Computing Top-up

Program Overview

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Computing | Top-up BSc (Hons)

Year of entry

• 2025 - for 2026 entry see here - for 2025 entry see here

UCAS code

• G406

Duration of study

• 1 year

Course summary

Elevate your expertise by converting your current computing qualifications into a full degree. Informed by research and benefitting from close interaction with industry, our one-year Computing Top-up programme will expand your knowledge in the field, equipping you with advanced skills and techniques to excel in a graduate-level role or pursue master’s level studies.

Why study Computing | Top-up at Keele University?

• Study innovative modules in current and emerging areas of computer science including web technologies, data science, networking, game development, cyber security, and software development management
• Benefit from a wide choice of final year projects, supported by a dedicated academic supervisor
• Access a range of equipment including supercomputer facilities and a VR laboratory
• Academic and professional development opportunities

Course overview

If you have studied computing at an international institution or further education college and meet Keele's entry requirements, our one year Computing Top-up programme allows you to ‘top-up’ your existing knowledge by completing the necessary 120 credits to gain a full BSc. From exploring how computing can be applied to a wide range of real-world interdisciplinary problems to gaining expertise at the cutting edge of the discipline - you will develop the intellectual, practical and transferable skills required for further study or employment in industry, commerce or public service.

During the programme you will have the opportunity to study a range of innovative modules in current and emerging areas of Computer Science, including Web Technologies, Data Ethics and Security, Networking, Games Computing, Cyber Security, and Software Development Management. You will also undertake a 30-credit Computer Science project where you will integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a relatively large or complex technical, software, programming, research or business problem within the discipline. The topic of your project is decided by you but guided by our experienced academic staff.

The programme’s flexibility allows you to showcase your creative and leadership skills through various authentic, industry-inspired assessments. There is also an emphasis on the development of professional, academic, and transferrable skills such as communication, management, groupwork, and self-reflection, through regular sessions taught by academic and subject experts, including industrial guest lectures and sessions related to careers, placements, employability, and academic skills.

Course structure

Modules for Computing | Top-up

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are subject to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Third Year Double Project - ISP In this module, you will undertake an individual project across two semesters. The module will enable you to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a relatively complex technical, software, programming, research or business problem within the discipline. You will be allocated an academic supervisor to provide guidance alongside taught lectures. You will develop transferrable skills that will help in your future career including independent and self-directed learning, critical thinking, reflective practice, communication, adaptability, and time management.
• Web Technologies Our Web Technologies module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to enable you to develop multi-tier web applications. It aims to provide an understanding of Internet communication architectures (such as client-server) regarding standard protocols and to enable the development of web applications and the configuration of the servers on which they rely. This module is hands-on and supported by practicals about different web technologies. Transferrable skills include independent and self-directed learning, creativity and innovation, and reflective practice.
• Communications and Networks This module extends your knowledge of principles and practice in communications, computer network, and security technologies and their deployment. Learning about fundamental concepts is complemented by practical activities such as analysing network packets, developing network applications, designing computer networks and cryptography. The module provides valuable transferable skills in critical thinking and problem solving. The module content is applicable to those seeking careers in computing research, network security, network management and other digital communication and network areas.
• Database Technologies and Applications The core aim of this module is to provide an advanced understanding of database techniques and current issues associated with database deployment. It enables you to develop a detailed and coherent knowledge of distributed database architectures, including techniques for semantic interoperability (schema homogenisation, data integration, query optimisation, and distributed transactions control) between heterogeneous data models and legacy information systems. Data warehousing concepts, architecture, analytical processing techniques and data mining are also covered as one of the distributed database applications.

Optional modules

• Software Development Management Gain a comprehensive foundation in software development management and its process. This module will cover the skills needed to manage software products and their quality. It also explores modern development techniques such as API and microservices testing and Test-Driven development. You will be able to apply software testing and planning to real-world scenarios and systems. You will also gain familiarity with industry-relevant skills like using built-in API clients, and performance testing tools.
• Games Computing You will learn the necessary knowledge and skills to write more ambitious computer games, exploiting modern computer architectures, using game-related APIs and libraries, and gain the practical experience of building a game and its various components. You will have an opportunity to develop a game which can be showcased as part of a portfolio of developed software, increasing your employability upon graduation.
• Data Ethics and Security Writing efficient and correct code and learning practical skills are just some of the required skills of a Computer Science or Data Science professional. Alongside these skills, an appreciation of relevant ethics, regulations, governance frameworks and standards must be understood, both in a theoretical and practice sense. This module will help you to appreciate, debate, and apply these ideas, within the UK and globally.
• Cyber Security You will learn the necessary cyber security competencies to protect vital information systems, and their data and services, from unauthorised access, harm or misuse. You will also learn how to keep up-to-date with new recommendations and practice in this volatile and constantly evolving area. You will also gain an appreciation of other important areas such as legal factors, management of systems, risk analysis, and social and human factors.

Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework

Keele is one of only 15 broad-based universities in England - out of over 100 - to have been awarded Gold in both the 2017 and 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercises, demonstrating our consistent teaching excellence.

Additional opportunities

Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities for this course. Please note that undertaking one may impact the availability of another.

Entry requirements

These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Students would need to have completed the equivalent of 240 credits of prior learning in Computer Science or a closely related discipline to access Level 6. These may include:

• A relevant HND with a grade of Merit or above.
• A relevant Foundation degree with a score of 50% or above.
• Level 5 of a relevant undergraduate degree with a score of 50% or above.
• An international equivalent to the above.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide a language test certificate and achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall (or equivalent) with no less than 5.5 in any component.

English language requirements

All our courses require an English language qualification or test. Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please visit our English Language pages for details, including test information for international students. For students who require a test, this course requires a result from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.

General information

The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year

• UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
• International: Band 1, £17,700 for the 2025/26 academic year

Please note, our 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set. We set our fees on an annual basis and they will be updated here once set.

For Home students, the University's fees are regulated by the UK Government and may be subject to change in subsequent years of your course in-line with government policy or legal requirements. For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPI, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.

For details of our international fee bands visit our Undergraduate tuition fees page.

Supporting you

Supporting you

We offer a robust multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. You will benefit from the guidance of an academic mentor and access to Keele's Student Experience and Support team, should you need this additional support. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with your lecturers directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback, or discuss any matters relating to your studies on a regular basis. In addition to this, experienced demonstrators and doctoral researchers usually run virtual help-desk sessions to help with understanding practical aspects of module content and the use and configuration of software, especially when exam and coursework deadlines get closer.

Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Keele University strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for all. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are core values underpinning the University’s mission to making a difference in society by providing innovative, high-quality education for students from all backgrounds and by undertaking world-leading research that transforms understanding and brings benefit to society, communities and individuals.

As a School, we embrace this approach and will actively aim to ensure that all our activities will be organised so that everyone is made to feel safe and welcome, and that diversity is encouraged. We believe that this attitude is vital to help everyone flourish and feel valued for who they are. To achieve this, we promote fair treatment for all, irrespective of gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, relationship status, caring responsibilities, race, religion or belief. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda is embedded throughout our curriculum, and we are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition for our activities in this area.

Your future career

Keele’s Careers and Employability team offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about Careers and Employability Support at Keele

Your future career

On successful completion of this programme you will develop your intellectual, practical and transferable skills, to enable you to gain a sound academic grounding in the discipline of Computing and an understanding of the professional issues relevant to your future working life.

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do include:

• AI Data Analyst
• Big Data Engineer
• Cyber Security Analyst
• DevOps engineer
• Forensic Computer Analyst
• Games Developer
• Information Systems Manager
• IT Consultant
• Multimedia Programmer
• Network Engineer
• Research Scientist
• Software Engineer
• Systems Analyst
• UX Designer

Please note you may need to take further postgraduate study to enter some of the professions listed above.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching

We embrace a modern approach to learning that includes a balanced mixture of immersive lectures and lab-based sessions. Each taught module will include traditional lectures with all support material provided via our virtual learning environment and our labs are also offer remote accessibility. Learning and teaching methods used on the programme vary according to the subject matter and level of the module.

Teaching methods may include:

• Traditional lectures supported by copies of lecture slides in electronic form on the Keele Learning Environment
• Online resources, activities and communities 'around' our live teaching sessions
• Practical sessions in computer laboratories often supported by copies of laboratory instruction sheets
• Web-based learning using the University's virtual learning environment (KLE)
• Tutorials and directed reading on specific topics under the supervision of a member of academic staff

You will also have regular opportunities to talk through particular areas of difficulty, and any special learning needs you may have, with your Academic Mentors or module lecturers.

Assessments

The wide variety of assessment methods used on this programme reflect the broad range of knowledge and skills that are developed as you progress through the programme. Teaching staff pay particular attention to specifying clear assessment criteria and providing timely, regular and constructive feedback that helps to clarify things you did not understand and helps you to improve your performance.

Assessment methods may include:

• Online examinations taken during a 28-hour assessment window.
• Class tests are taken during the course of a module, usually in a lecture slot.
• Coursework normally consists of assignments designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the module material. Some of these assignments may be computer based; others take the form of individual reports, essays or group projects.
• Tutorial participation, whereby you may be asked to make contributions based on the subject material.
• Dissertations are formal reports of work carried out when you undertake a project.
• Oral presentations and reports assess your ability to communicate knowledge and understanding, both visually and orally, to both general and academic audiences. The presentation will be via an interactive Poster Event, attended by academic staff and students, giving you an opportunity to discuss your project with others and gain valuable feedback about your progress and ideas. You will also give a demonstration of the final deliverable from your project to two academics to explain and reflect on what you managed to achieve.

Facilities

Computational teaching will take place in Keele’s state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories (CSL) and the Colin Reeves Building, home to the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.

Our Central Science Laboratories house world-class facilities. You will benefit from transformational teaching in a space designed to encourage and enable collaborative and interdisciplinary working.

During your studies you will have access to a suite of facilities within the School. These include;

• Seven computer laboratories (remote access available)
• A high-performance cluster of computers (used for research and projects)
• A dedicated gaming lab (The Overclockers Lab)

You will also have the opportunity to gain out of hours entry to the building that houses the School's computer laboratories (subject to the request, approval and collection of a key fob).

Research

Keele is at the forefront of research and our lecturers in Computer Science are internationally recognised leaders in research on synthetic biology, wearable technologies, health and cultural informatics, responsible artificial intelligence, computer vision, evolutionary robotics. We focus on research that has the potential to create a significant impact on the computational understanding and engineering of complex systems, to improve people’s quality of life and to pave the way for world leading innovations that improve the security, reliability and quality of computing devices and services used in industry.

Keele is also in the unique position of hosting the first living laboratory for energy-efficient technologies: the multi-million-pound Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND). Our expertise feeds into modules in the latter years of your degree.

Research themes within our computer science division include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Centred Computing
• Future Systems
• Theoretical Computer Science

Find out more about our computer science research