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Innovative Part Time Computing Degree Offered by University of Ulster

6 September 2011

The University of Ulster has introduced a new part-time computing degree to meet the growing needs of Northern Ireland’s vibrant ICT sector. With more than 900 companies currently operating in the sector, Northern Ireland is the leading foreign direct investment region in Europe for software development centres and for IT technical support centres.

The new part-time BSc Honours in Computing Systems offers applicants an alternative and cost effective route to becoming a software development professional. 

Professor Richard Millar, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Engineering, says that the growing demand for a highly-qualified and skilled workforce in the ICT sector in Northern Ireland had a knock on effect on the demand for places on full time computing courses at Ulster  in 2011. 

“There were many more applicants than available full-time places this year. This led to a significant number of well qualified students being unable to secure a full-time place. They now have the option of part-time study and the innovative design of this degree programme means that students will be able to complete their studies in a minimum of just under five years.  At a cost of just over £900 for the first full year of study, the course represents exceptionally good value for money," continued Professor Millar.

“It is also an outstanding opportunity for anyone wanting to continue working while studying a degree in computing for career change or career development.   

“Computing as a subject appeals to people with different strengths in many areas such as IT, maths, sciences, languages and, music, to name but a few.  What matters is the ability to think logically and to get a buzz from solving problems in a structured way,” he said.  

“One of the unique features of this course is that all four academic schools within the Faculty contribute to the teaching. This brings in the widest possible expertise and taps into the Faculty’s extensive links with the IT sector across Northern Ireland. Students accepted on the new part-time Computing Systems degree will study the latest approaches to hardware and software and will be qualified to join the computing profession in a wide range of roles.” 

Professor Millar continued: “The Faculty of Computing and Engineering at the University of Ulster is proud of its contribution to computing and engineering education over many years. We believe that this course will make it possible for people from different academic backgrounds - be they recent A Level students or those already working in the sector - to develop their careers. The course is part of our commitment to strengthen the sector in Northern Ireland.” 

The BSc Hons Computing Systems course will be taught at the Jordanstown campus on one afternoon and evening per week during normal semesters and with two three-day blocks of study during the summer. There will also be a drop-in centre on Friday afternoons at Jordanstown for anyone who wants extra advice or practice on particular subjects. Arrangements for additional support may also be offered at either Magee or the Coleraine campus, if this is more convenient.

Application to the part-time BSc Honours in Computing Systems  is via the University of Ulster’s on line system: www.ulster.ac.uk/applyonline  For further information please contact the University of Ulster helpline 028 7028 7028 or contact the faculty office on 028 90 366305 Some financial assistance may be available for part time undergraduate study. Details of the eligibility requirements and the financial application process are available from the Student Finance NI website: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk