UDCMPSCI - BSc Computer Science
Course Specification
Validation status | Validated | |||||||||||
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Highest award | Bachelor of Science | Level | Honours | |||||||||
Possible interim awards | Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Total credits for course | 360 | |||||||||||
Awarding institution | London Metropolitan University | |||||||||||
Teaching institutions | London Metropolitan University | |||||||||||
School | School of Computing and Digital Media | |||||||||||
Subject Area | Computer Science and Applied Computing | |||||||||||
Attendance options |
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Course leader |
About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning
Students attend a variety of scheduled sessions, such as lectures, tutorials and workshops. It is expected that they will study module materials and continue to work on exercises and coursework outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours.
Appropriate blended learning technologies, such as the University’s virtual learning environment, are used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular to:
- deliver content;
- encourage active learning;
- provide formative and summative assessments with prompt feedback;
- enhance student engagement and learning.
Course aims
This degree is specifically designed for those students who wish to specialise in the design and implementation of modern software systems. The course fosters development using a range of tools and development platforms, and encourages students to critically evaluate the role of computer-based systems in a variety of contexts. Emphasis throughout is on what the student learns and is able to do as a result of the learning.
The aims are:
- To provide an education in the development and use of software that will equip students with intellectual, practical and problem-solving skills;
- To provide graduates with transferable skills to enable progression in either management or technical areas, with the ability to master new developments and have flexibility in career structure in an era of rapid organisational change and technological innovation;
- To equip graduates with the necessary ability and study skills to progress to advanced postgraduate courses of study;
- To provide industry, commerce and research laboratories with the effective and adaptive computer scientists that society demands.
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate an understanding of the main principles of computer science;
LO2. Apply analytical and design techniques to solution of problems in computer science;
LO3. Develop and use software applications and tools across a range of platforms;
LO4. Use self evaluation;
LO5. Work effectively as a member of a team;
LO6. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of legal, social, ethical and professional issues underpinning the IT discipline;
LO7. Research, plan, structure and deliver an academic report and presentation;
LO8. Demonstrate an understanding of the personal qualities, skills and qualifications needed for employment in a range of roles and organisations.
Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference
- Demonstrate an understanding of the main principles of computer science:
Computer Hardware & Software Architectures (LO1 - LO3)
Information Systems (LO3 – LO6)
Logic and Mathematical Techniques (LO3, LO4)
Programming (LO1)
Networks & Operating Systems (LO1, LO2, LO4)
Software Engineering (LO1, LO3, LO5)
Data Structures and Specialist Programming (LO1)
Databases (LO1, LO2)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO1,
LO3)
Distributed and Internet Systems (LO1)
- Apply analytical and design techniques to the solution of problems in computer science:
Computer Hardware & Software Architectures (LO4, LO5)
Information Systems (LO4)
Programming (LO2, LO3)
Software Engineering (LO4)
Data Structures and Specialist Programming (LO2, LO3)
Databases (LO2, LO3) Project (LO5)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO2)
Distributed and Internet Systems (LO2)
Mobile Applications (LO6)
- Develop and use software applications and tools across a range of platforms:
Computer Hardware & Software Architectures (LO3, LO6)
Programming (LO3 - LO5, LO7)
Networks & Operating Systems (LO5, LO6)
Software Engineering (LO1-LO3)
Data Structures and Specialist Programming (LO4 - LO7)
Databases (LO4)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO5)
Distributed and Internet Systems (LO3 , LO4)
Mobile Applications (LO1 - LO4)
- Use self evaluation:
Programming (LO6)
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (LO4)
Project (LO8)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO6 -
LO7)
Distributed and Internet Systems (LO5)
Mobile Applications (LO6)
- Work effectively as a member of a team:
Information Systems (LO3)
Software Engineering (LO6)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO7)
- Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of legal, social, ethical and professional issues underpinning the IT discipline:
Information Systems (LO7)
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (LO5)
- Research, plan, structure and deliver an academic report and presentation:
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (LO6)
Project (LO1)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the personal qualities, skills and
qualifications needed for employment in a range of roles and organisations:
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (LO4)
Software Engineering (LO7)
Principle QAA benchmark statements
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx.pdf
Benchmark standards are defined at threshold and typical levels and some further comments are made about excellence.
Threshold level
The threshold level is interpreted to mean that all students (taken over all years), graduating with an honours degree in the discipline of computing will have achieved this level of performance.
On graduating with an honours degree in computing, students should be able to:
- demonstrate a requisite understanding of the main body of knowledge for their programme of study
- understand and apply essential concepts, principles and practice of the subject in the context of well-defined scenarios, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques
- produce work involving problem identification, the analysis, the design or the development of a system with appropriate documentation, recognising the important relationships between these. The work will show some problem-solving and evaluation skills drawing on some supporting evidence, and demonstrate a requisite understanding of the need for quality
- demonstrate transferable skills and an ability to work under guidance and as a team member
- identify appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework and understand the need for continuing professional development
- discuss applications based upon the body of knowledge.
Typical level
This is the average standard attained (taken over all years) of all the students graduating with an honours degree in the discipline of computing.
