Computing and Information Technology Incl Professional Experience

Program Overview

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Computing and Information Technology Incl Professional Experience

Overview

Technology advances at a rapid pace and businesses must adapt if they are to compete in an ever expanding global economy. A degree in Computer and Information Technology gives you a grounding in a broad range of information technology subjects as well as the skills to manage and administrate complex digital infrastructure. The course develops applied computing, interpersonal, communication and IT skills and readies graduates to develop, select, deliver, manage and maintain cutting-edge IT infrastructures and advanced IT systems. It is ideal for students who are interested in IT and are keen to learn programming, web development, database design and human-computer interaction, it also requires team working skills and nuanced interpersonal interaction. This is further enhanced by a placement year, where you will put into practice the skills you have acquired. In fact, employer experience is embedded into every aspect of Computer and Information Technology at Queen’s. This allows students to engage and learn from prospective employers from day one, vastly improving our graduate employability rates.

Career Development

Students taking this programme may spend a year gaining professional experience in industry in a paid full-time post. Students are helped to obtain suitable places and the School has excellent links with over 500 local, national and international employers such as Citi, BT, Liberty IT, and Kainos in Belfast, IBM in England, Microsoft and Sun Microsystems in Dublin, Fujitsu in Japan and Siemens in Germany.

Further Study Opportunities

Further study is also an option – graduates can choose from a range of Master’s programmes as well as a list of research topics; see the School website for further information.

Student Testimonials

• Marcella Armitage (Computing and Information Technology)
  • Attraction to QUB: Queen’s is the top university in Northern Ireland, so both the reputation and location were two of the main factors that attracted me to Queen’s University.
  • Positive Experience during studies: One of the positive experiences that stands out to me during my time at Queen’s is the staff and students at EEECS. Everyone you meet, in particular the facility staff just want the best for you and will help you get to where you want to be.
  • Placement: PwC Belfast. My placement year was a great experience and would highly recommend completing a year in industry.
  • Engaging in extracurricular activities: I have taken part in hackathons that were held by EEECS. When I began my course, I was not the most confident of coders but attending these hackathons did help me develop my coding skills.
  • One piece of advice to potential EEECS applicants: Go for it, take part in as much as you can. You will gain friends and invaluable experiences along the way. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions there will always be someone who can help you.
  • Going forward: I have received a graduate offer from PwC, and I hope to return there in Autumn of 2021 as an associate.
• Emma Elliott (Computer Science)
  • “The best things about my course are the students and lecturers, the projects you get to work on, and the wide variety of interesting topics that give you an excellent grounding for lots of careers. There‘s a good balance between practical and theory, and the chance to spend a year in industry is invaluable!”
• Laura Kelly (Computer Science)
  • Attraction to QUB: The reputation of Queen's as an excellent university for Computer Science, its connections to the technology industry in Northern Ireland and further afield, and its location in Belfast really made the university incredibly attractive to me.
  • Positive Experience during studies: One of the most positive things for me so far during my time here is the community that being a EEECS student provides, I have found that the students in my course bond well and rely on each other, and that when you find your group of friends that there's a really amazing supportive culture.
  • Placement: I've been offered a placement position in Rapid7. I'm looking forward to beginning my placement in June 2020.
  • Engaging in extracurricular activities: I'm a EEECS peer mentor and I'm a member of the Queen's Michaela Foundation society, the QCS, Queen's LGBT+ society, An Cummann Ghaelach and Amnesty International Society.
  • One piece of advice to potential EEECS applicants: The advice I would give is to meet as many people on your course as possible, find your friend group and embrace the opportunity to engage in a supportive culture. Don't be afraid to ask each other for help if you need it.
  • Going forward: Going forward I hope to be doing my placement year at Rapid7, coming back for my final year, and graduating to work full time in the technology industry, what kind of role I want will be influenced by my placement year.
• Kevin Toner (Computer Science)
  • Attraction to QUB: All my older brothers went to Queen’s before me and enjoyed their time there. One of them did Computer Science and he talked me through the course, and it sounded very interesting. Plus, it is the top university in Northern Ireland.
  • Positive Experience during studies: Not easy to pinpoint one, I have so many!
  • Placement: SpotX, here in Belfast. It was amazing. All my work colleagues were really helpful and supportive.
  • Engaging in extracurricular activities: I engaged in a lot of things. I tried to participate in all the international programs available to me.
  • One piece of advice to potential EEECS applicants: Take part in all the opportunities that Queen’s offers – say “Yes” to everything. As seen above, Queen’s offers a lot of opportunities and a lot of them are international opportunities. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every program that I have participated in and they have helped me to develop a lot as a person
  • Going forward: As seen from all the programs that I have taken part in, I’m an opportunist. So, I’m going to cross my fingers that an amazing global opportunity comes my way that excites me and take part in it.

