Applied Computing BSc (Hons)

Master key technical and practical skills in a wide range of computing specialisms, including computer technology, database design and development, internet technology, programming, systems requirement development and agile project management.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That鈥檚 why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You鈥檒l benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you鈥檒l build friendships and a sense of belonging.

Overview

This course provides a broad understanding of aspects of Applied Computing, whilst allowing students to specialise in their chosen areas. It develops technical skills in computing, including agile programming, mobile applications, information security, analysis, database design, and business intelligence alongside developing critical thinking skills vital to working in complex IT environments. The course also benefits from the unique research contribution of the Internationally renowned Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR), which embeds ethics and the impact of computing and technology within the modules.

Professionalism within the industry context is emphasised throughout, with strong links to BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT). Students will be exposed to multiple concepts, tools and technologies that are current industry standard, in addition to the fundamental underlying principles.

The curriculum offers Applied Computing BSc students significant employment opportunities aligned with the shift in the IT industry towards hybrid professionals who engage with both technical and business aspects. Through thinking critically and systemically, Applied Computing BSc graduates are attractive prospects to a wide range of roles and employers.

Key features

We have more than 50 years of computing experience that you can learn from. This long-standing history allows you to draw on a wealth of research and academic expertise to inform your studies.
Enhance your employability and gain industry experience by undertaking an optional work placement. Previous students have carried out placements at organisations including Caterpillar, GCHQ, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, Siemens and Vauxhall.
Develop your practical skills in our specialist facilities. You’ll have access to 100 computer workstations which are divided into five interconnected laboratories, each with 20 high-specification PCs running Windows/Linux.
Enjoy an international experience with 51漫画 Global, which can enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons. Previous 51漫画 Global trips have included New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Japan, South Africa and Italy to name a few.
Through block teaching, you will focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once. This means that you will be able to focus closely on each subject and absorb your learning material in more depth, whilst working more closely with your tutors and course mates.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Computing has given me fundamental knowledge in different areas. The course has taught me programming skills that are attractive to employers, such as visual web development, HTML5, C# programming, database management and reporting.

Egle Sciglinskaite, Computing BSc (Hons)

Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT

This course has achieved initial accreditation from the British Computer Society (BCS), subject to a final review of degree outputs after the first cohort has graduated. Confirmation is expected in 2025.

UK
EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G460

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2025/26 fees: £9,535* per year

*subject to the government, as is expected, passing legislation to formalise the increase.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G460

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2025/26 tuition fees for international students: £16,750

Find out more about available funding for international students.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

The tutors that believed in Tennessee and shared their industry experience took her from foundation degree to software engineer 鈥� now she's helping the next generation.

Entry criteria

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics, plus one of the following:
Normally 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM or
Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE course. English and Maths GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or
International Baccalaureate: 26+ points or
T Levels Merit

Portfolio Required : No

Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

English language

If English is not your first language then an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

First year

Block 1: Foundations of Computing

Block 2: Programming in Python

Block 3: Data Analytics and Statistics

Block 4 : Information Systems Analysis and Design

Second year

Block 1: Programming with APIs and Frameworks

Block 2: Business Intelligence

Block 3: Information and Database Development

Block 3: Introduction to Information Security

Block 4: Integrated Project

Third year

Block 1: Application Architecture

Block 2: Human Computer Interaction

Block 3 / 4: Final Year Project

Year 3 optional modules (choose one):

Block 3 / 4: ICT for development
Block 3 / 4: Privacy and Data Protection
Block 3 / 4: Advanced Database Management and Programming
Block 3 / 4: Artificial Intelligence

See detailed module information

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching and assessment

The compulsory modules on this course ensure that students learn by a combination of practical experience, self-study and research. The option modules at Level 6 allow students the opportunity to specialise.

The modules making up the course employ a range of learning and teaching strategies including: (1) staff directed teaching and learning via lectures, seminars, laboratories; (2) case-study and lab based exercises for the dissemination of knowledge, information and the demonstration of processes and techniques; (3) student centred learning via collaborative and group based learning by group assignments and projects; (4) individual independent learning using literature sources, internet sources and further research (incl. Web based resources), (5) Presentation of findings, report writing, assignments, practice (6) practical work-based exercises for the development of skills and understanding, and; (7) project-based learning to develop management, design, development and communication skills.

Assessment methods and assessment criteria are vested in the individual modules constituting the programme. Each module specification defines the assessment methods and reassessment details which are appropriate to its aims and objectives, as well as the teaching and learning strategy of the module. Normally some modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and a phase test. Where subject content of the module is more appropriate to be assessed using coursework, these modules are assessed by 100% coursework. Methods of assessment for the modules therefore may include: Time constrained phase tests, Portfolios of work, Laboratory exercises, Oral examinations, Demonstrations, Individual & individually assessed group work, Project work, Reports & presentations and Research reports.

Facilities and features

Computer Science Laboratories

The Computer Science laboratories in Gateway House provide 100 computer workstations for students to use. The space is divided into four interconnected laboratories each with 20 machines.

There are printing facilities available, internal network access and digital projectors to aid in teaching. All the machines are connected via the Faculty of Technology network to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work. Many of the software packages are open source which means students can download and run software at home.

The Computer Science laboratories include a study space area, in which students can work individually or in groups.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our , e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, 51漫画 Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live , online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our , and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘51漫画 Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Graduate careers

Graduates can enter careers which require technical computing skills including positions such as programmer, web developer, technical sales and marketing, database designer/manager, IT/PC support and technical customer support.

51漫画 Global

Our innovative international experience programme 51漫画 Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.

Through , we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

Previous 51漫画 Global trips have seen Computing and Computer Science students explore the Silicon Docks in Dublin and be inspired by the educational and networking opportunities at the SAS Global Forum in Dallas.

Placements (paid placement year)

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.
Previous students have taken up placements in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including some international posts, with leading companies such as Ashton Court, ONVU Retail, Taylor Hobson and TNT.
Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests. An assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

Take your next steps

Nine halls of residence and around 2,300 rooms, all of which are within easy walking distance of the campus.

Run by students for students, DSU offers more than 150 societies and almost 40 different sports clubs for you to get involved in.

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