Program Overview

Applied Computing (Distance Learning) (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Overview

This part-time, distance learning course allows you to top up a HND or Foundation degree to a full Bachelor's degree in Applied Computing. You'll develop skills to enhance your performance in your current role or be ready to take on a senior role in system design, analysis, software engineering, or online course development.

Key Information

UCAS Code

I201

Typical Offer

Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification

Study Mode and Duration

• 1 year full-time by distance learning (top-up)
• 2 years part-time by distance learning (top-up)

Start Date

• September 2025
• January 2026

Course Information

Course Highlights

• Develop your expertise in advanced database concepts, management of information systems and e-commerce, project management, and web management and development
• Design and develop your own piece of software, hardware, or network system as part of your final year project

Benefits of Distance Learning

• Work from anywhere, at your own pace, in your own time
• Access to over 600,000 ebooks, 55,000 online journals, digital newspapers, and a postal loan service from our University Library
• Invitations to online forums where you can discuss your studies with other students and your lecturers
• Access to all student support services via email, phone, online chat, or video call

Entry Requirements

BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (Distance Learning) (Top-Up) Degree Entry Requirements

• Typical offer (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
  • Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example, an appropriate HND, foundation degree, or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject
• English language requirements
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5

Careers and Opportunities

• You could use this top-up course to pursue a more senior role with your current employer
• Experienced information systems managers can earn an average salary upwards of £40,000, as can experienced systems analysts
• Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level in areas such as health informatics, forensic IT, and networking, or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University

What Jobs Can You Do with an Applied Computing Degree?

• Roles they've taken on include:
  • Business continuity analyst
  • Software engineer
  • Web developer
  • Systems analyst
  • Computer programmer
  • Online course developer

Modules

What You'll Study

• Project - 40 credits
  • You'll produce an individual piece of work using the skills and techniques you've acquired throughout your course
• AI and Data Analytics - 20 credits
  • You'll use Python programming to analyse data, look at machine learning, and get introduced to AI as a real-world solution
• Project Management - 20 credits
  • In this module, you'll apply industry best practices in IT project management and systems development
• Security Management - 20 credits
  • You'll explore security threats and their impact on a business or organisation
• Web Development and Databases - 20 credits
  • In this module, you'll explore the web development cycle; from concept to deployment and maintenance

Teaching

• Teaching methods on this course include:
  • Independent study
  • Online discussion with lecturers
• Most of the course is delivered via our interactive virtual learning environment

How You're Assessed

• You'll be assessed through:
  • Multiple choice tests
  • Essays
  • Mini projects
  • Presentations
  • Review articles

How You'll Spend Your Time

• Each academic year is divided into 2 teaching blocks and 2 assessment periods
• Most teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday
• Online chats are usually scheduled for evenings to accommodate the fact that most of our distance learning students are at work

Supporting You

• As a distance learner, you can get support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed
• You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
  • Personal tutor
  • Learning development tutors
  • Academic skills support
  • Wellbeing and mental health support
  • Disability advice and additional support
  • Library support
  • Maths and stats support
  • Support with English

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• September 2025 / January 2026 start
  • Full-time
    • UK, International, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £6,356
    • EU students (including Transition Scholarship): £6,356
  • Part-time
    • UK, International, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £4,240 (Year 1), £2,120 (Year 2)
    • EU students (including Transition Scholarship): £4,240 (Year 1), £2,120 (Year 2)

Funding Your Studies

• Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get
• You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover

Additional Course Costs

• These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees
• Recommended reading: You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module
• General costs: We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying and memory sticks
• Final year project: If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities