Computing

This programme allows students flexibility to tailor a course to meet their own requirements from within the computing area. It is particularly suited for professionals with a computing background who want to update their skills and/or gain breadth in computing covering such areas as systems design, hardware, networks, web, programming, databases and IT management.

Module details for full-time students are listed on the right. Part-time students study the fixed set of modules below:

• Project Research and Development


• Project and Dissertation


• Database Development


• E-commerce Management


• Information Systems Management


• Rapid Development Tools


• Systems Analysis and Design

What you study

This programme both develops your knowledge to the forefront of computing and your intellectual ability for abstract analysis and synthesis at the level for postgraduate research. It produces graduates who can make reasoned, critical decisions for selecting or implementing appropriate computer-based solutions. It also produces graduates with sufficient technical and inter-personal skills to make an immediate contribution to major projects at the leading edge of computer applications. We encourage enterprise and progression towards further research including MPhil and/or PhD. You acquire a range of practical, professional and transferable skills.

How you learn

Lectures are used to introduce and develop material, with research issues and recent developments included as appropriate. Subjects are explored in depth via tutor-led seminars, practical workshops, individual or group research and contribution to discussion forums.

Lectures, discussion seminars and online discussions are used to develop intellectual skills. Directed self study and research are used in many modules to develop each student’s critical evaluation skills.

Lectures, including presentations from guest external practitioners, are used to deliver relevant subject-specific content. Practical work includes case studies from real scenarios and the development of significant computer applications.

Development of transferable skills, self-managed learning and professional development are core themes throughout the programme. Methods include group-based activities and discussions, self-directed learning and research, and tutor-led workshops.

How you are assessed

Most learning outcomes are assessed by individual coursework, including case studies, essays and the development of computer applications, with critical evaluation of processes or products, and evidence of research into a specified area. Some learning outcomes are assessed by group work. The School is very experienced in assessing group work with a research profile in that area. The assessment starts with a group, with a clear emphasis on process as well as product, but proceeds to individual assessment of each student by a variety of means.

Other assessments include individual portfolios of technical work and presentations to tutors of research findings. Assessment of a significant computer application, plus group work, is used as the vehicle for assessing planning and self-management. Other assessments of transferable skills include oral presentations and the development of portfolios of work to a professional standard.

Career opportunities

You will be equipped for a variety of careers ranging from computer programming to network administration to web development.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have one of the following:

• BSc (Hons) degree, first or second class, in a computing subject with good programming and software design skills; or
• equivalent qualifications, for example applicants with appropriate professional experience.

In addition, international students will require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

For additional information please see the undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements in our admissions section

More information

• Computing
  More information and courses in Computing