About the course

From instant messaging to contactless payments, we interact with computers every day. Computing helps enhance our quality of life and can be used to meet the challenges that ongoing advances in technology create. This course helps you acquire the knowledge and skills that are invaluable in the computing industry.

In this course, we aim to help you explore a range of topics, such as,

• Programming
• Software engineering
• Distributed computing
• Artificial intelligence

We'll look at both the theory and practical side of things to help you develop your abilities. Having knowledge of both makes all the difference when you seek employment in this rapidly expanding industry.

Your tutors will encourage you to identify problems, and then work out how to solve them using software. You might get involved in developing software solutions that use artificial intelligence (AI). Or perhaps you’ll look at how to use computing applications in engineering or scientific experiments to combat environmental problems.

In Year 1 you’ll follow a core computing programme that gets the fundamental skills and knowledge to prepare you for more advanced topics. Then from Year 2 on, you’ll have the chance to take option modules in each year. This enables you to tailor your studies to your specific interests.

During your studies you’ll be taught through a combination of formal lectures, tutorial groups, practical laboratory work and seminars. The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), which means you will have fulfilled the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and some of the academic requirements for Chartered Incorporated Engineer or Registered IT Technician. Our course also gives you the chance to apply your skills in the real-world with an optional one-year placement. Previous students have undertaken placements at companies like IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, HBOS and British Airways.

Reasons to study

1. Accreditation: This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT, providing an indicator of quality to you and potential employers.
2. Preparing for your future: previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as network engineer, senior AI programmer, associate producer and DevOps engineer.*
3. Gain industry experience: We'll support you in securing a work placement in the UK or abroad, so you’ll benefit from real-world experience to make your CV stand out.

Course detail

Year 1
Core modules:

• Software Design and Development
• Computing Science and Mathematics
• Computer Organisation and Architecture
• Computer Network Fundamentals
• Project 1

Year 2
Core modules:

• Team Project
• Relational Databases and Web Integration
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Operating Systems
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Option modules:

Choose one from a list which may include:

• Object-Oriented Systems Development
• Cyber Security
• Computational Mathematics 1
• Language Translators

Year 3 – optional placement year

* Scholarships available for international students.