Course Structure

Introduction

This degree aims to teach the necessary skills, tools and techniques to enable our graduates to embark on careers as IT professionals in a wide variety of roles, and involves extensive practical work with a significant portion completed in team-orientated projects.

Year 1

• Programming
• Computer Architecture, Networks and Databases
• Introductory Software Engineering
• Problem-solving

Year 2

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Management Systems
• Web-based Programming
• System Administration and Maintenance
• Software Engineering

Year 3

• Year of Professional Experience

Year 4

• Working on a Project
• Agile and Lean Software Development
• Data Analysis and Visualisation
• Information Systems Security
• Software Testing
• Software Design Principles

People teaching you

• EEECS

Contact Teaching Hours

• Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial: 6 (hours maximum)
• Large Group Teaching: 9 (hours maximum)
• Personal Study: 24 (hours maximum)

Learning and Teaching

The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies, Electronics, Communications and Information Technology and Sonic Arts. A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in the field.

Assessment

• The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.

Feedback

• As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.

Facilities

The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has a world-class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) and Sonic Arts (SARC).

Career Prospects

Introduction

Studying for a Computing and Information Technology degree at Queen‘s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen‘s are well regarded by local, national and international employers.

Employment after the Course

Careers open to graduates with a BSc Honours in Computing and Information Technology include systems engineer, systems analyst, web designer, systems developer, IT consultant, and project manager.

What employers say

• “Every year, Liberty IT employs about 20 placement students, many of whom come from Queen’s. The standard of these students is very high, which is evidenced by the conversion rate to Graduate Software Engineers within the company once they graduate – this year it was 100%.” - Liberty IT
• “We’ve been recruiting QUB students for many years now. The reason why we do is that the students who join us have always bowled us over with their enthusiasm, can-do attitude and how quickly they can learn the skills required to work in Kainos. They fit in quickly to our team environments, and add a huge amount of value in terms of the work they do here.” - Kainos
• “The students who join PwC NI from Queen's University Belfast EEECS not only come with a great academic record but also portray the key skills, we as a firm seek. Skills such as teamwork, good communication, willingness to learn and develop and reimagine the impossible. This I feel is due to a strong focus on both academics and the importance of the careers services during their university degree.” - PwC

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £26,600
• International: £26,600

Additional course costs

• Students may wish to become a student member of BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT - at an annual cost of £20, or £30 for four years (subject to change).
• Students undertake a placement in year 3 and are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Entrance requirements

• A-level: BBB including at least one preferred A-level (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including at least one preferred Leaving Certificate subject at grade H3 (see list below) + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics if not offered at Higher Level
• Access Course: Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65% in a computing or mathematical Access Course + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include at least one preferred Higher Level subject (see list below)
• BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma: A relevant computing QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with DDD + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

How we choose our students

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at:

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University.