On graduating with an honours degree in computing, students should be able to:
- demonstrate a sound understanding of the main areas of the body of knowledge within their programme of study, with an ability to exercise critical judgement across a range of issues
- critically analyse and apply a range of concepts, principles and practice of the subject in an appropriate manner in the context of loosely defined scenarios, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques
- produce work involving problem identification, the analysis, the design or the development of a system, with accompanying documentation, recognising the important relationships between these. The work will show problem-solving and evaluation skills, draw upon supporting evidence and demonstrate a good understanding of the need for quality
- demonstrate transferable skills with an ability to show organised work as an individual and as a team member and with minimum guidance
- apply appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework and identify mechanisms for continuing professional development and lifelong learning
- explain a wide range of applications based upon the body of knowledge.
Excellence
While the benchmark standards above are defined for just threshold and typical levels, it is nevertheless expected that programmes in computing will provide opportunities for students of the highest calibre to achieve their full potential.
Such students will be:
- creative and innovative in their application of the principles covered in the curriculum, and may relish the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial activity
- able to contribute significantly to the analysis, design or the development of systems which are complex, and fit for purpose, recognising the important relationships between these
- able to exercise critical evaluation and review of both their own work and the work of others.
In as much as human ingenuity and creativity has fostered the rapid development of the discipline of computing in the past, programmes in computing should not limit those who will lead the development of the discipline in the future.
Assessment strategy
A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. Module assessment typically consists of a combination of methods including coursework, in-class tests and exams. Coursework can include an artefact such as a website, a database or program code in addition to a written report.
Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad
There is an optional 15-credit Level 6 module on Work Related Learning. The Faculty of Computing's World of Work (WOW) Agency offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.
Course specific regulations
British Computer Society ( BCS) accreditation is awarded according to the following additional course regulation:
The project must be passed In order for a student to obtain BSc( Hons) Computer Science.
The project must be passed without compensation.
If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.
Modules required for interim awards
Level 4:
Computer Hardware & Software Architectures
Information Systems
Logic and Mathematical Techniques
Programming
Level 5:
Networks & Operating Systems
Software Engineering
Data Structures and Specialist Programming
Databases
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law
Level 6:
Project
Formal Specification & Software Implementation
Distributed and Internet Systems
Mobile Applications
Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development
Students are encouraged to produce reflective commentaries on tasks that they carry out. Reflective learning is also encouraged by group discussions. In the module on Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law, students evaluate the development of their academic, professional and technical skills.
Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance
The university careers service offers guidance to students on a one-to-one basis or in group sessions. SEW (Student Enterprise Workshops) are run during the academic year, giving students the opportunity to gain knowledge from computing and IT industry speakers.
In the module on Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law, students learn about job searches, CV writing, job interviews and aptitude tests.
Other external links providing expertise and experience
The Faculty of Computing's World of Work (WOW) Agency offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.
Students are prepared for Java professional Certification Level 1 Programmer
Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions
This course is accredited as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.
Career opportunities
On successful completion of the course, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and qualifications to gain employment in a range of roles in the IT and technology industry. For example, you could follow in the footsteps of past graduates and pursue a career working in one of many major software houses or gain employment in the financial, industrial and service sectors.
Alternatively, you could work in research and development in scientific areas of computing or utilise your creative and technical skills to work as a technical writer in the IT and technology field.
Entry requirements
In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:
- GCSE English and mathematics at grade C or above and
- a minimum of 240 UCAS points from two or more A levels, of which at least 80 points should be in a numerate, science or technology discipline
Other Level 3 qualifications accepted include:
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Progression Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma (60 credit).
Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.
Official use and codes
Approved to run from | 2013/14 | Specification version | 1 | Specification status | Validated |
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Original validation date | 01 Sep 2013 | Last validation date | 13 Apr 2023 | ||
Sources of funding | HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND | ||||
JACS codes | I100 (Computer Science): 100% | ||||
Route code | CMPSCI |
Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
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CC4002 | Information Systems | Core | 30 | |||||
CS4001 | Programming | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | TUE | AM | |
CT4005 | Computer Hardware and Software Architectures | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | PM | |
MA4005 | Logic and Mathematical Techniques | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | THU | AM |
Stage 1 Level 04 January start Not currently offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CC4002 | Information Systems | Core | 30 | |||||
CS4001 | Programming | Core | 30 | |||||
CT4005 | Computer Hardware and Software Architectures | Core | 30 | |||||
MA4005 | Logic and Mathematical Techniques | Core | 30 |
Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CC5051 | Databases | Core | 15 | NORTH | AUT | WED | AM | |
CS5001 | Networks and Operating Systems | Core | 30 | |||||
CS5002 | Software Engineering | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | AM | |
CS5003 | Data Structures and Specialist Programming | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | PM | |
CS5052 | Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law | Core | 15 |
Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
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CS6001 | Formal Specification & Software Implementation | Core | 30 | |||||
CS6002 | Distributed and Internet Systems | Core | 30 | |||||
CS6051 | Mobile Applications | Core | 15 | NORTH | SPR | MON | AM | |
CS6P05 | Project | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | WED | PM | |
FC6W51 | Work Related Learning II | Alt Core | 15 | |||||
MN6W50 | Creating a Winning Business 2 | Alt Core | 15 |