working as part of a highly qualified team; we offer students fantastic learning opportunities, which are engaging, challenging and creative. I particularly like helping and guiding students through their educational journey, seeing them transform and become ready to advance their careers.”

Colette Mazzola, Senior Tutor Computing

Why choose B&FC?

Getting Here

With our FREE 24/7 Blackpool Transport travel pass, eligible students* get unlimited use of any Blackpool Transport bus or Tram. We also offer help with long-distance travel costs.

Personalised Learning

Your own personal progress tutor will help you to settle in, keep you informed about upcoming events and provide ongoing support and guidance. We also offer confidential counselling.

Money Matters

We offer a FREE healthy breakfast for everyone. You could also get up to £1200 worth of funding and FREE meals if you're in care or receiving certain benefits.

Learning Support

If you have a disability (including a specific learning or mental health difficulty) we will help you to access the support needed to manage your studies as independently as possible.

Food and Drink

From smoothies to sub rolls, we offer a wide range of low-cost food and drink plus a FREE healthy breakfast for everyone and FREE meals for eligible students*.

*Eligibility applies - see blackpool.ac.uk/support/funding for details

Career Planning

Our free careers service includes expert advice and resources to help with making career choices, applying to university and coaching to get you ready for employment.

Expert Tutors

Our tutors are specialists in their subjects and help you develop the skills you need to be successful. They regularly spend time in industry to keep their knowledge and experience up-to-date.

Students' Union

Our Students' Union runs a variety of clubs, societies and events, all aimed at giving you the best student experience possible. You could also get involved as a rep or elected officer.

Sports

Sports are big at B&FC and there are lots of fitness activites and College teams for you to join, facilitated through our all-weather pitch, sports hall and fitness suite-inspirations.

Work experience opportunities

B&FC works with a wide range of leading companies, offering specific industry placements that offer valuable sector experience. Opportunities range from working on live projects at game development companies to building user interfaces for successful software development businesses.

“The College is one of the top performing colleges in the country. Facilities and equipment are state-of-the art and there is constant reinvestment and constant looking to the future. We’re proud of the history of the College but also its belief that tomorrow is more important than the past.”

Blackpool Council

“Partnering with B&FC has been a great experience. We gain eager students who are willing to learn and expand their knowledge and skills within their given subjects of study, which help our company as a whole to grow.”

Yellowphin - Web Design and Development

"It’s been a pleasure to work with Blackpool and The Fylde College. We have just taken on our fifth apprentice and each time the process has been seamless and has supported our business activity. On every occasion we have been presented with an array of high calibre candidates to come and work here at Direct Digital.”

Direct Digital

Industry-standard facilities

We’re constantly investing in our facilities to provide a first-rate learning environment with cutting-edge resources.

Our networking labs are fully resourced with Cisco certified equipment and relevant subjects are taught by certified instructors.

Specialist software used in website and game development is industry standard and supported by a range of teaching resources.

Prepare for the future with a range of virtual and augmented reality devices, used to develop fully immersive games.

Student experience

Make your mark

In 2018, B&FC students developed virtual and augmented reality software applications which are now being used in industry.

Straight into employment

More than 80% of our 2018 Computing graduates had obtained networking jobs before leaving College – the remainder all had interviews lined up.

Among the best in the UK

Six computing students were recently invited to present their work at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research, alongside some of the UK’s most prestigious universities.