Foundation Degree Complete

Back in June I officially completed the second year of my studies and graduated with a Foundation Degree of Science in Software Engineering (Game Development) from Blackpool and The Fylde College, validated by Lancaster University. 

At the time, graduation felt like the end of an important chapter. But now that my certificate has arrived, it feels as though the achievement has really been stamped and sealed. Holding it in my hands, and seeing it with Distinction written, is a reminder of the work, effort, and persistence that went into the past two years. 

This foundation degree has been more than just assignments and exams. It’s been about growing in confidence, adapting to new technologies, and discovering where my real interests lie. From games programming to databases, I’ve found areas I’m eager to explore further as I move into the next stage of my degree. 

Although I’m already looking ahead to completing my BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering at Lancaster University in 2026, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge this milestone properly. The certificate might just be a piece of paper, but it represents the journey so far, the challenges, the lessons, and the successes.

 

Completing CS50’s Introduction to Databases with SQL

At the end of May, just after finishing my university semester, I wanted to keep learning and stay active. After a small SQL project intended as a refresher (which I may post about later), I decided to push myself further by starting CS50’s Introduction to Databases with SQL. From early June to early July, I worked through the course and completed it, my first big step in strengthening my database skills in a structured way.

Unlike a one-off tutorial, CS50 gave me a steady routine of SQL practice over several weeks. That consistency helped turn what I’d learned previously into habits I could build on.

Why I Took It

• I wanted a structured way to reinforce the basics I’d started exploring on my own.
• I learn best by doing, so the problem sets gave me a steady rhythm of practice.
• I wanted a recognised milestone I could include in my portfolio and CV.

How I Studied

• I set aside small blocks of time most days rather than long weekend sessions.
• I kept simple notes as I went, just enough to remind myself of the “why,” not just the “how.”
• When I got stuck, I rebuilt small examples from scratch until the concepts felt natural.

Final Project

The course ends with a small project. For mine, I created an enhanced version of my Caves & Creatures database — this time improving schema design, constraints, and more structured queries than in my first attempt.

If you’d like to see any of the exercises or projects, I’ve uploaded them here: github.com/deancoles/CS50_SQL.

What I Learned

• Foundations that stick - setting up the right keys and constraints early makes later queries much easier.
• Thinking in relationships - planning how tables connect is just as important as writing the SQL itself.
• Writing for clarity - views and CTEs don’t just solve problems, they make queries easier to maintain and understand.
• Confidence - regular practice over a month gave me the rhythm I needed to feel at home with SQL.

What’s Next

• Work on more small projects that showcase practical query design and reporting.
• Strengthen my analysis skills further by combining SQL with tools like Power BI.
• Apply what I’ve learned in my wider software engineering work, so both paths develop together.

CS50’s Introduction to Databases with SQL