Overview
From the start of your degree, you will be developing your own projects which will increase in scale and ambition. You’ll study a range of relevant technical disciplines, including database and server-side programming, computer security, networks and protocols, data mining, digital business modelling, and mobile development. This work will be supported by relevant theoretical learning around information systems design and deployment as well as professional software development practices.
Whilst studying with us you will also benefit from Goldsmiths Computing Department’s unique approach to teaching computing, informed by our wealth of expertise in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. You will notice this through the engaging and accessible way that we teach programming on compulsory modules, but also through optional topics such as physical computing and virtual reality.
Year 1
In your first year, you will take the following compulsory modules.
Module title |
Credits |
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Programming
15 credits
This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of programming and object orientation, including the following basic ideas of programming:
- variables
- memory and assignment statements
- control through conditional statements, loops
- functions and procedures
- objects and classes
- instance variables and methods
- arrays
- user interaction
- interaction between objects.
|
15 credits |
Front End Web
Front End Web
15 credits
This module will introduce you to the basic concepts essential in the design and implementation of client-side web-based applications. We'll cover a basic introduction to the Web, followed by more detailed lectures and labs on current good practice with technologies such as HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript.
|
15 credits |
How Computers Work
How Computers Work
15 credits
This module teaches a basic understanding of a range of different elements of computer systems. This is a fundamental understanding that underpins both professional use of computer systems and further study in computer science. The broad overview provided in this course will support learning in a large range of topics in the degree and later modules will expand upon the topics covered here.
This module aims to help you understand, and to interact with, computer systems. You will learn how to use knowledge about computational processes to analyse and explain the behaviour of computer systems. The module will use the concept of a Notional Machine, an abstract representation of the functioning of a computer system, to help you to reason about computer systems and to predict their behaviour. You will also learn about typical computer system architectures, basic networking and network services such as databases.
|
15 credits |
Designing Digital Interactions
Designing Digital Interactions
15 credits
This module gives a broad introduction to the creation of digital media and rich media websites and applications. It covers both the technical issues of programming with media, and the contextual topics of project management and designing applications to a particular commercial (or other) brief.
|
15 credits |
Business Enterprise in the Digital Era
Business Enterprise in the Digital Era
15 credits
This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of emerging strategies, up-to-the-minute technologies, and the latest market developments in the fields of Electronic Business in the Digital Era. You'll gain an understanding of the dynamics within this fast-paced industry, an appreciation of technological issues and the strategic business aspects of successful e-commerce.
|
15 credits |
Introduction to Computing
Introduction to Computing
30 credits
This module will introduce the concepts behind computer based systems, including their role within organizations (businesses, charities, government) and their potential and actual impact on people and society. It will cover the use of computer based systems, professional roles interacting with such systems, and introduce students to legal and ethical considerations around the development and deployment of computer based systems.
|
30 credits |
Computing Project 1
Computing Project 1
15 credits
This module is aimed at novice programmers who have learnt some basic programming techniques. The course builds on this knowledge by developing your ability to combine short segments of code to create larger projects.
You'll begin by developing their knowledge of object-oriented programming through learning about principles such as encapsulation and abstraction. You'll be presented with existing code and designs which you'll explore, complete and debug. You'll build upon an example application in the development of a final project.
You'll be expected to engage in both the technical and social implications of your work, considering the applications applicability to a human context. This may include the ethical and cultural impact of software.
During this work, you'll apply taught techniques in organising, planning and evaluating your code.
|
15 credits |
Perspectives on Capital: Cultural, Social, Financial, Critical
Perspectives on Capital: Cultural, Social, Financial, Critical
15 credits
This course examines key concepts of capital, and multiple different perspectives for examining these capitals. It explores the grounding of capital types in economic systems, societal norms, and their creative and cultural roles. The module provides the theoretical foundations for students to understand the creation and interplay of intellectual, social, cultural, and economic resources.
This course addresses multiple capital types: physical capital (natural resources), social capital (bonding/bridging capital and strong/weak ties), human capital (education, skills, and investment therein), and financial capital (access to finance, operation of debt, equity and working capital). Over the spread of the module, students will develop their knowledge of these capitals alongside frameworks to understand their different forms, their flows and interdependencies.
The module examines how different forms of capital are acquired, maintained, enhanced and exchanged, and the role that networks, evaluation materials and legal systems play. By tracing the historical context of different societal mechanisms to create and distribute capital, students can appreciate how current theories of capital in our digital revolution age are constructed and contested.
|
15 credits |
Year 2
In your second year, you will take the following compulsory modules.
