Course Overview
| UCAS course code: | GL40 |
| Level of study: | Undergraduate degree |
| Tuition Fees | Fees and Finances |
| Entry requirements: | Grades CCC at A-Level, or international equivalent. Grade 4 (previously grade C) in GCSE Maths and Grade 4 in GCSE English Language, or international equivalents.
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| English language requirements: | IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
Other English language tests are accepted, click here to find out more.
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| Mode of study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 3 years |
| Assessment method: | Coursework including reports, presentations, online tests, set exercises and practical skill assessments. |
| Student finance: | Available |
| Location: |
London
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| Start dates: |
January, September |
| Application deadline: | Next application deadline
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About this course
Organisations employed approximately 1.98 million tech workers in 2021, where the tech industry accounts for 5.5% of the U.K. economy, or £82.6 billion (CompTIA’s “State of the Tech Workforce U.K”, 2022).
The overall aim of this course is to provide a broadly based education in computing science that will enable graduates to become equipped with the skills to problem solve and be employed in a software development team in the software industry or a commercial IT department.
The course will focus on blending theory with the solving of practical problems, promoting innovation and creativity, and ensuring intellectual challenge, all with consideration of the legal, social, ethical, and professional issues. The research landscape within computing in recent years has seen topics such as security and the role of artificial intelligence in society come to the forefront, both of which feature as modules on this programme. Graduates who take this course will develop vital skills and be well-positioned to leverage the sustained demand for talent in the UK tech sector and internationally.
This programme is also available as BSc Computing Systems (with Diploma in Professional Practice), which includes the option for a year in industry as part of a 4-year programme.
Teaching methods
- You will be taught using a wide variety of teaching methods across the modules including lectures, seminars, tutorials and computer labs, totalling between 12-15 hours per week.
- In addition to your time in class, you will also be expected to engage in approximately 25-35 hours of self-study time per week.
- You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry and research experience to demonstrate how to apply best practices in software engineering to the development of a wide range of information systems in organisations.
- You will have access to Blackboard, our online learning environment, where you can access module resources and reading lists that will assist your preparation for classes and self-study.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by coursework only, which may include class tests.
A variety of assessment methods are used across the programme, including reports, presentations, online tests, set exercises, and practical skill assessments.
Professional accreditation
Graduates from this course have been successful in gaining full Membership (MBCS) of the British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for IT.
Careers and postgraduate opportunities
Computing graduates fulfil a wide range of critical roles in modern organizations across all sectors of industry and commerce. For their chosen career, they require theoretical underpinnings in relevant technologies, practical problem-solving skills, and professional skills, to contribute effectively to society.
After graduation, students will be eligible to embark on a professional career in computing or to undertake further study at Masters or PhD level.
Potential career routes include but are not limited to:
- Apps Developer
- Artificial Intelligence Specialist
- Full-Stack Web Developer
- UX/UI Design Specialist
- Software Engineer
- Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Internet-Of-Things Specialist
- Cloud Computing Specialist
Modules
All modules are core and 20 credits unless specified.
Year 1
Introduction to Databases
In this module, students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of database management, database design, and the implementation of SQL statements to interact with a back-end database.
Problem Solving for Computing
This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming via Python that will be used as building blocks in future modules.
Innovation and Society
On this module, students will gain the practical skills to co-create innovative technological solutions to problems using design thinking tools and processes.
Client Side Development
This module will focus on the fundamental building blocks of creating web pages. It will provide students with practical software development skills on how to create interactive, standards-compliant, accessible, and secure client-side systems for the Web.
Mathematics for Computer Scientists
This module provides an introduction to the core areas of discrete mathematics. In this module, students will learn the necessary basic skills in algebra, arithmetic, equations, and functions. Students will also benefit from practical experience in programming solutions to problems, which will involve making decisions and data.
Introduction to Physical Computing
In this module, students will learn key elements of physical computing focusing on the basic architecture of a computer system, and the operation of its components and hardware.
Year 2
Systems Security
This module will provide students with an understanding of computing systems security concerns, including threats, attacks, risks, and how to mitigate them so that security considerations can be taken into account in organisations and IT project planning and management.
Programming in Practice
In this module, students will explore object-oriented techniques and abstract data structures, as well as professional practices for code management, security, testing, and deployment. Students will also develop their practical and logical problem-solving skills for industry-focused software development.
Software Product and Process Management
This module aims to enhance teamwork skills in the planning and delivery of a software product that meets business needs. Students will explore contemporary product and process management techniques and gain practical experience in applying contemporary software development methodology in a real-world business scenario.
