UDCMPTNG - BSc Computing

Modules are mainly delivered through a combination of lectures (1 hour/week), tutorials/lab-based workshop (2 hour/week) sessions, and blended learning.

Teaching and learning materials such as lecture notes, tutorial materials, workshop tasks and additional support learning materials are accessible on the university VLE network (e.g. WebLearn, Blackboard). Delivered lectures are recorded and online available too. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in, and are supported by, module leader blogs, use of video, role playing, visits to external organisations, presentations and workshops presented by external guest speakers.

Network facilities (e.g. web server accounts) are available if there is any special requirement. Students are encouraged to use the study facilities in the university library and learning centre (including e-books and e-journals).

This degree course provides a professional education in the theory and practice of computing, with special emphasis on the techniques, theory and applications in the design and implementation of modern software/IT systems. The course mainly covers principles of programming, operating systems, database design, application development and software engineering, using a range of modern software development tools. The course develops the skills necessary for you to demonstrate professional competence enabling you to work successfully in the computing/IT industry.

The aims of this course include:
• 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 IT professionals or computer scientists that society demands.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
LO1. Contribute to one’s own and others intellectual development and represent with integrity and confidence;
LO2. Perform in a varied context: to understand and apply computing applications in a variety of other disciplines by developing an understanding the subject with computing;
LO3. Identify problems and create robust software solutions using appropriate development technologies, platforms and toolsets in the broader context of the industry business;
LO4. Perform at the system and operational level in a fashion that displays integrity in the managing of data and the development and use of software.
LO5. Demonstrate an appreciation of technical, ethical and professional issues related to software application development for the real world.
LO6. Work effectively as a member of a team and demonstrate effective communication skills.
LO7. Research, plan, structure and deliver an academic report and presentation.

Module Title Module

Computer Hardware & Software Architectures CT4005
Logic and Problem Solving MA4001
Programming CS4001
Introduction to Information Systems CC4057
Fundamentals of Computing CS4051
Networks & Operating Systems CS5001
Software Engineering CS5002
Emerging Programming Platforms and Techniques CS5004
Databases CC5051
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law CS5052
Project CS6P05
Advanced Database Systems Development CC6001
Application Development CS6004
Work Related Learning II FC6W51
Creating a Winning Business MN6W50
Management Support Systems CC6052
Artificial Intelligence CU6051

Learning Outcomes 1 - 7

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.

• Modules of this course are assessed mainly by the combination of coursework, case studies report and presentation, lab logbooks and workbooks, class-test, unseen examinations, and final-year project reports, presentation and viva.
• A balanced assessment load per module and a careful distribution of concurrent assessment deadlines will be ensured;
• Constructive and timely formative and summative feedback in written and/or oral modes will be delivered, with 15 working days of completing/submitting an assessment;
• Online submission of assessment will be used, as appropriate, via University VLE or Faculty’s network facilities.

The 15-credit Work Related Learning module is a core at level 6.

The School of Computing and Digital Media'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 taking BSc Computing are prepared for the first stage of Oracle Certification.

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) Computing.

The project must be passed without compensation.

Level 4:
• Computer Hardware & Software Architectures
• Logic and Problem Solving
• Programming
• Information Systems
• Fundamentals of Computing

Level 5:
• Networks & Operating Systems
• Software Engineering
• Emerging Programming Platforms and Technologies
• Databases
• Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law

Level 6:
• Project
• Advanced Databases
• Application Development
• Work Related Learning II
• Management Support Systems (optional)
• Artificial Intelligence (optional)

Students are encouraged and expected to regularly write and demonstrate what they have learned each week, set achievement goals with action plans for personal development on the learning activities. Formative feedback on guided workshop tasks and coursework will be given at various points during the academic year. Students are encouraged to meet their academic tutors to get advice whenever they need.

Various career events organised by the University careers service are run during the academic year, particularly in the dedicated Employability week, giving students the opportunity to gain knowledge from computing and IT industry speakers.

In the module on Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law, students are taught to build up the ability of job searches, CV writing, job interviews and aptitude tests.

Graduates gain employment in software houses and in the financial, industrial and service sectors. A number of examples are shown below:-

Chief Technology Officer and Integration Architect, Code Corner
Software Engineer, Intel
Network Engineer, LifelineIT
Mobile Programmer, Lloyds TSB
Web Designer, XFace
Software Engineer, Logica
PHP Developer, New Brand Vision
Specialist Information Systems Engineer, Health Protection Agency
Java Developer, Curo Compensation Ltd
FDM Group
the NHS

Graduates can also pursue careers in research and development in scientific areas of computing.

This course is accredited as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.

On graduating, you'll be eligible to apply for Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS).

This course will help you grow professionally and prepare you for work in the field of application development as a professional programmer, software system developer, IT consultant, database designer or web application developer.

Previous graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Fyber and Itelligence.

This course is also excellent preparation for further study or research.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements you should have:

• a minimum grades BB or CCE in A levels (or a minimum of 80 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

If you don't have traditional qualifications or can't meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Computing (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree.

If you hold relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience you will also be considered.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.