Course Overview
The enormous growth of the Internet, the proliferation of computer networks, programmable devices and information systems in various forms, and the highly accelerated rate of change ensures a continuing requirement for employees with contemporary computing related skills and qualifications.
The Internet, in particular, is a major technological revolution that is having and will continue to have an enormous impact in society. The radical, transformational change that has been observed in the arena of computing, and organisations' dependence on technology for competitive advantage are compelling reasons to incorporate new ideas, paradigms and technologies into computing related programmes.
In the first year, you will study a broad range of subjects common to several courses within the Computing Portfolio. These provide the underpinning required for later years and allow flexibility in choosing modules that meet student's own personal goals. This approach gives greater opportunity to develop skills most closely aligned to the student's own industrial experience and needs. In the final year, you will undertake a major project which provides a focus for your studies.
The expertise and skills you develop from engineering software solutions as part of a team is highly regarded by employers.
Key Features
This degree scheme is designed to produce suitably equipped graduates to work in the rapidly expanding computing and information systems industry within the UK. The programme includes the traditional concepts, principles and techniques of software development, databases and information systems but applies these within the context of engineering large and complex systems.
Through our industrial links we have also developed a program structure to provide students with the latest skills along with an appreciation of the demands of industry. This course is designed to give the student the most flexibility in choosing modules that meet their own personal goals. This approach gives students greater opportunity to develop skills most closely aligned to their own industrial experience and needs.
Applicants to this programme are numerate and logically-minded, and it is likely that they will have previously studied science, maths or information and communication technology. Graduates would seek positions in application development, business systems analysis, database development and administration, information systems consultancy and management etc.
Modules
Year 1 modules - BSc/HND/HNC
- Academic and Employability Skills (10 credits)
- Computational Thinking (10 credits)
- Computer Architecture (10 credits)
- Data Visualisation (10 credits)
- Information Engineering (20 credits)
- Software Development (20 credits)
- Optional modules (40 credits)
Year 2 modules - BSc/HND
- Application Design and Development (20 credits)
- Database Management Systems (20 credits)
- Project Management (10 credits)
- Research Methods (10 credits)
- Optional modules (60 credits - may include Implementation Project or Work-Based Project)
Year 3 modules - BSc
- Major Project (40 credits)
- Optional modules (80 credits)
Professional Accreditations
This is a new course and is not accredited. The School will be seeking Chartered IT Professional status from the British Computer Society to align it with the existing programmes in the Computing portfolio.
Course Tutor(s)
- Dr Kemi Ademoye
- Tim Bashford
- Andrew Baker
- Dr Carlene Campbell
- Gareth Jones
- Michael Dacey
- Gordon Dickers
- Associate Prof Stephen James Hole
- Beverley Holland
- Dr Glenn L. Jenkins
- Sue Maw
- Dr Kapilan Radhakrishnan
- Dr Nicola J. Whitehead
- James Williams
Assessment
The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of computing and information systems development. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of worksheets, practicals, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of course work set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates have excellent employment prospects in the computing, teaching, lecturing and ICT industry, as well as in other areas of the economy. Recent statistics show that the vast majority are following their chosen career paths within six months of graduating.
Graduates would seek positions in application development, business systems analysis, database development and administration, information systems consultancy and management, etc.
Related Courses
- Computing and Information Systems
- Software Engineering
- Web Development
Additional Costs
It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as major project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade.