Start semester

If you read this, you are probably in the start semester already as you have started your studies at Fontys ICT. In the start semester, you will explore the fundamentals of ICT while engaging in real-life project-based learning. The focus is on orientation within the ICT field, allowing you to gain insight into different topics. 

Through hands-on activities, you will develop professional skills essential for ICT professionals, such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and project organisation. You will also learn how to create professional IT products, including analysis documents, software solutions, technical documentation, and system designs. 

An essential component of this semester is personal leadership, where you take charge of your learning journey, reflect on feedback, and make informed choices for your next semester. The learning environment is interactive, with close collaboration between students and teachers in the Open ICT Lab (OIL), where you will engage in workshops, projects, and self-study. 

By the end of the semester, you will have a clear understanding of the ICT field, identify your interests, and chosen a pathway for Semester 2. You will also have a portfolio demonstrating your skills and learning outcomes, which will be assessed for final grading. 

Throughout the semester, you will work on a series of projects designed to develop your ICT skills and knowledge. 

• Project 1 (Weeks 1-4): An individual project with a fixed context to introduce you to problem-solving and IT product development. 
• Project 2 (Weeks 5-8): Another individual project, where you choose from two predefined options or a selfcomposed project 
• Projects 3 & 4 (Weeks 9-13): Two parallel projects; one is individual, while the other is a group project (teams of six). You will select different projects from the list to expand your knowledge. 
• Project 5 (Weeks 14-18): A final group project, where you apply all acquired skills in a collaborative, real-world scenario. At the end of week 18 you will present your final solution in the "this is IT" event. 

This semester serves as the starting point for students entering the ICT bachelor programme as well as the ICT associate degree programme. During the start semester you make your final choice to continue either in the bachelor of ICT (4 years) or the associate degree (2 years).

If you continue in the bachelor, you have an open choice to do any of the introduction semesters offered in semester 2.

If you continue in the associate degree, you have selected one professional job profile. This job profile determines your study route in the upcoming semesters.

Additionally, bachelor students can opt for an accelerated programme. Information about this will be shared during the semester.