2021/22 Full-time Undergraduate course
Award:
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Faculty:
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
School:
School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems
Campus:
Magee campus
UCAS code:
G401
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20
Start date:
September 2021
Our first term will commence as planned on 21 September and we will be prepared to deliver lectures and other teaching online for Semester One
Some on-campus activities will still take place, based on a robust local risk assessment, and priority will be given to using campus spaces for practice-based learning activities including lab work.
The University’s primary concern remains the physical and mental health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, their families and the wider community. Nothing is more important to us.
On our COVID-19 webpages you will find further information for applicants and students, along with answers to some of the questions you may have.
This course provides a broad education in computer science. Graduates are well equipped to apply software engineering principles within organisations.
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This course is offered at the Magee campus by the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. If you are interested in computer software design, how computers communicate and how they actually perform their tasks, then this course is for you. This course will equip you with a varied computer science education based upon the development and improvement of your programming skills throughout. You will also learn to apply best practice in all areas of software development. After you complete this course you will have the skills necessary to pursue a career in computing in a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations. For example, you will be able to contribute to the invention of new computer-based applications or the creation of computer-based data processing tools. You will also develop skills in project management and teamwork.
Sign up to register an interest in the course.
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The Computer Science course covers all the necessary skills you will need to be a computing professional, from idea generation to system implementation.
During the first two years, you will build programming skills and acquire the necessary capabilities to design, build, operate and maintain complex computer systems. The modules within the course provide a platform for skill development through practical application. In addition, you are supported fully in your endeavours to secure employment during Year 3.
During the final year, you will get exposed to more advanced topics to consolidate your knowledge and understanding of the different roles in an industry in preparation for future employment. Through your final year project, you will also gain practical experience in the planning, development and implementation of a computing system, which can be used to showcase your skillset to future employers.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Find out more about placement awards
Four years, including placement.
Each student must complete 120 credits (usually six modules) in each academic year, with the exception of placement year (60 credits). Years 1, 2 and 4 are spent in the University. Modules are taught on campus and are web-supplemented. In Year 3, students undertake a year's work experience.
Lectures are used to present theories and concepts and are supported through a combination of tutorial discussion and practical laboratory exercises.
Modules are either assessed by coursework only or by a combination of coursework and formal examinations (January and May). Coursework assessment is carried out using any combination of written assessments, class tests, presentations, and group assignments as appropriate to meet the learning outcomes of each module.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
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Our facilities in Magee cater for many sports ranging from archery to volleyball, and are open to students and members of the public all year round.
At Student Support we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
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Year: 1
Status: C
This module is designed to give the student an appreciation of the mathematical concepts required for computer science. This module provides fundamental topics necessary for developing student competencies in the essential mathematics that forms an integral part of an undergraduate honours degree in computing.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students of computing with an initial competence in the development of software through the medium of a modern programming language with facilities for both structured and object-oriented programming
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is a direct follow-on to Software Development I. Students are introduced to more advanced features of both an algorithmic programming language and an object oriented language, and will be expected to acquire a higher level of competence in writing software.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module covers the fundamental principles and theory of database design and provides practical experience in designing and developing database systems using a range of techniques, tools and technologies. It emphasises the important role of databases within an organisation and addresses the use of scalable and secure relational database management systems to facilitate the development of software systems involving large volumes of data and over the web.
Year: 1
Status: C
Differences in the internal structure and organisation of a computer lead to significant differences in performance and functionality, giving rise to an extraordinary range of computing devices, from hand-held computers to large-scale, high-performance machines. This module addresses the various options involved in designing a computer system, the range of design considerations, and the trade-offs involved in the design process.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is devoted to the understanding of organisations as systems, the environment in which they operate and the processes they undertake.
It provides the student with knowledge of the tools and techniques of modern systems analysis, essential to the creation of information systems using industrial best practice.
It investigates concepts associated with business analysis, methodologies and modelling techniques in use today. The module also develops project management and communication skills.
The module will develop a student as an IT professional analysing and designing effective systems in industrial and commercial environments.
Students nurture their professional skills and learn how to work collaboratively in teams.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an in-depth study of computer, communications and networks. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of computer networks to guide the installation and maintenance of modern, high quality reliable networks. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test networks, deploy network based software applications and resolve network infrastructural problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in networking, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact networking in the future
Year: 2
Status: C
This module builds on programming foundations covered in Year 1 and provides a foundation for the Web development modules in Year 2 and 4. In addition, it offers an appreciation of user factors in application design and provides students with the tools to specify and develop high quality user interfaces.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module builds on the programming foundations developed during year one and introduces students to the concepts of object-oriented design and programming. Students learn how to use OO concepts to design and implement software solution using the C++ programming language.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module builds upon the expertise acquired in Year 1 software development. Students are introduced to the classic data structures and algorithms that are used to process them, the specification of methods and classes and the measurement of algorithm performance.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module concerns the basic principles underlying the creation and maintenance of dynamic, database driven web applications. The module focuses on how to build and maintain real-world, dynamic websites using open source languages including PHP and MySQL.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will provide students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that will equip them to mature as software developers specialising in application development for mobile technologies. Students will gain detailed knowledge of the mobile app creation process and of developing software solutions targeted at the Android environment. The knowledge gained and the solid foundation developed will equip the student with the confidence and capability to be able to extend their study to wider environments both existing and yet to emerge.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and transferable skills needed to secure employment within the Computing and Engineering domain.
The module prepares students for professional work by developing knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations of employees, employers and clients as determined by codes of professional conduct. Students will have the opportunity to practise the presentation of themselves in, for example, application forms, curriculum vitae, interview, elevator pitches and aptitude tests.
The module provides an underpinning foundation of research concepts, methods and techniques necessary for project development and delivery. The students employ research skills developed during the module to gather research from a variety of sources and critically review this literature. Embedded in all these activities is the reinforcement of the need for adhering to recognised ethical standards and taking a professional approach to employability.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Year: 4
Status: C
Students are required to undertake a major project during the final year of the course. The module offers students an opportunity to develop a realistic and meaningful piece of work during their final year. This module allows a chosen subject area to be researched in depth and a solution developed as a consequence. Students will have the opportunity to integrate and apply the learning achieved from other modules in the course. The module runs during both semesters and allows students to develop a comprehensive approach to all aspects of working on a large project. The project encourages innovation and creative thinking in the development of the solution. It also develops the entrepreneurial mindset, which can influence the challenges undertaken and final decisions made.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides an in-depth study of secure computer systems. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of secure systems. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test application and network security, deploy secure network based software applications, configure cloud systems and resolve security problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in security, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact secure systems in the future.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides a theoretical foundation in the area of concurrent and distributed systems. This is an increasingly important area of computing as these types of systems are now manifest in a wide range of internet/intranet based application domains. The module first covers the key theory and design principles and then provides a learning path for software development in this exciting and evolving area of computing/engineering. As a consequence it facilitates students to develop expertise in the core skills area of multithreaded, networked and web-enabled computer systems.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will expose students to the world of heterogeneous enterprise computing with an emphasis on multi-tier, web enabled applications. This is an increasingly important area of computing as these systems are now manifest in a wide range of web based applications. The module will first provide an understanding of the role and function of the core technologies involved and then address the design principles required for developing enterprise computing applications. Consequently this module aims to meet the needs of today's undergraduate students who wish to equip themselves with expertise in implementing enterprise wide computing systems.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module addresses and develops understanding and knowledge of key and emerging concepts associated with mobile technologies, and fosters related mobile application software design and development principles.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This level 6 module will present some of the sensing, perception, planning, learning, control, and movement generation principles necessary to design and program intelligent robots.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides a foundation in the concepts and techniques used in vision systems. Vision systems is a rapidly expanding field and, as such, has applications in areas such as medicine, biomedical sciences, factory automation, autonomous vehicle, facial recognition software and manufacturing. The module provides students with the opportunity of studying a subject area that is at the forefront of developing state-of-the-art advances in technology.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module provides an in-depth overview into the theoretical and technical issues underpinning mixed reality application design and development and provides practical experience in pitching and developing mixed reality applications using a range of techniques, industry standard tools and technologies. It emphasises the important role of testing and user feedback in the development and implementation process. The module will explore emerging technologies, business models and market trends in the industry.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
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Grades BBB
Desirable Subject Offer: BCC
For applicants offering desirable subjects at A level - Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Software Systems Development, Computing (not IT/ICT)) - a two grade reduction will be applied to the offer. The desirable subject must be achieved at a minimum grade B.