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 |
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 |
Computing Projects 2
Computing Projects 2
15 credits
This module builds on the skills developed in Computing Project 1 by giving students the opportunity to work in a group on a medium scale software project of their choosing. Students will enact the entire software production process, from user-centred design to proposal development and implementation. By focusing on user-centred design, this module re-enforces skills in project management, planning, critical awareness and design.
Term one activities centre around project preparation. Students research their chosen project’s technological, social and creative context towards the creation of a project proposal. At the end of the first term, students will submit a project proposal, including user-centred research, design of the software and an initial prototype. Term two centres on implementation. This is done in an environment that mimics real-world development including the use of project management software, issue tracking and source control.
This work will be supported by a series of lectures on relevant topics as well as guest lectures about real world projects.
|
15 credits |
Information Security
Information Security
15 credits
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the need for computer security and the technologies that support it. It has both a theoretical component that will teach you mathematical underpinnings of security systems and a practical element that will help you discover the pitfalls of security design and to comprehend the mathematics underlying the protocols by programming small examples.
|
15 credits |
You will also study 45 credits from the following option modules.
Module title |
Credits |
Networks and Protocols
Networks and Protocols
15 credits
This module will cover the details of the operations of computer networks, including the layered standards that implement the Internet stack; application-layer protocols using that networking stack; and practical issues (such as availability, fault-tolerance and privacy) in the deployment of networked applications and systems.
|
15 credits |
Spreadsheet Modelling for Business
Spreadsheet Modelling for Business
15 credits
The digital economy has created new opportunities and innovations across the economy disrupting existing business models of many established industries.
This course covers business modelling and analysis techniques: the development, implementation, and utilisation of business models for managerial decision making.
The module will cover various techniques for analytical modelling. These could include trend curves, multiple regressions, forecasting and classification. Students will develop business-orientated models for decision making covering applications such as marketing, sales, financial management and operations/project management.
|
15 credits |
Interaction Design
Interaction Design
15 credits
This module will provide you with an understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues that can be applied to the design and evaluation of interactive computer-based systems and other interactive technology.
|
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 |
Optional placement year
Our degrees include an optional industrial placement year after the second year of study. You will be responsible for securing a placement, but we can support you through this process.
Although we encourage you to take the opportunity of a placement year, you can also complete your degree in three years.
Year 3 (or year 4 with placement year)
Module title |
Credits |
Digital Venture Creation
Digital Venture Creation
15 credits
The purpose of this module is to educate a new generation of managers, planners, analysts, and programmers in the realities and potential for electronic commerce. It aims to familiarise individuals with current and emerging electronic commerce technologies using the Internet.
The goal of this module is to provide students with a detailed analysis of the concepts and techniques required to complete the third year module on electronic commerce.
In achieving this, a further goal is to equip students with a detailed understanding of the major issues regarding the deployment of Internet technologies within organisations and between organizations.
Topics include:
- Internet technology for business advantage
- managing electronic commerce funds transfer
- reinventing the future of business through electronic commerce
- business opportunities in electronic commerce
- electronic commerce
- website design
- social, political and ethical issues associated with electronic commerce
- business plans for technology ventures
|
15 credits |
Final Project in Computing
Final Project in Computing
60 credits
This module will allow students to apply everything that they have learnt through the course of their degree to a substantial individual project. Students, guided individually by members of Department staff, will be responsible for analyzing a computer based system need, specifying a solution to meet the need, design, implement, test and evaluate the solution. Students will be responsible for managing their own time, setting milestones, producing deliverables and writing reports, with the support of an individual supervisor, lab assistants and the Department as a whole.
|
60 credits |
You will also study 45 credits of option modules from a list annually approved by the department.
Teaching style
This programme is taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. 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 - 21% scheduled learning, 79% independent learning
- Year 2 - 25% scheduled learning, 75% independent learning
- Year 3 - 20% scheduled learning, 80% independent learning
How you’ll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework assignments such as extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs, group projects and reflective essays, as well as seen and unseen written examinations.
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 - 88% coursework, 13% written exam
*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2020/21. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about how this information is calculated.
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.
Download the programme specification. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
For 2021-22 and 2020–21, we have made some changes to how the teaching and assessment of certain programmes are delivered. To check what changes affect this programme, please visit the programme changes page.