Overview
Students who transfer will join the BSc Computer Science. You’ll be developing your own projects and digital ventures, which will increase in scale and ambition. During this time, you’ll study a range of relevant technical disciplines including database and server-side programming, computer security, machine learning, data mining, digital business modelling, and mobile development. This work is underpinned by relevant theoretical learning including professional software development practices, analytical skills and problem-solving strategies.
Year 2
| Module title |
Credits |
Java for Industry
Java for Industry
15 credits
This module introduces students to Java for the first time whilst building on the programming techniques covered at level 4. Through learning about more advanced concepts within object-orientation students are able to design and implement large scale computer programs.
Topics covered include Types, Conditionals and Iteration, Methods, Exception handling, I/O, Classes, Inheritance and Abstract Classes. Throughout the module, there will be a focus on developing student skills in problem-solving through structured thought and familiarity with common resources such as IDEs, professional APIs and language specifications.
|
15 credits |
Algorithms 1
Algorithms 1
15 credits
This module will introduce you to the analysis and design of algorithms. In particular, you'll learn how to classify algorithms in terms of their computational resource consumption, how to solve efficiently classical problems from computer science and how to apply design techniques to build new algorithms.
|
15 credits |
Computing Project 2
Computing Project 2
15 credits
This module will give students the opportunity to experience group work, in the context of projects to specify, develop, deploy and evaluate a computer based system. This module will take students through the entire process, from requirements gathering, user-centred design, proposal development, implementation and evaluation. Students will also assess their outputs from the perspective of multiple roles within an organization, and consider the potential impact of their system on customers, users and society at large.
|
15 credits |
Dynamic Web Applications
Dynamic Web Applications
15 credits
This module focuses on the technology underpinning client-server applications. This includes relational database systems, mainly from a development perspective, offering an introduction to data modelling and database implementation in SQL and alternatives such as No SQL The focus is on applications of relational and non-relational databases and techniques relevant to the creation of dynamic web applications such as form handling and templating. It includes practical work related to programming client-server web applications with a focus on principles and up to date practices.
|
15 credits |
Algorithms 2
Algorithms 2
15 credits
This module aims to expose students to standard data structures and algorithms for manipulating them. In particular, it will give students the chance to learn to choose appropriate data structures for solving problems.
|
15 credits |
Extended Java
Extended Java
15 credits
This module builds on the knowledge developed in Java for Industry by introducing students to a broad array of methods and data structures available within the language. Topics covered include:
Polymorphism, Interfaces, Nested Classes, Data Structures, abstract data types, computational complexity, Generics, GUIs, Event-driven programming, concurrency, event-driven programming, software patterns
Students will develop their understanding of these through practical, lab assessed work and longer form home assignments.
|
15 credits |
Security and Encryption
Security and Encryption
15 Credits
The aim of this module is to gives students an understanding of the need for computer security and the technologies that support it. It will have practical emphasis which allows students to discover for themselves, with the support of their tutors, the pitfalls of security design and to comprehend the mathematics underlying the protocols by programming small examples.
|
15 Credits |
Year 3
Your final year consists of compulsory and option modules (term one) and a major Computing project (terms two and three) in which you apply your new technological skills to solve real-world problems in innovative and practical ways.
| Module title |
Credits |
| Computing Project |
Databases and the Web
Databases and the Web
15 credits
This module builds on data concepts and skills from Dynamic Web Applications by providing advanced level knowledge about working with data in web applications.
Topics include advanced issues related to data modelling and representation such as security, integrity and confidentiality and database implementation such as advanced querying in SQL and no-SQL databases. Students will undertake practical work related to programming client-server web applications with a focus on advanced topics such as REST APIs. Teaching and assessment will also engage with issues relating to the ethics of working with data.
|
15 credits |
Some of the optional modules previously available on this programme have been:
| Module title |
Credits |
Neural Networks
Neural Networks
15 credits
Neural Networks are widely used techniques for modelling and classifying data. They are used in industry for data analysis applications such as image classification, speech analysis and regression tasks.
This module will provide you with specialised theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of Neural Network architectures that are appropriate for data-oriented tasks. This module is complementary to the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence modules in the programme, focusing on the area of neural computation.
You'll be introduced to the theory and practice of neural computation. You'll learn the principles of neuro-computing with Neural Networks widely used for addressing real-world problems such as regression, pattern recognition and time-series prediction.
|
15 credits |
Computer Security
Computer Security
15 credits
Provides a broad overview of topics in securing computer-based resources, especially the information stored on hardware and controlled by software. We explore core concepts of computer security, including attacks and control, and various techniques for the protection of computer-related assets. Covers topics including computer security, attacks and control, elementary cryptography, cryptosystems, security control models, security problems and protection in operating systems, in databases and data mining, and in networks, security management and administration, legal and ethical issues: patents, copyrights and trademarks, and prosecution.
|
15 credits |
Data Mining
Data Mining
15 credits
The module introduces you to data mining techniques and methods utilised in the process of discovering patterns in data generated in various fields such as business, financial, social, medical etc., that are abundantly available nowadays.
You'll learn practical skills through data mining algorithm implementation, and through conducting knowledge discovery in data with specialised software and libraries. You'll explore the applicability of data mining techniques in areas such as text mining and sentiment analysis, financial applications and credit scoring, prediction modelling in health.
|
15 credits |
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
15 credits
Artificial Intelligence is a broad discipline and includes many ideas and techniques. This module will focus on the latest developments in this rapidly expanding field. The emphasis is on solving real-world problems and building creative applications with state-of-the-art technology.
Topics will vary, and may include deep learning, generative deep learning, fully and partially observable environments, environments containing other artificial intelligences, deterministic, stochastic and dynamic environments, problem solving as search, inductive, deductive and probabilistic reasoning, knowledge representation and learning, philosophical and moral dimensions, challenges for society, possibilities and AI history.
|
15 credits |
Physical Computing
Physical Computing
15 credits
Physical Computing is of increasing interest to artists, musicians, choreographers, and other creative practitioners for the creation of novel artworks and for forms of computational interaction between these objects and people.
There are many other applications of Physical Computing, for example in museums, ubiquitous and embedded computing, robotics, engineering control systems and Human Computer Interaction. A physical environment may be sonic, tangible, tactile, visually dynamic, olfactory or any combination of these.
The module will provide a starting point for you to build an understanding of microcontrollers, and how they fit into a wider computing and artistic context. It will cover basic physics, electronics, programming, and software engineering; alongside practical knowledge of tools such as laser cutting and 3D printing which are very commonly used in physical computing. This module will culminate in an extended project which will also give you an opportunity to plan a project over time, and make decisions as your project develops.
|
15 credits |
Teaching style
This programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory sessions. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.
The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:
- Year 1 - 27% scheduled learning, 73% independent learning
- Year 2 - 24% scheduled learning, 76% independent learning
- Optional placement year - 100% placement
- Year 3/4 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
How you’ll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects. If you opt for an industrial placement year, your placement tutor will assess your work. If you complete the placement year successfully, you earn the endorsement 'with work experience' on your degree certificate.
The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:
- Year 1 - 45% coursework, 50% written exam, 5% practical
- Year 2 - 63% coursework, 38% written exam
- Year 3/4 - 88% coursework, 13% written exam
*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for the traditional pathway in 2018/19. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about .
Credits and levels of learning
An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Between 2020 and 2022 we needed to make some changes to how programmes were delivered due to Covid-19 restrictions. For more information about past programme changes please visit our programme changes information page.
