UDCMPSCI - BSc Computer Science

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.

This course will teach you everything you need for a successful career in IT– from programming and information systems to mobile applications and artificial intelligence. Students will 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 WebLearn, Library’s e-books and Online Databases, 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.

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 computer scientists that society demands.

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.
ULO. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline.

Subject benchmark: Computing [March 2022]
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements/computing

Students are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of, and the necessary skills to demonstrate, good academic practice. Particularly, students will be encouraged to complete weekly tutorial and workshop exercises as well as periodic formative diagnostic tests to enhance their learning. During tutorial and workshop sessions students will receive ongoing support and feedback on their work to promote engagement and provide the basis for tackling the summative assessments.
A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. Module assessment typically consists of a combination of assessment instruments including courseworks, 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/essay. The volume, timing and nature of assessment enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes.
Formative and summative feedback will be provided using a variety of methods and approaches, such as learning technologies, one to one and group presentation of the submitted work, at various points throughout the teaching period and will adhere to University policy regarding the timing of feedback.
Inclusive development and assessment are the leading principle in our learning, teaching and assessment provisions. Each module development and assessment design take account of the students’ background and groups. In this process, we ensure that all aspects of learning, teaching and assessment are fair and accessible for all students, particularly minority and those with disabilities. In the module and assessment design process, students are involved to review the content, marking criteria and delivery methods. Students express their views through the VLE discussion board, Student Hub, emails, face-to-face discussions and through student representatives. Students are encouraged to raise issues such as fairness of marking and allocations, the academic support process and accessibility of assessments. The team review the issues during staff and course committee meetings in the presence of Student Representatives.

Students take the module CS6W50 Career Development Learning at Level 6. The School works with the Employability Service and Careers Service teams to provide support in finding relevant opportunities. The module enables students to undertake an appropriate short period of professional activity, related to their course at level 6, with a business or community organization and to gain credit for their achievements. The activity can be a professional training, a volunteering activity, employment activity, placement or business start-up activity.

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.

Students will be expected and encouraged to produce reflective commentaries and an action plan for personal development on the learning activities and tasks that they carry out to complete their work, e.g. in the form of an assessed section of their coursework’s and final year project’s reports.

Reflective learning is also fostered by group discussions and teamwork, e.g. in the implementation of group assignments, and in the Work-Related Learning module’s project at a workplace.

Additionally, in the module on Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law, students evaluate their development of their academic, professional and technical skills.

Numerous and regular events (both online and campus-based) are organized by the University’s Careers Service and by the School of Computing and Digital Media. External presenters are invited to address students at all levels of the degree course.
Students are encouraged to participate in subject-discipline extra-curricular activities and Student Societies.
The core module Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law includes coverage of job search, CV writing, interviewing and aptitude assessments.

Graduates gain employment in the financial, industrial, health and service sectors. Job titles include: Chief Technology Officer, Software Engineer, Network Engineer, Mobile Application Programmer, Web Developer, Software Engineer, Java Developer. 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).

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.

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

• a minimum grade C in three A levels (or a minimum of 96 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma or Access to Higher Education Diploma of 60 Credits)
• English language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered.

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Computer Science (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree.