Name of Programme
BSc (Hons) Computing
Final Award
BSc (Hons)
Location
³Ô¹ÏÍø
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of ³Ô¹ÏÍø
Teaching Institution
University Of ³Ô¹ÏÍø
School of Study
School of Computing
Programme Code(s)
UBSF9SCO / Full Time / 2 Years and 1 Term
UBSF2SCO / Full Time / 2 Years
Professional Body Accreditation
British Computer Society
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
QAA SBS: Computing (2022)
Admission Criteria
A-Level: ABB - BBB, IB 32 or equivalent (Computing and/or Mathematics are desired, but not essential); GCSE: maths B/5, English C/4; IELTS 6.5
Applicable Cohort(s)
September 2023
FHEQ Level
6
UCAS Code
G400
Summary of Programme
Advanced knowledge of fundamentals and innovations in digital and technology solutions, and their application to solve real-life problems are at the heart of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s computing programmes.

Accredited by the British Computer Society, our undergraduate programmes blend theory with practice to ensure students gain confidence, skills, and the expertise required to becoming an IT professional in this increasingly interdisciplinary field. Student-centred small group teaching and learning utilising state-of-art technologies and equipment, informed by cutting-edge research, prepares graduates of this programme for a rewarding career in industries of the future.

Students on this two-year undergraduate degree programme will be trained on fundamental theories and concepts, key techniques, approaches, methodologies and tools of software engineering and full-stack software development as practiced within the IT industry. The programme will provide students with the practical skills required to implement digital and technology solutions for a wide variety of complex problems.

Educational Aims of the Programme
Digital and technology solutions lie at the heart of modern societies and industries of the future. They include hardware, software, data networks, tools, frameworks, and standards that provide the technological ecosystem on which the delivery of information services is based. Multinational corporations, small to large businesses, charities and public sector organisations are using data and digital technologies to transform the products and services they offer, and to optimise their internal business processes.

Innovations in technological solutions are essential to solve some of the most complex challenges humanity faces today. This two-year undergraduate computing degree aims to equip students with key competencies to analyse complex problems, and design, implement and evaluate innovative, ethical and sustainable digital solutions to a wide range of problems in modern society.
Software is now considered to be a complex engineering product that requires a professional, systematic, collaborative and an interdisciplinary approach to design and develop. Thus, knowledge and understanding of software development processes, tools and techniques, as well as practical skills to implement such products are much sought-after within many sectors of the economy. This programme is designed for students who are curious to learn the underlying theories, concepts and techniques in computing and software development, and apply them to solve previously unseen problems. Students who are keen to develop their professional skills in analysing, developing testing and maintaining software products and systems for promising career opportunities in a range of industry sectors will find this course highly relevant and stimulating.
The first year of this two-year programme introduces students to essential theories and concepts of computing, programming and software development that underpin modern computer science. These theories and concepts build the fundamentals necessary to undertake highly specialised modules that follow in the second year.

The second year focuses on advanced modules covering software development for mobile and web applications, software testing and quality assurance, cloud computing and software project management. All students undertake a substantial 'Individual Project’, and a collaborative ‘Grand Challenge’ project where they get the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to develop an innovative solution to a real-life complex problem. There are several opportunities to work in teams, thus developing leadership and collaboration skills.

This fast-tracked programme prepares students to work in dynamic and agile organisations, or to pursue postgraduate education. Our small-group teaching and learning environment supported by personal tutors offer students a personalised learning experience to achieve their full potential. Learning is enriched through collaborative projects, co-curricular activities and seminars by guest speakers from industry. Opportunities for professional skills development are offered throughout the degree programme.
Programme Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the programme students should be able to gain knowledge and understanding in:
1. Roles of computer-based systems and digital solutions in the wider historical, social, economic, political and environmental context
2. Essential fundamental facts, concepts, theories, principles and methodologies of computing
3. Problem solving and computer programming together with relevant techniques, algorithms, mathematical structures and concepts
4. Data, software and system architectures, communication networks and protocols, and related technologies
5. Use of the theoretical knowledge, software development processes, methods and tools in analysing, modelling, designing, implementing, testing, and deploying usable, secure, inclusive and sustainable digital and technology solutions to meet specific requirements
6. Use of appropriate management techniques and tools for the successful development of software products within agreed time, budget and quality requirements
7. Ethical, professional, social, legal, commercial, security, safety and sustainability issues in developing and exploiting computing technology in practice
8. Developing software applications for mobile devices using their various sensors, connectivity options, data storage and data processing mechanisms.
9. Use of advanced techniques in developing web applications with consideration given for user experience and security.
10. Software Quality Assurance together with related methodologies, tools and techniques.

