Course overview

What sets this course apart is its degree of flexibility. It is ideal if you wish to gain a wide range of computing skills from web design and networking to database management and/or are still uncertain which area of computing you are best suited to.

The course contains a number of modules designed to encourage your professional growth and personal development, e.g from Learning and Skills for HE and work in the first semester to subsequent networking modules where content is designed to facilitate the possibility of acquiring additional Cisco qualifications.

During your studies you will be encouraged to acquire key practical skills to help you build a broad-based knowledge of computing from which to make informed choices and to begin to develop your knowledge in a particular discipline specialism such as programming or networking.

Within this context, this degree has two main aims. The first is to provide you with a good understanding of the concepts of computing and information. The second is to equip you with the skills to apply this knowledge in the analysis, design and implementation of solutions in a range of application domains.

When you graduate you will be able to:

• demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles, theory and practice of the development of information systems and computer applications
• design applications to meet given requirements
• select appropriate tools needed to develop professionally in specialist areas of information systems
• develop a range of analytical, practical and presentational skills, demonstrating confidence and creativity.

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, group assessment, presentations, class- and laboratory-based tests, case studies, group project work and the Major Project.

These develop your abilities to solve problems (both on your own and as part of a team), to communicate effectively, and be self-motivated.

Facilities

A wide range of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory-based sessions is available, depending on modules chosen. Many modules also offer support via one or more Virtual Learning Environments (eg WebCT and/or Moodle) which also enable students to access key resources off site.

Links with industry and professional recognition

Graduates who complete the relevant networking modules will be able to apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate status.

Associated careers

With the combination of excellent practical and academic preparation this course provides, graduates should be well placed to take advantage of employment opportunities for a wide range of computer-related careers and/or further study. They may be a small cog in a large corporate wheel, doing a specialised or a more generalist role in a small company, or anything in between. Equally, they might well carve out an independent or consultancy role, depending on skills, experience and inclination.

Alternatively, the skills learnt can also be applied to other areas such as business management or teaching/learning support.

Previous students have gone into positions such as applications developers (a range of roles, eg from programming to testing of databases, web-based, business or educational systems), project management (within the defence, NHS and commercial sectors), end user and/or network support, as well as a variety of graduate training schemes (IT, business or education based).

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Entry requirements

Although the standard offer may be varied our typical minimum entry requirement is Grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths plus 180 Tariff points at A Level or National Certificate/Diploma or a Merit level Access to HE Certificate in a related subject. Applicants who not qualify by any of these routes are welcomed to contact us to discuss admission on previous qualifications and experience.