Level of study:
Undergraduate degree
Tuition fees 2018/19:
UK/EU – £9,250
International – £10,000
Entry requirements:
Grades CCC at A Level, or international equivalent. Grade C in GCSE Mathematics and Grade C in GCSE English Language, or international equivalents.
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.
Assessment method:
Individual and group-based practical assignments and presentations, formative and summative class tests, laboratory log books, exams and development of written reports
Student finance:
Available
Start dates:
January, September
Application deadline:
UK/EU: TBC
UK based International students: TBC
International: TBC
About this course
The overall aim of the course is to provide a broadly based education in computing systems that will produce graduates equipped to apply best practice in software engineering to the development of a wide range of information systems in organisations. This will enable graduates to embark on a professional career in computing with specific vocational skills relevant to local industry needs. The course will also help meet industry’s current shortage of high quality graduates in computing, particularly those with software development skills.
The BSc Hons in Computing Systems course recognises that software development skills need to be complemented with people and process related skills. Consequently, people, process and professional practice are important topics within modules of the course and allow the development of a broad base of skills appropriate to a software engineer.
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 and seminars, totaling between 12-14 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 practice 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 a combination of coursework and examination, or by coursework only.
A variety of assessment methods are used across the programme, including individual and group-based practical assignments and presentations, formative and summative class tests, laboratory log books, exams and development of written reports.
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
Upon graduation you will be eligible to embark on a professional career in computing or to undertake further study at Masters or PhD level.
Career routes include:
- Designing business-critical computer systems
- Providing consultancy on computing systems development
Modules
All modules are core.
Year 1
Mathematics for Computing - 20 credits
This module provides you with the mathematical background to enhance an understanding of the material presented in various computing modules on the course.
You will develop proficiency in the use of the necessary fundamental mathematical concepts in the areas of discrete structures, algorithms and complexity, and an ability to absorb further specific knowledge where this is required for particular special areas. The analytic skills and conceptual thinking required for competence in areas such as programming, database analysis, formal specification, and systems design are developed in this module.
Software Development I - 20 credits
This module introduces programming to students who are assumed to have no previous programming experience.
You are introduced to key terms in object-oriented concepts of classes and objects and software development. The module begins by focusing on the terms and techniques used in object-orientated programming. This will then be reinforced by practical use of existing pre-defined classes like JFrame. You will then develop the techniques and knowledge necessary to design and write simple programs. The software engineering principles and techniques will be interwoven with the introductory topics.
Study Skills and Professional Issues - 20 credits
Computer-related professionals need to be aware of a wider range of issues that goes beyond the mere technical knowledge necessary to practice their chosen discipline. They should have knowledge of government legislation affecting their work, along with a series of transferable skills that facilitate the successful completion of their course of study and the seeking of employment upon course completion. This module is designed to make future computing professionals aware of the nature of the professional working environment, as well as to increase your awareness of the issues raised by the spread of computer and communication technologies into all aspects of life.
Computer Hardware - 20 credits
Differences in the internal structure and organisation of a computer lead to significant differences in performance and functionality, giving rise to an extraordinary range of computing devices, from hand-held computers to large-scale, high-performance machines. This module addresses the various options involved in designing a computer system, the range of design considerations, and the trade-offs involved in the design process.
Software Development II - 20 credits
The module continues the development of some of the more advanced software development concepts and practices in a scaffolding manner enabling you to progressively develop your knowledge. In keeping with the essential requirements of industry, these will be reinforced by suitably crafted practical lab sessions and tutorial workshops which will focus on and enhance all the necessary practical skills. You can expect to develop your problem solving, software design, programming skills, software testing and teamwork skills.
Systems in Organisations - 20 credits
This module explores the nature of systems both computing and human, and their role in organisations. It introduces basic analysis principles leading to the design of computing systems. It attempts to develop important employability-related knowledge and skills to help prepare you for working in a computing systems organisation.
Year 2
Human Computer Interaction - 20 credits
This module introduces the principles and practice of HCI, such as design guidelines, interface evaluation, analysis and design techniques and tool support. This will enhance your ability to take a professional approach to interface development. This module will aim to give you a depth of knowledge of HCI concepts and to present a practical and pragmatic approach to user interface design and evaluation.