Computer Networking
This module will introduce students to the concepts, theories, architectures, structures, and mechanisms of computer networking. Students will learn about technology-based solutions, assessment, and management of networks to provide them with the knowledge to problem-solve when faced with real-world applications.
Data Analytics
In this module, students will learn the theory and practical foundations for undertaking real-world data analytics, best practice for handling data, gain practical experience in writing computer programs and understand descriptive and inferential statistics to recognise patterns in large datasets.
Server Side Development
This module will explore server-side technologies and techniques, web application effectiveness and usability, and important design considerations for web applications currently in use in the industry. Students will also gain practical experience in implementing and testing web applications using a specific server-side web programming language.
Year 3
Full-Stack Strategies and Development
This module introduces students to the concepts of full-stack software development and provides practical experience in designing, building, and deploying such applications. Students will be able to later develop robust software including APIs, database architectures, and front-end applications according to industry standards.
Cloud Native Development
In this module, students will learn modern development and deployment concepts such as cloud architectures, hosted technologies, scalable solutions and infrastructure, as well as advanced programming concepts facilitating high-performance solution development. Students will also gain practical experience of architectures offered by solutions providers such as OpenStack, Amazon Web Services, and Azure.
Computing Systems Project (40 Credits)
The Computing Project allows students to evidence their understanding of the academic content from across the course by devising, managing, and evaluating all aspects of work in addressing a significant challenge. Students will gain key skills that are essential for prospective employers and/or further study.
Artificial Intelligence
This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of AI with a focus on how to formulate AI problems conceptually, turn conceptual formulations into algorithms, and develop AI-focused applications. Students will consider societal concerns raised regarding the ability of people to understand, interpret, control, and interact with AI-based systems.
Embedded Systems
This module introduces students to the concepts of embedded systems, such as independent to networked, task-driven, and real-time control systems, as well as software development strategies. Students will gain experience of the design, implementation, and testing of embedded systems within a diverse range of application scenarios.
Please note: this programme is undergoing a review and modular content is likely to change. Please refer to this course page for the most up-to-date information.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2023/24. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Academic requirements
- Grades CCC points at A-Level or international equivalent; plus
- Grade 4 (previously grade C) in GCSE English Language, or international equivalent; plus
- Grade 4 (previously grade C) in GCSE Mathematics, or international equivalent
For country-specific entry requirements, please visit the entry requirements page.
If you have any questions regarding your entry requirements, please contact us and one of our team will contact you to discuss your qualifications and options.
English language requirements
Applicants must satisfy our general entry requirements as well as meeting specific requirements.
The general entry requirements are any of the following:
- IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent
- HKDSE English Language – Grade 4 overall with no less than 3 in any of the 4 sub-skills
- Indian Standard XII English – Minimum of 70% (in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or Indian Certificate in Secondary Education (ICSE) only)
- WAEC – C6
If you do not have the required IELTS, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional programmes.
- If you have IELTS 5.5, with a maximum score of 5.0, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional Standard programme.
- If you have IELTS 5.0, with a maximum score of 4.5, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional Plus programme.
Tuition fees for 2023/24
- UK/Home students: £9,250 per annum
This course is eligible for student finance through Student Finance England.
- International students: £11,850 per annum
Please note that the fees outlined are for your tuition only and do not include the cost of any course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, accommodation etc. As an Ulster University London and Birmingham branch campus student you will also have access to our on-campus libraries and a range of e-learning resources.
The modules you will study may require you to purchase additional course textbooks and you should be prepared to buy some additional texts, we recommend allowing an additional £180 per year for the duration of your course.
Information for international students
Ulster University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.
What does my tuition pay for?
- Your teaching in class – this includes seminars, lectures and tutorials
- Access to facilities including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers, multi-faith rooms, quiet study space and social areas. To learn more about available facilities please visit our London or Birmingham branch campus pages
- Our library service – both on-campus and an extensive online catalogue of resources
- Careers and Employability Service which provides help with CVs, applications and interview preparation through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
- The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who are here to support you with your studies and assignments
- Students Activities Association (SAA) – who organise events on campus, discounted sightseeing trips and help students create and run societies
Scholarships and discounts
For self-funding students, we also offer a range of academic scholarships and fee discounts.
How to find out more
To find out more about this course, we recommend that you complete our enquiry form and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.
How to apply
You can apply to study the BSc Hons Computing Systems via the following methods.
Apply via UCAS
If you apply through UCAS, you will need to include the relevant codes below in your application.
UCAS course code: GL40
Institute code: U20
Campus code: V
APPLY FOR JANUARY 2024
Information for disabled applicants
At Ulster, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
If you’re not sure or have any questions about studying with us, please contact us and one of our team will be able to help.