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:

Modules

Core Modules

• Introduction to Computer Architecture (20 credits)
• Data Driven Systems (20 credits)
• Introduction to Cyber Security (20 credits)
• Fundamentals of Maths for Computing (20 credits)
• Professional and Transferrable Skills (20 credits)
• Systems Administration and Support (20 credits)
• User Experience Design (20 credits)
• Server Side Web Development (20 credits)
• Introduction to Enterprise Computing (IEC) (20 credits)
• Year of Professional Experience (120 credits)
• Team-based Software Innovation (20 credits)
• CIT Project (IT Enterprise Project) (40 credits)
• Data Analysis and Visualisation (20 credits)

Optional Modules

• Object Oriented Programming (20 credits)
• Introduction to Embedded Systems (20 credits)
• Procedural Programming (20 credits)
• Programming (20 credits)
• Networks and Protocols (20 credits)
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 credits)
• Systems Security and Cryptography (20 credits)
• Network Security (20 credits)
• Software Testing (20 credits)
• Software Design Principles, Patterns, Practice and Innovation (20 credits)

Program Outline

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Degree Overview: BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology

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Overview:

This four-year BSc degree aims to equip graduates with the skills, tools and techniques to embark on careers as IT professionals in a wide variety of roles. The curriculum involves extensive practical work with a significant portion completed in team-orientated projects.

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Key Emphasis Areas:

• User experience and information security throughout the degree
• Programming
• Computer Architecture
• Computer Networks
• Database Systems
• Human-Computer Interaction
• IT Infrastructure Specification and Design
• IT System Administration
• Professionalism
• Web-Based Development

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates for careers as IT professionals in diverse roles
• Provide a strong foundation in a broad range of information technology subjects
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
• Enable students to manage and administrate complex digital infrastructure
• Foster understanding of user experience principles and information security best practices
• Prepare students for further academic study or professional development

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Program structure:

The BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning experience. Students are exposed to foundational concepts in their first two years and then further apply them in practical placements and individual research projects during their final year.

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Year 1:

Focuses on foundational concepts including programming, computer architectures and networks, databases, and introductory software engineering.

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Year 2:

Builds upon Year 1 knowledge through modules like human-computer interaction, information management systems, web programming, and system maintenance.

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Year 3:

Is dedicated to a professional placement year where students gain hands-on experience in the industry and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

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Year 4:

Culminates with a significant research project, building upon skills and knowledge developed throughout the degree program, while offering opportunities to specialize or pursue individual interests within the broad field of information technology.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology curriculum comprises a diverse range of modules covering both theoretical foundation and practical application areas within information technology. Students can expect to engage with:

• Programming languages and techniques
• Computer hardware and network architecture
• Database design and management
• Human-computer interaction principles
• IT infrastructure planning and administration
• Software development methodologies
• Web application development
• Information management systems
• System security and ethical considerations

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Structure:

The program follows a semester system with 12 weeks per semester across two terms per year. This means students typically engage with 6 modules per year, 3 per semester.

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Course Schedule:

The specific course schedule may differ slightly each year. However, students can generally expect to encounter these core modules during their journey:

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Year 1:

• Programming
• Computer Architecture, Networks and Databases
• Introductory Software Engineering
• Problem-solving

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Year 2:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Management Systems
• Web-based Programming
• System Administration and Maintenance
• Software Engineering

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Year 3:

• Year of Professional Experience

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Year 4:

• Working on a Project
• Agile and Lean Software Development
• Data Analysis and Visualisation
• Information Systems Security
• Software Testing
• Software Design Principles

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Individual Modules:

Each module within the program provides students with a dedicated learning experience focused on specific knowledge areas and skill development. While detailed module information may not be available for every individual module, these descriptions provide examples of what students can expect:

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Example Module:

Human-Computer Interaction (HCU) aims to equip students with a thorough understanding of the principles, techniques, and tools involved in user-centered system design and development. Students explore different methodologies for understanding user needs, analyzing human behavior and cognitive limitations in the context of technology use, and utilizing design frameworks to build effective and satisfying interactions between humans and computers. This module includes practical activities such as prototyping user interfaces and conducting usability testing to evaluate designs and ensure the resulting systems cater to the needs and capabilities of their targeted user population.

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Additional Resources:

Students have access to a wide range of computer resources, including advanced laboratories with numerous PCs equipped with specialized software packages. The university boasts extensive network connections, linking them with computing facilities throughout the UK and globally. This provides an invaluable learning environment that facilitates collaboration, experimentation, and exploration, further supporting students' knowledge acquisition and skills development.

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Assessment:

The BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and achievement throughout the program. The specific assessment format for each module may vary depending on the learning outcomes being targeted. Some common methods include:

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Coursework:

Individual or group-based assignments designed to demonstrate students' understanding of theoretical concepts or their ability to apply those concepts through practical problem-solving or system development tasks. These assignments could take diverse formats, ranging from analytical essays and research reports to software applications or user interface mockups.

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Examinations:

Formal, time-bound assessments designed to test students' knowledge on a wider range of topics covered within a given module. Exams might involve a mixture of question formats, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer responses, or more detailed essay-style answers to evaluate understanding and critical thinking skills.

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Practical Projects:

Individual or group projects requiring students to design, implement, test, and document substantial IT-related systems or solutions. This assessment method aims to challenge students to integrate their accumulated knowledge and apply their problem-solving and technical skills within meaningful real-world contexts.

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Feedback:

To support continuous improvement and ensure comprehensive development, the program utilizes various mechanisms to provide timely and constructive feedback to students on their performance. Feedback can be offered through different channels like:

• General and specific comments provided in written feedback for submitted coursework, assignments, and project reports.
• Face-to-face consultations to address individual student inquiries or provide clarifications.
• Structured feedback opportunities offered in class or during dedicated office hours, enabling students to discuss concerns, clarify concepts, or explore specific topics in greater depth.
• Guidance offered by academic staff or designated tutors, who can provide support with regards to academic progress, learning challenges, and future career aspirations.
• Students are encouraged to engage with this feedback actively, analyze areas for improvement, and actively implement strategies to enhance their academic performance and skill acquisition.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Approach:

The BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology adopts a diverse and engaging instructional approach to facilitate active learning and ensure that students grasp both theoretical principles and practical applications within the field of information technology.

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Key Elements:

• A mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions to cater to different learning styles and strengths.
• Interactive lectures to introduce key topics, spark curiosity, and promote critical thinking through dialogue and active participation.
• Dedicated seminars for in-depth discussions of specific concepts, where students can engage with real-world case studies, analyze complex scenarios, and collaboratively address challenging problems under the guidance of experienced faculty members.
• Extensive practical sessions provide hands-on experience with real-world tools and technologies, allowing students to translate theoretical principles into action, build prototypes, test hypotheses, and solidify their understanding in practical situations.

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Faculty Expertise:

The program benefits from the guidance of a distinguished faculty with renowned research backgrounds and extensive industry experience. This ensures students learn from current, relevant knowledge that aligns with contemporary challenges and advancements in the IT landscape. The faculty's active research interests also create exciting opportunities for students to engage in research projects, explore specific fields in greater depth, and gain exposure to cutting-edge developments within the IT domain.

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Special Approaches:

Enhancing the traditional lecture and seminar format, the program incorporates additional valuable elements to broaden and enrich the overall learning experience:

• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is an online platform accessible to all students, where important announcements, lecture materials, and module-specific resources are readily available.
Students can use the platform to interact with course materials at their own pace, participate in asynchronous discussion forums, and collaborate with classmates on assignments or group projects even outside of scheduled meeting times.
• Dedicated Peer Mentoring Scheme offers a supportive structure where senior students from previous cohorts assist first-year students in various ways.
Peer mentors help with adapting to university life, navigating academic requirements, managing workload effectively, integrating into student life and social events, and providing guidance based on their own recent experiences and lessons learned. Such peer mentoring initiatives foster a sense of community within the program, create supportive networks for new students, and provide valuable advice for navigating academic challenges and maximizing their learning experience.
• The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science (EEECS) at Queen's boasts an active community of student groups.
Students have the opportunity to join the Queen's Computing Society (QCS), a vibrant student body dedicated to organizing various activities for computing students. These activities range from educational workshops and seminars on specific IT topics to social events, fostering a sense of belonging, networking opportunities, and enriching student life beyond their academic pursuits.
• Individual support is readily available through consultations offered by designated personal tutors assigned to each student upon program enrollment.
These tutors provide guidance on a personal level, offering academic advice, helping with navigating course selections, providing support during challenging periods, and assisting with career planning or exploring further opportunities for study or professional development.
• The School's extensive library resources and state-of-the-art facilities further contribute to a comprehensive learning environment.
Students benefit from access to a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources relevant to the various IT subfields covered within the program. Additionally, modern computer labs provide students with the necessary technology and software tools to experiment and develop their technical skills, allowing them to translate theoretical learning into practical action and prototype their ideas within a well-equipped and supportive setting.

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Careers:

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Potential Careers:

Graduates of the BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology program are equipped with a versatile skillset and strong foundations to pursue numerous exciting career pathways within the diverse and ever-evolving field of information technology. Potential career areas include:

• Systems engineer
• Systems analyst
• Web designer
• Systems developer
• IT consultant
• Project manager
• Database administrator
• Network administrator
• Software development specialist
• Information security analyst
• Data scientist

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Further Study Opportunities:

Graduates can also opt to pursue further academic specialization within the field by undertaking postgraduate studies such as a Master's degree in a specialized IT area or even pursuing research-oriented programs such as a Ph.D. These options can further strengthen their expertise, open doors to advanced research opportunities, or prepare them for teaching and academic careers in computer science and related domains.

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Career Prospects:

Graduates from Queen's University Belfast's BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology program are highly regarded by local, national, and international companies within the IT sector. The strong program reputation, coupled with the university's focus on practical skills development and career preparedness, positions graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.

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Placement Opportunities:

Many successful students from this program have benefited from industry placements during their 3rd year, gaining valuable real-world experience with leading companies like Citi, Liberty IT, and Kainos. These placements often serve as stepping stones towards permanent job offers upon graduation, offering a pathway for a seamless transition from academic studies to successful and rewarding careers as IT professionals.

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Program Recognition:

The BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology program is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). This prestigious recognition underscores the program's commitment to quality education aligned with industry standards and prepares students for professional challenges within the IT domain.

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Other:

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Queen's University Belfast - School of EEECS:

The program operates under the auspices of the esteemed School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science at Queen's University Belfast. The dedicated EEECS faculty offers a vibrant, research-intensive, and student-centered learning environment, consistently ranked highly in national league tables, placing it among the top 20 UK institutions for its Computer Science programs. This means students benefit from exposure to cutting-edge research initiatives and have the opportunity to engage with experts who are actively shaping the future of technology advancements and IT solutions.

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Dedicated Facilities:

Students enrolled in the BSc Hons Computing and Information Technology program have access to the School's state-of-the-art computing facilities, ensuring they gain hands-on experience with modern software and advanced hardware capabilities. These well-equipped labs provide an ideal setting for practical sessions, individual projects, and collaborative development activities further solidifying the theoretical concepts and technical skills acquired throughout their academic journey.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Northern Ireland (NI) 1:

£4,750

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Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2:

£4,750

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England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1:

£9,250

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EU Other 3:

£25,300

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International:

£25,300

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Notes:

• EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident.
• Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
• EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
• The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only.
In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

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Additional course costs:

• Students may wish to become a student member of BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT - at an annual cost of £20, or £30 for four years (subject to change).
• Students undertake a placement in year 3 and are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.
These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students may receive payment from their placement provider during their placement year.
• All Students
• Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
• Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.
If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
• Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
• If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials.
The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
• Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
• There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union. Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

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Scholarships

Each year, the University offers a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

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International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.