In this introductory module, you’ll explore the fundamentals of computing and information technology: programming, networking and the digital world. You’ll gain practical experience using Python programming to solve problems, build webpages, and learn to test, debug and innovate your programmes like an IT professional. You’ll also explore big questions around ethics and the social challenges certain technologies pose. By the end, you’ll have built a robust toolkit of knowledge and technical skills to take forward to your career and future study.
What you will study
This module is presented in three blocks:
- ‘The digital world’ – the digital technologies that pervade our home, work and social lives;
- ‘Creating solutions’ – programming skills for creating solutions to simple problems;
- ‘Connecting people, places and things’ – the computer networks that allow us to interact with others.
Block 1 ‘The digital world’
You’ll start with your own experience of using computing and IT systems, covering a range of topics. You’ll explore how computers and networks developed; how analogue images and sounds are converted into digital formats; and how data is stored and managed in databases. You’ll also gain practical experience of constructing webpages, and consider how interfaces help us to interact with computers successfully.
Block 2 ‘Creating solutions’
You’ll develop programming and problem-solving skills as you work within a graphical programming environment to create programs involving animation, sounds, numbers and text. Since programs don’t always work the first time they are run, or don’t work as expected, you’ll also develop skills in testing and debugging your programs.
Block 3 ‘Connecting people, places and things’
You’ll be introduced to communication networks, including the structure and operation of the Internet, and wired and wireless systems. You’ll also discover how these technologies are combined with connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). The block ends with a discussion of how people interact with each other online, and also how computing and IT systems relate to modern society.
Throughout the module, you will develop your study skills, digital and information literacy skills and employability skills.
Vocational relevance
This module has particular vocational relevance for those wishing to develop a career in the computing and IT industry – providing many opportunities to demonstrate relevant technical knowledge and practical IT skills.
Entry
You’ll need to be able to use a word-processor; save and locate files; follow instructions for basic computing tasks; access websites; and download and install software. No previous programming experience is required, but you will need to have an interest in using a computer for problem solving and a desire to learn how to create programs. You should expect to spend, for the duration of the module (21 weeks), about 11 hours each week working on the module and its assessment and a further 3 hours each week on self-directed study.
You should also be able to perform simple calculations; and read, understand and write clearly in English.
Are you ready for TM111? is an interactive quiz to help you decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the module.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
Study materials
What's included
Each block is supported by a printed book. Your study will be guided from the module website, which includes your study calendar, software resources, interactive online activities, practice quizzes and media clips. You’ll communicate and work online with other students through online forums.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
- marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
Future availability
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111) starts twice a year – in April and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 and April 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2027.