This module introduces you to the concepts behind modern networking and introduced key skills in establishing network communications. Computer Networking spans both the disciplines of hardware and software. It is important to have a good understanding of both aspects to understand the demands of different kinds of systems from pure software applications to embedded systems.
Object-Oriented Programming - 20 credits
This module provides an introduction to object-oriented software development. On completion of this subject you should:
- have an understanding of the object-oriented programming paradigm and appreciate the evolutionary nature of current object-oriented languages
- understand the issues involved in implementing a system in an object-oriented language and realise how object-oriented languages impact on program performance, reliability and maintenance
- have mastered a programming paradigm and language relevant to current commercial standards
Communications - 20 credits
This module will provide an understanding and foundational awareness of the key concepts of wireless and data communications. The module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate wide ranging engineering problems in relation to communication systems. Techniques taught and developed in the module will assist with engineering design and the derivation of solutions founded upon solid principles and logic thought.
Database Systems - 20 credits
This module introduces the database technologies that support the storage, update and retrieval of large quantities on information in computer systems. We examine the need for structured storage and discuss modelling, representation and retrieval techniques to avoid data redundancy while ensuring consistency and integrity.
Dynamic Web Authoring - 20 credits
If a web author is to be successful then they must be capable of producing standards compliant, accessible and secure dynamic interactive client side systems. Such an approach extends basic, static, web authoring techniques and forms a basis for data driven websites and more advanced web based applications. This module allows you to establish a sound understanding of client-side dynamic website authoring techniques and technologies.
Year 3
Organisational Process Focus - 10 credits
This module will provide an understanding of the process perspective of problem solving for modern software engineers. The module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on organisational change and improvement using well-formed theories of organisational, engineering and support processes. It will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to evolve engineering capability at an organisational and personal level.
Project Management - 10 credits
This module presents modern project management principles and techniques as a means to help deliver successful software development projects.
Practical project management skills are essential for the information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) practitioner and are relevant to all types of IT/IS project, from individual project work through to large commercial projects. This module presents modern project management principles and techniques as a means to help deliver successful software development project.
Mobile Technology - 20 credits
This module addresses and develops key and emerging concepts in Mobile Software Applications Development and support technologies and environments, and is essential knowledge for electronic and computer science graduates.
The cellular digital mobile phone network has been the most rapid infrastructural development of the 20th, and so far the 21st, Century and its evolution has been the result of an unprecedented process of convergence of new and emerging technologies. This evolution has created both opportunities and a rapidly growing demand, for professionals skilled in developing the next generation of new and innovative mobile software, popularly known as Apps. Apps are built to run on a hybrid infrastructure comprising aspects of the traditional fixed Internet as well as integrating with new and emerging mobile and wireless technologies. This module provides a rigorous treatment of these technologies and protocols and also develops detailed knowledge and skills in the use of mobile software development tools and techniques.
Web Applications Development - 20 credits
This module investigates the application of software development principles to Web applications. The structure of client-server interaction is presented, and practical implementation in a Web environment provides a basis for the construction of large-scale online applications.
Embedded Systems Design - 20 credits
This module introduces you to embedded microcontroller system design with particular reference to real time systems. It is presented through lectures, tutorials and practical and is assessed using both written examination and continuous assessment methods.
Computing Systems Project - 40 credits
You will be required to undertake a computing systems project during the final year of the course. The project module allows a significant computing systems problem to be investigated and an appropriate solution to be produced. Within the project, you will be expected to integrate and apply material from other modules in the course.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grades CCC points at A Level, or international equivalent; plus
- Grade C in GCSE English Language, or international equivalent; plus
- Grade C in GCSE Mathematics, or international equivalent
Check your country-specific entry requirements.
For those without formal entry qualifications, applications will be considered on the basis of experimental learning. Applicants may provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) or prior certificated learning (APCL) through the University’s APL procedure.
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 one 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 one score of 4.5, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional Plus programme.
Tuition fees for 2018/19
UK/EU students: £9,250 per annum
This course is eligible for student finance through Student Finance England.
International students: £10,000 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.
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
UK and EU students can currently apply directly to study with us by following the below steps:
- Download and complete our application form for UK and EU students
- Email this and all of your supporting documents (as listed on the application form) to home.admissions@qa.com
- Our team will then be able to advise you whether you will need to submit a UCAS application
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