Teaching/Learning Strategy

Classroom-based teaching/learning following the principle of progressive disclosure is the main strategy for achieving all aspects of the knowledge and understanding. A variety of sessions of teacher-student interaction such as lectures, tutorials, practical classes, workshops, seminars, and project supervision sessions are deployed to enhance the understanding. Reading, practising and interactions with teachers and peers are useful strategies of learning. Virtual learning environments, online or stand-alone software tools are used to enhance the effects of teaching and learning. The Individual project as well as the Grand Challenge Project is used as an opportunity for self-directed learning.

Teaching/learning strategies corresponding to the specific aspects of knowledge and understanding are as follows:
1. Example systems, case studies, individual project, site visits
2. Lectures, tutorials, seminars, project meetings
3. Practical classes, coursework and individual project
4. Module projects, individual project, group work (including role play), workshops
5. Lectures, tutorials, individual project, literature review style coursework
6. Strategies of specific modules
7. The grand challenge project

Assessment Strategy

Student knowledge and understanding are evaluated by a combination of the following means:

- Written exams and tests (All)
- Coursework (All)
- Practical exams & practical tests (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)
- Project reports and presentations (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- Individual Project work (All)
- The Grand Challenge project (All)

According to the marks awarded, students are then considered as:

- failed to achieve the knowledge and understanding
- partially achieving the knowledge and understanding
- fully achieving the knowledge and understanding
Programme Outcomes

Cognitive Skills

At the end of the programme, students should be able to gain skills and abilities in:
1. Gathering, evaluating, filtering and selecting useful information on new technologies from primary sources
2. Identifying problems and specifying requirements for new solutions
3. Evaluating solutions (technical and nontechnical).
4. Deploy appropriate methods and tools
5. Modelling & designing computer-based software systems
6. Communicating knowledge to technical and non-technical audience
7. Identifying a software development model which is best suited to solve a real life problem
8. Knowledge of what it means to develop a high quality software that meets all user requirements

Teaching/Learning Strategy

The skills are achieved through various forms of practical exercises. In particular:

- After-lecture revisions (1, 3, 5)
- Exercises in tutorials, practical classes and coursework (all)
- Research type module projects, Journals and articles (1, 3, 5)
- Individual Project (all)
- The Grand challenge project (all)

The skills are obtained through successes and failures in the practical exercises. Feedback from tutors assists obtaining and improving the skills.


Assessment Strategy

All skills are assessed by the following means:

- Coursework
- Practical examinations
- Project reports
- Individual Project
- The Grand Challenge Project

According to the assessment results, students are considered as:

- failed to possess the skills
- partially possess the skills
- competently skilled
Programme Outcomes

Practical/Transferable Skills

Practical computing skills: At the end of the programme students should be able to:

1. Use appropriate theoretical and practical processes to specify, design, construct or implement, evaluate and maintain computer systems
2. Apply principles, methods and tools of system design in developing information systems that meet user needs
3. Evaluate alternatives, understand trade-off issues and deploy effective tools and methods in solving problems, working with technical uncertainty
4. Operate computer systems effectively and be familiar with well-established languages, software systems and tools

Transferable skills: At the end of the programme students should be able to:

5. Produce individual work and undertake self-directed learning of new knowledge for education and professional development
6. Work as an effective part of a development team and recognise the roles to play within the team
7. Analyse data and present the analysis results to a variety of audiences of different backgrounds
8. Use problem solving and time management skills
9. Listen to and understand user requirements clearly and unambiguously
10. Communicate aspects of the software development/engineering methodologies to the clients/users in a clear and easy-to-understand format

Teaching/Learning Strategy

The skills are obtained through practical exercises. In particular:

- Module projects (all)
- Individual project (all)
- Individual coursework (1,2,3,5,7,8)
- The Grand Challenge Project (all)
- Extensive practical exercises in workshops and practical classes (4, 8)
- Presentations/Demonstrations (7)

Assessment Strategy

All skills are assessed by means of the following:

- Coursework (written essays and reports)
- Practical/written examinations
- Presentation/Demonstration performance
- Group challenge project
- Individual Project

The Individual Project plays a critical role in obtaining the key skills. The importance of the individual project is reflected by a special examination convention for the programme, which states that the overall degree classification cannot be significantly higher (i.e. one grade higher) than that awarded to the project.
External Reference Points
· QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
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· Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s): QAA Subject Benchmark Statement Computing:
()
· BCS Guidelines on Course Accreditation:
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Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
October 2018
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
Latest Revision Date: November 2023
Date approved by School Board of Study
Latest Revision Date: November 2023
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Latest Revision Date: November 2023
Date of Annual Review
In line with the University annual monitoring review process.

