About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: G401
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 260
- Department: Computer Science and Creative Technologies
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Four years sandwich, Three years full-time. A part-time option is available by negotiation
- Delivery: Part-time, Full-time, Sandwich.
- Study Abroad: Yes
- Programme leader: Rong Yang
Introduction
The BSc(Hons) Computing degree aims to provide you with a broad-based knowledge of the fundamental aspects of computing, the development of computer systems and the application of computing to practical problems. As a Computing graduate you will have sufficient experience, knowledge and understanding to allow you to analyse, model and develop applications in a range of areas. These include internet systems, database applications and modern component-based construction.
The defining characteristic of this degree is that it offers a highly flexible programme of study. There are a recommended core set of subjects as well as a large number of options in Computing and Information Systems from which to choose the remainder of your programme. Because of the flexible nature of this course you can tailor your programme of study to suit your particular strengths or interest. This will appeal to those who might not have achieved the entry requirement for a more specialist degree. When choosing options, you may decide to follow a set of identified modules to allow you to focus on particular areas of interest such as Multimedia, Internet Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering or Artificial Intelligence. If you perform particularly well you may be eligible to transfer to a specialist programme after completion of the first year.
Structure
Content
The programme is structured to allow you to select as wide a choice of topics as possible. You may select any combination of topics from a wide range and can structure the course around different themes, subject to the requirements of the Modular Assessment Regulations.
The first year of the course concentrates on the practical skills that will be used at the subsequent levels. You will learn how to develop systems and programs as well as the fundamentals of data modelling and databases.
In Year Two you are recommended to take the following modules, which build directly on the skills learnt during the first year: Software Design, Computer Networks and Operating Systems, and Data Structures and Databases. You will also be able to choose an additional topic that interests you. Alternatively, you can decide to choose a different programme of study following another theme of your choice. Your course leader will discuss alternative choices available to you.
In your Final Year you may follow the recommended core modules: Component-based Software Development, Advanced Web Development, e-Business Special Interest Groups, Interface Engineering, and Object-oriented Databases. Additionally you will take one option module. Alternatively, you can decide to choose a different programme of study following another theme, again with the help of the course leader.
Programme structure diagram for the BSc(Hons) Computing.
The programme structures change from year to year. Therefore you might find some variation between that shown here and the final version of your course.
Teaching and learning
You will be stimulated and encouraged to become a proactive autonomous learner through a variety of means including, for example, face-to-face lectures and tutorials, electronic virtual learning environments, laboratory-based practical work, and independent project work.
Assessment
Modules are assessed in a variety of ways. The most common is for a module to be assessed by an examination and two pieces of coursework. However, some modules are assessed by examination only, others by coursework only, and still others use different methods such as in-class tests.
Special Features
Placements
We encourage all students on our degree courses to do a placement year in an industrial, commercial or public sector organisation, doing work of value to the company. There are many companies who provide placements to university students. Previous students have been placed with Airbus, HP, Rolls-Royce, IBM, Lloyds TSB, Intel and BT, to name but a few. We also work with a number of smaller companies in and around the region.
The Department's Placements team has close links with the business community and advertise hundreds of work placements every year. We will show you how to prepare your CV correctly, advise you on how to write letters of application and help you learn successful interview techniques. Find out more about our work placements on our department website.
Study facilities
The Department hosts its own servers to provide Windows, Linux and Unix based operating systems. There are over 500 available workstations in the teaching laboratories, and there is also a large open-access laboratory, providing PC and Unix-based machines. You will also have access to UWE's vast IT services, including 24 hour computing laboratories.
You can find out more about our computing programmes and facilities on our website.
Careers/further study
As a BSc(Hons) Computing graduate, you will be able to adapt to new developments in computing. As a result of having studied either a broad range of topics or focused on a particular theme of interest you will be in a position to tackle a wide range of interesting and challenging roles. You will have the skills to teach yourself about any new computing tools or new approach to the use of the computer.
There is a wide choice of direction for graduates with a Computing degree and the precise direction is related to the choice of modules. Your skills will be needed in computer systems development in a range of leading companies. You may also pursue a career in the technical support of sophisticated computer systems and their applications.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Key employer partnerships
Our degrees can lead to a wide variety of career choices. To ensure that our degrees make you as employable as possible we work closely with seven major partner employers in our engineering and computing consortium.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about Hussain's IT placement with the Environment Agency.
Useful links
UWE - careers in information technology
Prospects - careers in IT and information services
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 260
- GCSE: Maths and English Language at grade C or above required.
- Relevant subjects: Any Science or Technology subject.
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in Maths and English Language
- Baccalaureate IB: Accepted (please see the UCAS website for the UCAS tariff points that you can gain from the IB to put towards our points requirement above)
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
Entry requirements
No prior knowledge of programming is required.
How to apply
Please see the general information about
applications
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011