Computer Science with Placement

Program Overview

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Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree, created in collaboration with BAE Systems, is designed to equip students with both the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in today’s job market.

Why choose this course?

This program strikes a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring students build a strong foundation in computational skills across various disciplines.

Course Structure

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

• Sandwich placement year

Year Four

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

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

This program's underlying philosophy is for students to be active participants in their learning. Teaching is delivered in flipped classroom mode, with material studied in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) before attending in-person learning activities.

How you will be assessed

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

Entry Requirements

• 112-120 UCAS Tariff Points
• GCSE English Language, Maths, and Science or STEM at C/4 or above
• A-levels: BBC-BBB to include 32 points in Maths and one of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Computer Science, Electronics, IT, Software Systems Development, or Statistics

Tuition Fees

• 2025-2026: £9,535 (UK), £14,900 (International)
• Placement Year fee: £1,905 (Home), £2,980 (Overseas)

Additional Costs

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

Location

• Lancaster Campus

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Program Outline

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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (With sandwich placement) - University of Cumbria

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed to combine the technical focus of computer science with social and environmental awareness. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including data science, artificial intelligence, and cyber security, with an emphasis on innovating creative solutions using an architectured approach. The course aims to increase subject knowledge alongside academic development through active learning, and tutors mentor students in applying their skills in problem- and project-based modules. The program is delivered at the Barrow-in-Furness campus and is designed in collaboration with BAE Systems to ensure its relevance and future-proof nature.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Fundamentals of Computer Science: This module introduces the fundamental principles of computer science.
Students will learn about how computers work, the basic building blocks of computer systems, and how computers and computer systems are used in business and industry. Students will also explore data, data communication, and encryption.
• Computing Platforms: Students will explore emerging technologies and their potential impacts in business, industry, and society.
They will explore the differences between computing platforms, be able to identify the advantages of each, and appreciate the main areas of vulnerability of common computing systems.
• Problem Solving and Computational Thinking: This module introduces programming, programming language, and computer algorithms.
Students will learn how to use logic and logical analysis to solve problems and create code. They will use industry-standard software to design and test programs and begin to consider defensive programming and cybersecurity.
• Business Requirements: Students will learn how business functions, how computers are used to support this work, and how to understand business requirements to deliver an appropriate computer solution.
They will be introduced to Unified Modelling Language (UML) to analyze, document, and visualize systems.
• Designing Computing Solutions: Students will learn about the fundamentals of systems and software to design, build, and test their own software solutions.
They will find out about the software development life cycle, and the processes of data integration, software testing methods, and project management.
• Technical Project 1: The main aim of this module is to develop a range of skills through an interesting and relevant project.
Students will work as part of a team to explore the processes required to develop, test, and deploy a web-based app.

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Year Two:

• Networks: This module serves as a broad introduction to computer networks and will cover the fundamentals of network operation including common network types, protocols, and common vulnerabilities.
Students will also learn about the concepts, theory, and practice of information and data security.
• Data Collection, Storage, and Analysis: This module will teach students how to design, develop, and manage database systems in organizational settings.
Students will learn how databases and data management can be used to enhance business operations, fundamental database theory and principles, and how to overcome vulnerability to cyber attacks.
• Enterprise Systems: Students will understand how enterprise software systems are structured, how they operate, and the steps that are typically required to tailor their operation to specific organizational requirements.
• Managing Business Operations and Technology Strategy: Students will be introduced to operations management as one of the core functions in any organization, as well as the practical skills that operations managers use.
The second part of this module will focus on innovation management practices, technology strategy, and how it is implemented in business.
• Programming and Developing Software Solutions: Students will expand their skills in logical analysis, computational and algorithmic thinking in the context of producing software to solve a specific problem.
They will explore different codes vs scripting languages, and development environments including AI-generated code.
• Technical Project 2: Students will develop collaborative and teamworking skills as they explore creative ways of designing software, collectively known as Agile and DevOps practices.
They will become familiar with the tools and techniques to reliably build, test, and release software in an effective and efficient manner.
• (Optional) Sandwich Placement: This module relates to the sandwich year work placement.
This is a year-long period of paid industrial training which gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and discover the working world.

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Year Three:

• Sandwich Placement Year: Students will undertake a paid industrial training placement, gaining practical experience in their field.

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Year Four:

• Professional Project: The Professional Project is the capstone of the degree.
Students will undertake a substantial and independent piece of research into a topic of their choice, related to one of their taught modules in year 3.
• Data Science: Students will be introduced to the underpinning principles, tools, and techniques of data science, which they will apply to business and industrial problems.
Students will learn how to evaluate the management, organization, and use of data science, big data, and open data.
• Cyber Security: Students will learn about the social aspects of system design, the principles of secure systems, and the motivations behind cyber attacks.
Students will analyze, evaluate, and mitigate risk, threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors in systems security, information security, and operational security.
• Artificial Intelligence: Students will be introduced to the concepts, theories, and terminology of AI and machine learning (ML).
They will examine a variety of AI methods, from evolutionary algorithms through to contemporary methods such as deep neural networks, as well as modern AI trends.
• Emerging Technologies and Innovation: Students will explore the strategic management of developing and acquiring technology for the development of new products.
This means they will identify, research, and evaluate a new and emerging technology typically in the very early stages of the Gartner IT Market Clock.

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Assessment:

• 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.

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Teaching:

• The program's underlying philosophy is for students to be active participants in their learning.
• Teaching is delivered in flipped classroom mode, with students studying the taught material in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in their own time and at their own pace before attending in-person learning activities.
• In-person learning activities include classroom sessions based around problem-solving tutorials and seminar discussions to develop knowledge.
• Workshops and laboratory sessions are also used to develop skills, which include study skills, research methods, critical and analytical abilities, and the ability to manage time and plan work.
• Tutors are all active researchers and use their experience in working on leading-edge projects to ensure that students are up-to-date with the latest developments in computer science.

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Careers:

• The program aims to develop the technical knowledge, commercial and social awareness needed for a career in computer science.
• Students have access to some of the world's major employers, who are right on the doorstep.
• Employability skills are embedded in every module.

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Other:

• The program is delivered in a brand-new, purpose-built facility with emerging technology to support learning.
• Students explore the broader responsibilities of computer scientists to society and the environment.
• The curriculum is designed in collaboration with BAE Systems.

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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.