BSc (Hons) Computing (Web and Mobile Development) drafted draft
Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-19 | - |
2024-01-09 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction
Every organisation understands the importance of having an effective online and mobile presence. The web and mobile development pathway on our BSc (Hons) Computing degree ensures you graduate with the skills and expertise needed to meet the demands of this exciting and influential industry.
state-of-the-art DigiTech Centre
for specialist modules
dedicated space on our web server
allowing you to create production websites and mobile applications as you would in industry
lecturers who have years of experience
working with large online organisations
Amazon Web Services
,Juniper
,Oracle
and our newGoogle Student Club
start your own web or mobile development business
with the University of Suffolk’s Innovation Centre (IWIC) and gain guidance from business leaders and academics
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Nicolas Nuttall - Web and Mobile Development Student
Our Web and Mobile Development pathway combines a solid grounding in software design and computer science with the expertise required for a successful career in the field of web and mobile development. Throughout the degree, you will have many opportunities to grow your professional portfolio allowing you to stand out from the crowd and forge a rewarding career in the industry.
Your course begins with a solid foundation in web design, programming and software engineering; gaining skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript as well as problem-solving, logical thinking and design theory. In your second year of study, you build on your ability to develop applications for web and mobile, honing your abilities in front-end and server-side web development, native mobile development and research. The final year allows you to undertake a major web or mobile project alongside specialist modules including distributed systems, big data and cyber security.
With the market for well-trained graduates entering the mobile and web sectors set to increase by over 50% between now and 2024, this degree has been designed for you to fulfil this increasing demand.
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How will you be taught?
You will be taught by experienced lecturers who use their years of industry and research knowledge to demonstrate best practices, industry standards and innovative technologies. You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures and seminar sessions, totalling at least 12 hours of contact time per week. You will also have access to our virtual learning environment, Brightspace allowing you 24/7 access to lecture material and activities, both on and off campus.
Students also have access to our computing Slack channel allowing them to collaborate and chat with each other. New computing students joining the university will receive access to our ‘New Student’ Slack channel in the weeks before the course commences. This allows new students to get to know each other and make friends before they arrive on campus.
How will you be assessed?
Throughout the course, the emphasis is placed on students completing hands-on projects that they can later present in their professional portfolio to employers. A variety of assessment methods are used, including individual and group-based practical projects, quizzes, technical reports and presentations. There are opportunities for feedback on your work throughout and you will receive the support you need through your lecturers and our academic support and library services teams.
How do you ask a question?
You can click here at any time to contact a lecturer or student studying on our computing degree. Do feel free to ask any questions about the computing course, our pathways, the university, student life and services or anything else.
How do you apply?
To join our web and mobile development pathway, please apply for our
BSc (Hons) Computing degree (UCAS code I103)
. All our students begin on this degree and then have the option of selecting a specialist pathway in web and mobile development, cyber security or artificial intelligence towards the end of their first year.Program Outline
Course modules
The first year of our web and mobile development pathway provides you with a solid foundation in web technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. It also ensures you have an excellent core understanding of the key concepts within computer science.
In your second year, we deepen and specialise your knowledge of web and mobile development. We will also be preparing you for your final year by helping you to focus on your research skills.
In the final year, you are offered a range of options in topics which are of current interest for mobile and web developers.
Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.
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All students on the web and mobile development pathway will take the following
six
required modules in their first year:-
Computing Fundamentals
This module covers the principles of computer systems, hardware components, the essence of operating systems, and relevant computing-related mathematics. This module will provide the foundational underpinning to enable students to progress deeper into different computing specialisms, and a grasp of the history of computing, recent developments and its possible future.
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Introduction to Networking
This module introduces the concepts of communications and networking. It explores the Open Systems Interconnectivity (OSI) 7-layer reference model and TCP/IP Routing Suite (the 5-layer Internet reference model). TCP/IP is the model which is most commonly deployed in the majority of modern-day networks.
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Introduction to Web Design
The module introduces the concepts of web design, with a focus on designing responsive websites that are targeted at mobile platforms. Students are introduced to HTML, CSS and JavaScript to provide them with an understanding of what goes into the front-end of modern websites. Using a series of case studies, students will analyse the design and layout of a range of existing sites using a number of common analysis techniques.
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Introduction to Programming
This module introduces students to the concepts and practice of computer programming. It is aimed at providing students with an understanding of the fundamentals of computer programming by having them work through a range of tasks focused upon layout, structure and functionality.
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Introduction to Cyber Security
This module provides an understanding of why cyber security matters to businesses, to society and to individuals, coupled with knowledge of basic concepts, attack techniques, attacker types, and the core elements of cyber assurance.
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Introduction to AI and Data Science
This module provides an introduction to the artificial intelligence and data science fields, covering the history of the discipline, and exploring a variety of “classical AI” topics.
All students on the web and mobile development pathway will take the following
six
required modules in their second year:-
Software Design, Development and Engineering
This module focuses on all phases of the modern software engineering lifecycle and advanced software engineering topics, including critical software, secure software, formal methods and project management from the practitioner’s perspective. This will be put into practice through the requirements gathering, design, implementation and testing of an extensive project that meets the needs of a particular enterprise.
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Relational Databases
This module provides essential knowledge and appreciation of the role of relational database systems, including basic principles and practice of design, implementation and development for both system designers and software engineers. It will include practical exercises in Structured Query Language.
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Computing Research Skills, Professional Practice and Ethics
Research skills are an essential set of capabilities in the toolkit of a professional software engineer. In this module, students will develop knowledge and understanding of the purpose, processes, methods (surveys, experiments, interviews, case studies, etc.), analysis (qualitative and quantitative), and outputs of research and will be able to apply them. This module also delves into the professional, legal and ethical standards and guidelines that inform and guide best practice in business and computing.
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Data Structures, Algorithms and Advanced Programming
This module focuses on data structures (e.g. linked lists, trees, heaps, hash tables, etc), algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, greedy, graph, geometric, cryptographic, string matching and compression algorithms, etc), and advanced programming techniques and other language paradigms.
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Advanced Web Design
The module builds upon the content delivered to the students in Introduction to Web Design, providing students with an advanced understanding of front-end web development and design technologies. Essential for any career in the web industry, students will utilise advanced frameworks, pre-processors and design patterns to create interactive, accessible and mobile-friendly web interfaces. Through interactive hands-on sessions, students will develop their own online portfolio of work and become familiar with the prototyping and agile development methodologies common to the web industry.
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Advanced Web Application Development
The module will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop scalable server-side applications utilising a range of influential web technologies. Throughout the module, there is an emphasis on preparing students for the web industry by ensuring best practices are followed and industry-standard software and tools are used. Additional topics such as security, ethical hacking, APIs and encryption will also be taught to ensure students have the skills required to design and develop large-scale web infrastructures.
All students on the web and mobile pathway will take the following
two
module in their third year:-
Project and Dissertation
The module provides the opportunity for students to apply and develop some of the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree by engaging in a significant project in a specialist area of computing, typically software or networks. It will enable and require students to utilise practical, intellectual and decision-making skills in novel situations and develop their autonomy and self-direction.
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Mobile Application Development
The module is intended to provide students with an understanding of development for mobile devices with a focus on the constraints of mobile hardware, including interface and networking. Students will learn to integrate input from hardware sensors and work with networked data and services.
In addition to the above module, students are required to
choose three
of the below optional modules:
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Strategic Cyber Security
Cyber security is now an executive-level concern in most organisations. Cyber security specialists will be required to deliver strategic value to their organisations by ensuring security is intrinsic to system architectures by design and by default, by applying appropriate standards in risk analysis, systems modelling and policy design, and scanning the horizon of emergent threat landscapes to discern new issues.
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Information Engineering
This covers the full range of skills and knowledge required for “Big Data” including parallel and NoSQL databases, statistical modelling and programming, machine learning, data analytics and visualisation. These skills are essential for making sense of security-related Big Data.
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Neural Networks and Deep Learning
A sufficiency of inexpensive computing power, sufficiently large datasets and a number of key theoretical advances created deep learning techniques which have facilitated a wave of accuracy increases across many computational tasks (computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition, autonomous driving, etc.), making many applications practical. Deep learning is central to modern artificial intelligence. This module explains the underlying mathematics and techniques and how to use them to achieve similar feats of computational accuracy.
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AI and Data Science Applications
This module provides an opportunity to explore in greater depth several areas of artificial intelligence and data science. This will include an understanding of the domain theory, typical problems faced in the domain and how these might be solved.
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Distributed Systems
This module provides a systematic understanding of distributed operating systems, software services and applications in terms of their architectures, functionality and behaviour. It includes case studies on the “Internet of Things” and cloud computing as well as topics on parallel programming.
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Cyber-Physical Security
There has been a triple convergence of computing, communications and the physical world, leading to the creation of complex cyber-physical systems, a reliance on strong cryptography, and the need to instil security into software and cyber-physical systems
ab initio
in the face of an ever-evolving threat landscape. -
Cyber Forensics and Intrusion Management
Cyber attacks are increasing in frequency and diversity with hostile actors probing for vulnerabilities, cooperating to develop exploits, and deploying these on an industrial scale. Many organisations are essentially under continuous attack from multiple actors. Eternal vigilance through monitoring and logging is essential for reactive and proactive responses. Inevitably some attacks will be successful and effective actions are required to handle these incidents, limit breaches, and collect evidence for investigation.
