Computer Science

At a glance

Course Details

Overview

Modern business increasingly depends on information systems. Industry and the public services need graduates able to develop reliable, sophisticated, complex, cost-effective and high-quality computer systems. The Department of Computing courses cover the techniques and principles of computing that will allow you to become a professional in this high demand area. You will undertake practical work throughout the course and this is underpinned by theory to enable you to make informed choices and decisions. The courses also include a software engineering group project in the second year to develop team-working skills, and a major individual project in the final year that allows you to specialise in an area of interest to you.

Degree courses available

All of the following degree courses have been subject to review by the British Computer Society and are accredited. This entitles you to student membership throughout your course.

Special Features

• Emphasis is placed on the application of theory to the solution of real problems within industry and commerce, with practical work throughout the course
• British Computer Society accredited courses (www.bcs.org)
• The Department of Computing has its own network based on powerful servers running UNIX, accessed by Linux and Windows workstations. The system can also be accessedfrom across the campus and beyond
• All courses are available as either three-year continuous courses, or four-year sandwich courses
• The main programming language used is Java, which supports object orientation, graphical user interfaces, concurrency and networking. Other industry-standard languages are also studied
• With the exception of Business Computing, all the courses share a common first year providing the opportunity to change course at the end of the first year
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science is also available part-time via the University's 'New Route' programme

Aims

Computer Science, the broadest and most popular of our courses, covers the knowledge and techniques concerned with the design and exploitation of computer technology from both hardware and systems software perspectives.

It has a flexible range of optional subjects in the final year allowing you to apply your skills to the widest range of future career options.

Career Outcome

We have an excellent graduate employment record with many of our graduates entering related employment. There is a strong demand for well-qualified computing specialists, who combine a theoretical background in computing with experience of the application of computers to the solution of practical problems.

The scientific and analytical skills provided by our courses form an excellent basis for careers in teaching, research or management.

Recent employers of our graduates include Abbey, Blockbuster UK, Cyber Media Solutions, Fujitsu Services, HM Revenue and Customs, Lewis Group, Logical Minds, Lombard Risk Management, Lovell Development, Manpower, Morrisons, National Savings and Investments, NatWest, the NHS, NTL, Virgin Media, Q-Park, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Software Solutions.

Entrance Requirements

Our typical offers are:

BSc, BEng - 240 points

To include 160 points coming from 2 GCE A levels, or qualifications of equivalent depth and volume. Key Skills (level 3) and AS or A-level General Studies points may also be included in the points total. Whilst many of our students coming in with A levels studied Computing, ICT, Mathematics and/or sciences, it is not essential to do so. Some Business Computing students have taken A-level Accounting, Business Studies and/or Economics. However, we welcome applicants taking any combination of subjects for any of the courses.

For students undertaking Vocational A levels we require a pass in ICT or science. For students wishing to study Business Computing, business or media would also be acceptable.

We also require Mathematics and English GCSE at least at C grade.

Applications from mature students are particularly welcome.

Placements Available?

Three- and four-year versions of the BSc and BEng courses have exactly the same academic content, with students on the four-year course taking an industrial placement.

If you choose to do an industrial placement you will spend your third year in paid employment, applying your computing skills within a workplace.

This industrial experience gives you a fresh insight into your academic work, and it often makes it easier to find a job after graduation as well as helping your progression to full membership of a professional body, and gives you the opportunity to acquire the Diploma of Industrial Studies.

Full-time Study

All applications, including Foundation Degrees, must be submitted via UCAS's (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) online facility.

Your school or college will be able to advise you about making your application. Alternatively, full instructions can be found at: www.ucas.com

UCAS also provides a comprehensive guide called Applying Online which can be downloaded from the same web address.

If you are not currently at school or college, or have difficulty obtaining relevant literature, UCAS can be contacted directly:

• Tel: 0871 468 0468
• Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
• Website: www.ucas.com