BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Course Overview

Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree, created in collaboration with BAE Systems, is designed to equip you with both the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in today’s job market. You will explore key areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI), all while fostering your creativity through innovation, hands-on experimentation and real-world examples. This programme strikes a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring you build a strong foundation in computational skills across various disciplines.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Lancaster
• Institute: Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing
• UCAS Code: B111
• Delivery Style: In-person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 3 Years
• Study Options: With sandwich placement
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)

Minimum Entry Requirements

• 112-120 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE English Language, Maths and Science or STEM at C/4 or above

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 - UK (Year)
• £14,900 - International (Year)

Course Structure

What You Will Learn

Computer science is a fast-paced and highly technical profession that demands a broad range of skills and knowledge. At each level of study, you will explore computers, computer systems, software and programming, as well as selected topics in business, management and leadership. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to contextualise your learning through project modules and enquiry-based learning.

Modules

Year One

• Fundamentals of Computer Science
• Computing Platforms
• Problem Solving and Computational Thinking
• Business Requirements
• Designing Computing Solutions
• Technical Project 1

Year Two

• Networks
• Data Collection, Storage and Analysis
• Enterprise Systems
• Managing Business Operations and Technology Strategy
• Programming and Developing Software Solutions
• Technical Project 2
• (Optional) Sandwich Placement

Year Three

• Professional Project
• Data Science
• Cyber Security
• Artificial Intelligence
• Emerging Technologies and Innovation

Teaching & Assessment

How You Will Learn

This programme's underlying philosophy is for you to be an active participant in your learning, so we deliver much of our teaching in flipped classroom mode, which can be thought of as doing the lesson at home and the homework in class.

How You Will Be Assessed

The majority of the assessment is via coursework, which includes project work, reports, computer tests and presentations. Some exams are also used where appropriate to the subject.

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: GCSE English Language, Maths and Science or STEM at C/4 or above
• A-levels: BBC-BBB to include 32 pts in Maths and one of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Computer Science, Electronics, IT, Software Systems Development or Statistics
• T-levels: M. All T levels in Digital, Engineering or STEM are acceptable for entry to this programme
• Access to HE: 21 Credits at Distinction & 24 at Merit – Computer Science, maths or Digital Technologies based
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: DMM - Computer Science, maths or Digital Technologies based
• Scottish Highers: BBBB – AABB to include a B in Maths, Statistics, Computer Science, Design & Technology or Engineering Science
• Irish LC Highers: B2x2, A2x2 – A2x4 to include B1 in Maths, Statistics, Computer Science, Design & Technology or Engineering Science

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Computer Science. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this programme.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study.

Funding

The University of Cumbria is partnering with BAE Systems to offer the BAE Systems Scholarship, a fantastic opportunity for UK undergraduate students studying a qualifying course.

A non-repayable bursary paid directly into students’ bank accounts, scholarship recipients will receive a total of £5,000 across their three years of study, (Year 1: £3,000, Year 2: £1,000, Year 3: £1,000). Recipients will also be awarded a 12-week paid placement with BAE Systems and a guaranteed interview upon completion of their degree, providing a snapshot into what a career at the company is really like.

Additional Costs

• Books and Journals: Learning materials are provided via Blackboard, or via the library.
• Clothing and Equipment: Students are welcome to use their own devices, but computer equipment is also provided in the labs.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree at the University of Cumbria's Barrow-in-Furness campus, developed in partnership with BAE Systems, is a modern and innovative program that combines technical computer science knowledge with social and environmental awareness. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including data science, artificial intelligence, and cyber security, emphasizing the creation of innovative solutions through an architectured approach. This program aims to enhance subject knowledge and academic development through active learning, with tutors mentoring students in applying their new skills in problem- and project-based modules. Located in the heart of Barrow-in-Furness, the program offers convenient access to major employers in the area. The program's objectives include:

• Developing the technical knowledge, commercial, and social awareness needed for a successful career in computer science.
• Providing access to major employers in the region.
• Enhancing professional skills alongside academic study, with employability skills integrated into each module.
• Exploring the broader responsibilities of computer scientists to society and the environment.
• Offering a curriculum designed in collaboration with BAE Systems to ensure its modernity, relevance, and future-proofing.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Fundamentals of Computer Science: Introduces fundamental computer science principles, exploring how computers work, the building blocks of computer systems, and their application in business and industry.
Topics include data, data communication, and encryption.
• Computing Platforms: Explores emerging technologies and their potential impact on business, industry, and society.
Students analyze differences between computing platforms, identify advantages of each, and understand vulnerabilities of common computing systems.
• Problem Solving and Computational Thinking: Introduces programming, programming languages, and computer algorithms.
Students learn logical analysis, problem-solving techniques, and code creation using industry-standard software. They also gain an understanding of defensive programming and cybersecurity.
• Business Requirements: Explains business functions and how computers support them.
Students learn to understand business requirements to deliver appropriate computer solutions, including an introduction to Unified Modelling Language (UML) for systems analysis, documentation, and visualization.
• Designing Computing Solutions: Covers the fundamentals of systems and software, enabling students to design, build, and test their own software solutions.
Topics include the software development life cycle, data integration, software testing methods, and project management.
• Technical Project 1: Develops a range of skills through a project-based learning approach.
Students work in teams to explore the development, testing, and deployment of a web-based application.

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Year 2:

• Networks: Provides a comprehensive introduction to computer networks, covering fundamental concepts of network operation, including network types, protocols, and common vulnerabilities.
Students learn about information and data security.
• Data Collection, Storage, and Analysis: Covers the design, development, and management of database systems in organizational settings.
Students understand how databases and data management enhance business operations, explore fundamental database theory and principles, and learn how to mitigate cyberattack vulnerabilities.
• Enterprise Systems: Focuses on the structure, operation, and tailoring of enterprise software systems to meet specific organizational requirements.
• Managing Business Operations and Technology Strategy: Introduces operations management as a core organizational function, including practical skills used by operations managers.
The module also covers innovation management practices, technology strategy, and its implementation in business.
• Programming and Developing Software Solutions: Expands students' skills in logical analysis, computational and algorithmic thinking, and software development to solve specific problems.
They explore different coding and scripting languages and development environments, including AI-generated code.
• Technical Project 2: Develops collaborative and teamworking skills through creative software design approaches known as Agile and DevOps practices.
Students learn tools and techniques for building, testing, and releasing software efficiently and effectively.
• (Optional) Sandwich Placement: This module relates to a year-long paid industrial training placement, providing students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and gain practical experience in a work setting.

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Year 3:

• Professional Project: The capstone of the degree, where students conduct independent research into a topic related to one of their Year 3 modules.
• Data Science: Introduces the principles, tools, and techniques of data science, applying them to business and industrial problems.
Students learn to evaluate data management, organization, and utilization, including big data and open data.
• Cyber Security: Covers social aspects of system design, principles of secure systems, and motivations behind cyber attacks.
Students analyze, evaluate, and mitigate risk, threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors in system security, information security, and operational security.
• Artificial Intelligence: Introduces AI and machine learning (ML) concepts, theories, and terminology.
Students examine various AI methods, from evolutionary algorithms to deep neural networks, as well as modern AI trends.
• Emerging Technologies and Innovation: Explores strategic management of technology development and acquisition for new product creation.
Students identify, research, and evaluate emerging technologies, often in the early stages of development.

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Assessment:

The program primarily utilizes coursework assessment, including project work, reports, computer tests, and presentations. Exams are also used where appropriate to the subject.

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Teaching:

The program emphasizes active learning, with flipped classroom methods where students complete lessons independently and engage in problem-solving tutorials, seminar discussions, and workshops during in-person sessions. The curriculum is delivered using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for independent study. Faculty members are active researchers, incorporating their expertise in leading-edge projects to keep students up-to-date with current computer science advancements.

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Careers:

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the computer science field, including:

• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• Data Analyst
• Network Engineer
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Artificial Intelligence Specialist
• IT Consultant
• Project Manager
The program's strong industry partnerships, particularly with BAE Systems, provide graduates with valuable connections and job opportunities. The sandwich placement option offers students practical experience and the opportunity to explore potential career paths. The program's focus on social and environmental awareness also equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to contribute to responsible technological innovation.

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Other:

• The program is delivered in a brand-new, purpose-built facility equipped with emerging technology.
• Students benefit from access to some of the world's major employers in the region.
• The curriculum is designed to ensure graduates are prepared for an exciting career in computer science.
• The program emphasizes the importance of computer scientists' responsibilities to society and the environment.
This comprehensive extraction provides a detailed overview of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree at the University of Cumbria, capturing its objectives, curriculum, assessment methods, teaching approaches, career prospects, and additional program features.

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Tuition Fees 2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.