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Cyber Security: Attack and Defence
On one hand, this provides insights into the mindset of cyber attackers, a secure understanding of the ethics and legal issues in this area, and knowledge and skills in attack technologies and techniques. On the other hand, this module provides a detailed knowledge and understanding of the techniques and tools available to a security professional, and the practical skills in selecting, evaluating, designing, implementing and deploying defences to protect vulnerable software, networks and systems.
Timetable for students commencing Sept 2021
Career opportunities
Our pathway in web and mobile development will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to become a career-ready graduate. The University of Suffolk’s Innovation Centre (IWIC) provides students will the opportunity to start a business with business and academic guidance, facilities and support. Students who graduate on this pathway could also pursue a career in one of the following roles:
Current UK salaries for web and mobile development roles are high: Web Developer median salaries are currently £52,000; Mobile Application Developer median salaries are currently £57,500.
Course options
All students begin on our BSc (Hons) Computing degree. Towards the end of their first year, students can choose to follow a specialist pathway in cyber security, web and mobile development or artificial intelligence. Alternatively. students can create a pathway of their own by selecting a flexible set of modules. Students that choose a specialist pathway will receive a specialist award upon completion. For example, students that choose the web and mobile development pathway will receive a BSc (Hons) Computing (Web and Mobile Development) award. If you would like to apply for the computing degree or the cyber security, web and mobile development or artificial intelligence pathways, please use the
UCAS code I103
and join our the BSc (Hons) Computing degree. Professional PlacementYou can opt to include a professional placement year during your course. This would mean your course length would change from three years full-time to four years full-time. The professional placement year will give you the opportunity to gain professional experience and relevant practical skills to further your career in the computing sector upon graduation.
University of Suffolk
Overview:
The University of Suffolk is a modern, dynamic institution focused on transforming individuals, its community, and the region. It emphasizes research excellence and innovation, fostering a vibrant learning environment.
Services Offered:
The University offers a comprehensive range of services for students, including:
Funding Your Studies:
Financial aid options for undergraduate, postgraduate, international, and additional support.Your Campus:
Access to the Ipswich Campus, Student Centre, sports facilities, and partner colleges.Student Life:
Support services like disability and wellbeing resources, student life mentors, counselling, chaplaincy, and a dedicated Student Life Team.Library and Learning Services:
Access to library resources and learning support.Applicant Area:
A dedicated portal for prospective students.Student Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options.Careers and Employability:
Support for career development and job search.Visit Us:
Opportunities to visit the campus and learn more about the university.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Suffolk provides a vibrant campus experience with a focus on student wellbeing and support. Students can expect:
Destination Suffolk:
Opportunities to explore the county of Suffolk, with its diverse landscapes and cultural attractions.Student Life Mentors:
Peer support and guidance from experienced students.Counselling Service:
Confidential support for mental health and wellbeing.Chaplaincy:
Spiritual and pastoral care for students of all faiths.Student Life Team:
A dedicated team to support students with various needs.Sports Facilities:
Access to modern sports facilities for recreational and competitive activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Career Prospects:
Ranked 2nd in the UK for career prospects by WUSCA 2024.Investment in Academic Services:
Ranked 3rd in the UK for spending on academic services by the Complete University Guide 2025.High Teaching Satisfaction:
Ranked 4th in the UK for teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2024.Vibrant Community:
A strong sense of community with opportunities for engagement and collaboration.Destination Suffolk:
Access to a beautiful and diverse county with plenty to explore.Academic Programs:
The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Biomedical Science:
Focus on the study of human biology and disease.Computing:
Programs in computer science, software engineering, and cybersecurity.Law:
LLB Law program with a focus on legal theory and practice.Psychology:
BSc Psychology program exploring human behavior and mental processes.Business Management:
BA Business Management program with a focus on leadership, strategy, and entrepreneurship.Other:
The University of Suffolk is a Civic University, actively engaging with its community and contributing to regional development. It has a strong commitment to equality and diversity, widening participation, and sustainability.
Entry requirements
2023-24 and 2024-25 entry; 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level).
Applicants are also required to have GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above, or equivalent Level 2 qualification. Applicants who do not hold these qualifications may be considered on an individual basis based upon their overall application and the course applied for.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements Explained
IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) where English is not the students' first language.
International and EU
If you have previously studied at higher education level before you may be able to transfer credits to a related course at the University of Suffolk and reduce the period of study time necessary to achieve your degree.
Further information on RPL