Computer Science

The constant development of technologies affects everyone. Computer science is the systematic study of information and our interaction with it. What energy is to physics, information is to computer science. It is about how we represent it, how we store it, how we manipulate it and how we present it.

Our degree will develop your analytical and logical skills through tackling problems and designing solutions for increasingly complex scenarios.

Year 1

From the start you will learn skills that are important, working in many problem-solving teams. The first year is designed to introduce you to the diverse range of subjects that make up ‘Computer Science’, which include Data Analysis, using familiar and unfamiliar tools to solve sometimes complex business problems; Investigation and Research, developing the professional skills you will need throughout your career; Multimedia Authoring, introducing you to the main features of an industry standard multimedia authoring package; Introduction to Computer Systems; Introduction to Programming, using an object oriented language such as Java; and Introduction to Web-based technologies. Degree level research and writing skills are also introduced.

Year 2

Year 2 extends your theoretical knowledge and develops your ability to apply it to real-world problems, continuing the core themes described above. Additionally, you will undertake a six-week period of work placement with one of our company partners, where you face the challenge of employing your skills in the real world. Research and writing skills are developed further in preparation for your dissertation (an extended piece of research) next year.

Year 3

By the time you reach Year 3 you may well have a particular career path in mind. You are expected to focus on Modern database Management Systems, Advanced Systems Analysis and Design and Advanced programming. Together with these core areas you can study other topics such as Multimedia games programming, Networks, Managing Computer-Based organization. You will also undertake a dissertation – a major individual research and development project, researching a particular aspect of the programme, and applying it to a specific situation.

Information Systems Management

is the lifeblood of every organisation and community. It is essential for communication with colleagues, associates and the public, and helps to solve problems and take decisions. In this programme you will learn how to select appropriate technologies, apply software, and systematically manage information. The professional and technical skills you develop are highly valued by employers, who know that such skills can enhance an organisation’s performance and help it to meet its goals. 

Year 1

You will learn about the fundamental nature of e-communications, e-business systems and the nature of management within the web-based environments. As part of broad foundations in ICT practice, you will develop essential skills in office software design and systems analysis. Typically, these will exploit internet and web technologies, mobile communications, digital media, and decision-support software. Equally important is the way your research, communication and presentation skills develop – your future career will be heavily dependent on how well you appreciate human-to-human communication as well as human-computer interaction.

Year 2

The essential ICT themes continue with modules in relational databases and website design, as well as in systems development. These modules build upon the existing skills and knowledge base by introducing key e-business concepts and infrastructures, supported by practical applications of multimedia. At the end of the year, a six-week period of work placement with an employer partner or in experiential learning will provide you with an opportunity to develop your technical and personal skills, and to apply your knowledge and understanding within a practical environment.

Year 3

In the final year you will study two specific Information Systems Management modules, each of which aim to develop concepts introduced at levels four and five. At a more strategic level, you will be introduced to managing a computer-based environment as well as to issues and concepts within emerging markets and technologies. These key themes will provide you with an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of how technology, infrastructure and innovation are managed within modern organisations. You will also undertake a dissertation – a major particular aspect of the programme, and applying it to a specific situation.