BTEC Level 3 QCF Extended Diploma with DDD overall grade profile
OR
BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma with DDM overall grade profile
All subject areas are considered.
The following are acceptable in particular combinations and/or with A-Level(s) -
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma, BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate,
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma,
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma and BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence
Please contact Admissions (contact details below) for further information about acceptable combinations for entry to this course.
120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 at Ordinary Level, including English and Maths at O4/H6 or above
Grades BBBCC All subject areas are considered.
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Grades CCC All subject areas are considered.
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Minimum of 26 points (13 at Higher Level)
Higher or Subsidiary Level in Mathematics and English Language at Grade 4 or above
Access Diploma NI
Successful completion of Level 3 Access programme with an overall 65%
PLUS GCSE English Grade C or Essential Skills Communication Level 2 or Communication Module (Level 2) in Access programme
PLUS 65% in NICATS Mathematics (level 2) or GCSE Mathematics grade C (or equivalent)
NBApplication of Number Level 2 is not acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.
Access to HE Diploma (GB)
24 Distinctions and 21 Merits
GCSE (or equivalent) minimum of Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English Language
NBApplication of Number Level 2 is not acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.
GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent).
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
The University accepts a range of alternative combination of qualifications including OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals.
HNC
Overall Distinction (with distinctions in 90 Level 4 credits) for year 1 entry only
HND
Overall Merit (with distinctions in 60 Level 5 credits)
HND applications may be considered for Year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of the Ulster University full - time Year 1 course.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass with overall 55% and minimum 55% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for entry to an associated Honours degree (normally Year 2 entry).
For further information regarding all of the above qualifications please contact Admissions -see contact details below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence.
Transfer between this course and other similar courses within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment may be possible on the basis of academic performance and availability of places.
Exemption from parts of the course may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course or other approved experiential learning (APEL).
Additional information for students from United States of AmericaUndergraduate
Each programme will have slightly different requirements, both in terms of overall points and certain subjects, so please check the relevant subject in the undergraduate on-line prospectus.
Normally Ulster University welcomes applications from students with:
| Qualification |
|---|
| High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and to include grades 3,3,3 in 3 AP subjects |
| High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and to include 1000 out of 1600 in SAT |
| Associate Degree with GPA 3.0 |
In addition to the scholarships and bursaries open to all international students, US students may apply for Federal and Private US loans
English Language
| Qualification |
|---|
| Level 12 English Lang in HSD |
View more information for students from United States of America
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Graduates with computer science and communications technology skills will find many career opportunities available to them, in developing new software, as project managers, in systems analysis, in planning and technical management, or in information management and database environments. Skills developed in the course will always be in strong demand, as virtually every modern enterprise needs increasing numbers of computer-literate graduates.
Opportunities for postgraduate study in computing, engineering or related areas are substantial. The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.
All students normally spend one year on placement Year 3 working on some aspect of the software industry for a minimum period of 25 weeks. On satisfactory completion of the placement period, the student is eligible for the award of Diploma in Professional Practice. Students who complete their industrial placement abroad receive the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (International)
Alternatively, students may complete apply to study abroad in another academic institution for a year. Satisfactory completion leads to the award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist.
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS.
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Faculty Prizes can be viewed at www.ulster.ac.uk/academicoffice/prizes.html and follow the links to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Central Admissions Magee
Margaret Breslin
International Admissions Office
E: internationaladmissions@ulster.ac.uk
Course Director: Mrs Mairin Nicell
