Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 320 points, from:
- GCE A and AS-level Tariff points typically from 3 A-levels together with either 1 AS-level or Extended Project Qualification (typical offer BBC, plus a C in either an AS or EPQ). General Studies/Critical Thinking may be accepted.
- Irish Tariff points from 5 subjects.
- Scottish Tariff points from 3 Advanced Highers, plus 1 Higher.
- Advanced Diploma Tariff points in Engineering or IT, including an A-level for Additional and Specialist Learning.
- BTEC ND DDM in a related subject.
- IB Diploma 32 points.
- Access: Pass, with Merits in all units.
Please note that the above are the requirements for 2010 entry. Please click here for the 2009 entry requirements.
Course Aims
The aim of this course is to enable you to become knowledgeable about computing in industrial and commercial organisations and to be able to assess what computing is appropriate in a given circumstance. To do this you will need a good understanding of basic computer science and a grasp of the important elements of IT management.
Course Content
Our approach
The emphasis in all our courses is on acquiring a range of concepts and skills which enable you to design in a creative and sound manner. This is an academic degree which balances theoretical concepts with practical application and information and computer management.
Level 1
The Level 1 course meets the needs of students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with differing experience in computing. These classes establish a firm foundation for the rest of the degree. You will be introduced to the style and ethos of both the University and the computing profession.
Core material includes foundation units in systems architecture, systems analysis, software development and the relevant mathematics. Level 1 will concentrate on establishing a sound knowledge of key points within the discipline. Although the context and related areas will be identified, they will not be explored or compared in great depth until Level 2.
By the end of Level 1, regardless of your degree programme, you have covered the fundamental concepts of computer science and information systems, with a particular emphasis on programming. For modules see below.
Level 2
This period consolidates Level 1 learning but more emphasis is placed on judgement and evaluation skills. You will enhance your understanding of:
- the process of developing large and complex software systems;
- the roles that you might need to adopt and the technologies available to help you control such projects;
- human-computer interface;
- how to develop sound criteria 'user friendliness' and make reliable and repeatable judgements based on them.
You will further specialise in Information Systems. At the end of Level 2, you will have covered systems analysis and design. You will also explore the human and organisational aspects of information systems. For modules see below.
Level 3
Final year project
You will undertake a substantial individual project where you research a topic in Human Computer Interaction in Information Systems in depth. If you are on a sandwich course it is quite likely that this project will be of interest to your past, and perhaps future employer. This is assessed and is worth a third of your Level 3 marks.
In this final year, you can continue to specialise in Human Computer Interaction in Business. At the same time you will study options which allow you to broaden your understanding of computing and you will begin to address research-level issues in areas such as computing for e-commerce, business, social web and other Web 2.0 technologies, information systems, simulation modelling and artificial intelligence. The range of options available is revised each year and reflects the range of specialist interests among our staff.
Current specialisms include:
- eCommerce
- Component-based design
- Managing information systems projects
- Multimedia information superhighways
- Multimedia information systems
- Developing systems that closely match business and user requirements
- The development of intelligent systems
- Vision and image processing using neural networks
- Self organisation and robotics
- Artificial intelligence
- Simulation modelling to help decision makers
- Business process design.
Typical Modules
New scheme modules (for first year entrants 2009)
Level 1
- Level 1 Group Project
- Introductory Programming
- Data and Information
- Information Systems and Organisations
- Logic and Computation
Level 2
- Level 2 Group Project
- Software Development and Management
- Usability Engineering
- Business Analysis and Process Modelling
- ICT’s in Society
Level 3
- Final Year Project in IS for Business
- Software Project Management
- Advanced Topics in Information Systems
- Human Computer Interaction
Level 3 Options
(choose one)
Teaching and Learning
Expert staff
Our courses are taught by an academic staff of more than 50, many with a background in the computer industry. Practically all are involved in the our application-oriented research, which includes information systems, software engineering, knowledge-based systems, and simulation modelling.
We take great care to ensure a smooth transition from school or college to university. Groups of around 12 meet for twice-weekly seminars with a personal group tutor and practical workshops of around 24 are run with the same tutor. This both ensures continuity and allows you, particularly in your first year, to become well acquainted with your tutor.
How many hours study a week will I have?
You will have about 12 hours directed study per week. In addition to this, staff are normally happy to answer queries outside of this time. Students are expected to do an average of 30-35 hours private study a week.
How will I be taught?
- Lectures - These provide a broad overview of key concepts and ideas relating to computer science or information systems. They give you a framework from which to carry out more in-depth study.
- Laboratory work - This helps you develop and understand the technical skills for building software using the methods and techniques introduced in lectures. You will do individual work, but a tutor is on hand. He/she may stop the group for discussion on common problems and issues from time to time.
- Seminars - You will give presentations, learn key business skills, such as report writing, self-study and evaluation, and crucially, communication skills. Professional Issues Seminars will help you understand the professional context of your academic studies, even if you opt for the three-year course.
- Tutorials - In a tutorial you will work on a computing-related problem with guidance from a member of staff. He/she will be on hand to help you with your problems.
- One-to-one - In your final year you will normally get one-to-one supervision for your project. You will also be allocated a personal tutor each year who is available to discuss personal or academic problems. If you go on placement you will also have an industrial tutor who will help you set objectives and monitor your progress, and will provide further support if you need it.
- Other - Guest speakers from prominent organisations give presentations on relevant business aspects. We host weekly talks on topical computing research issues. If you do work experience, this will also be an important part of your professional development.
Assessment
Assessment varies from one module to another, and may be based entirely on coursework, entirely on examination or on a combination of both. It is equally important for you to learn how to establish your own criteria for assessment and reliably assess the quality and value of your own work. Overall, the split is usually about 50:50 exam to coursework.
Careers
Our graduates can choose from a variety of careers in business and computing. In addition to jobs in systems analysis and design, you may join a consultancy firm, which is often a first step towards setting up your own business. Students with ‘sandwich’ experience are particularly in demand. Many also proceed to a higher degree in this discipline.
Special Features
Professional Accreditation
This course offers full exemption from the British Computer Society’s professional examinations, allowing graduates to attain professional membership of the Society (MBCS) after a shortened period of relevant experience and training. The course also fulfils the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (full IEng accreditation) and part of the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (partial CEng accreditation).