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES

BSc (Hons) Computing

UBSF2SCO / Full Time / January Entry
Term 1
Winter
Introduction to Computer Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITCS)
Problem Solving and Programming 1 [L4/15U] (SUFPSP1)
Mathematics for Computing [L4/15U] (SUFMATC)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
Term 2
Spring
Introduction to Operating Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITOS)
Problem Solving and Programming 2 [L4/15U] (SUFPSP4)
Introduction to Statistics [L4/15U] (SUFITSS)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Preliminary Examination
Term 3
Summer
Principles of Database Systems [L5/15U] (SUFPRDS)
Object Oriented Programming [L5/15U] (SUFOOPG)
User Experience (UX) Design [L5/15U] (SUFUSED)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Term 4
Autumn
Software Engineering [L5/15U] (SUFSEN5)
Principles of Computer Networks [L5/15U] (SUFPRCN)
Design, Implementation and Analysis of Algorithms [L5/15U] (SUFDIAA)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Part 1 Examination
Term 5
Winter
One of:
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence [L5/15U]
Fundamentals of Cyber Security and Cryptography [L5/15U] (FCLP6)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
Fundamentals of Mobile Applications Development [L5/15U] (SUFFMAD)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Term 6
Spring
Web Applications Development [L6/15U] (SUFWAD6)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
(Continued)
Software Quality Assurance [L6/15U] (SUFSSQA)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Part 2 Stage 1 Examination
Term 7
Summer
Software Project Management [L6/15U] (SUFSWPM)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
(Continued)
Advanced Web Applications Development [L6/15U] (SUFAWAD)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Term 8
Autumn
Cloud Computing [L6/15U] (SUFCLDC)
Grand Challenge Project [L6/15U] (SUFGRPR)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Part 2 Stage 2 Examination

** Skills and Professional Development module runs across the entire programme and is assessed as a module within the last term of the programme.
* Please note there are Special Regulations governing this programme, which can be reviewed in the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s regulations Handbook: /about/handbooks/regulations-handbook

 

BSc (Hons) Computing

UBSF9SCO / Full Time / September Entry
Term 1
Autumn
Introduction to Computer Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITCS)
Introduction to Statistics [L4/15U] (SUFITSS)
Preliminary 1 Examination
Term 2
Winter
Mathematics for Computing [L4/15U] (SUFMATC)
Problem Solving and Programming 1 [L4/15U] (SUFPSP1)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
Term 3
Spring
Introduction to Operating Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITOS)
Problem Solving and Programming 2 [L4/15U] (SUFPSP4)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Preliminary 2 Examination
Term 4
Summer
Principles of Database Systems [L5/15U] (SUFPRDS)
Object Oriented Programming [L5/15U] (SUFOOPG)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
User Experience (UX) Design [L5/15U] (SUFUSED)
Term 5
Autumn
Software Engineering [L5/15U] (SUFSEN5)
Principles of Computer Networks [L5/15U] (SUFPRCN)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Design, Implementation and Analysis of Algorithms [L5/15U] (SUFDIAA)
Part 1 Examination
Term 6
Winter
One of:
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence [L5/15U]
Fundamentals of Cyber Security and Cryptography [L5/15U] (FCLP6)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Fundamentals of Mobile Applications Development [L5/15U] (SUFFMAD)
Term 7
Spring
Web Applications Development [L6/15U] (SUFWAD6)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
(Continued)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Software Quality Assurance [L6/15U] (SUFSSQA)
Part 2 Stage 1 Examination
Term 8
Summer
Software Project Management [L6/15U] (SUFSWPM)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
(Continued)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Advanced Web Applications Development [L6/15U] (SUFAWAD)
Term 9
Autumn
Cloud Computing [L6/15U] (SUFCLDC)
Grand Challenge Project [L6/15U] (SUFGRPR)
Skills and Professional Development [L5/15U] (SUFSK5A) **
(Continued)
Part 2 Stage 2 Examination

** Skills and Professional Development module runs across the entire programme and is assessed as a module within the last term of the programme.
* Please note there are Special Regulations governing this programme, which can be reviewed in the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s regulations Handbook: /about/handbooks/regulations-handbook

This programme is the fast-track 2 1/4 year programme. This programme is the only entry point for Computing Major combined degree programme.