New computing degrees from the University of Teesside

The University of Teesside will launch two new computing degree courses this autumn, developed in response to the needs of industry, and taught in the University’s Excellent-rated School of Computing & Mathematics. Teesside is one of only 13 UK Universities to achieve an ‘Excellent’ subject review in Computer Science from the Higher Education Quality Watchdogs.

The first new course, BSc (Hons) Web Development, is aimed at students who wish to work in the increasingly important sector of web site design.

Dr Gary Griffiths, Principal Lecturer in Computing and Course Leader for the degree said: “Several recent reports have highlighted a massive shortfall in the number of people who are able to develop web sites. For example, in February 2001 the Government-recognised training body eSkills published a consultation paper, that estimated an extra 150,000 to 200,000 skilled professionals are needed for the UK to fulfil its ebusiness potential. This new degree aims to fill this gap and is tailored to industry’s requirements. All graduates from this course will have the skills to work as web developers in any industrial or commercial environment.”

Students will explore a range of more traditional computing disciplines, such as programming and database development, combined with a range of web-focused areas, such as graphic design and learning how to use the latest technologies, including video clips. In addition, students will design their own web sites.

Dr Griffiths said: “There’s also a strong emphasis on communication skills, through presentations and group work, as these are invaluable skills to take into industry. We encourage students to spend their third year on an industrial placement, as this is an ideal opportunity to use their knowledge.”

The second new course is BA (Hons) Creative Multimedia. The degree is aimed at students who wish to produce the content for a range of multimedia environments, including web sites and CD-ROMs.

Dr Griffiths said: “The course is aimed at the more artistic individual. Students will gain a comprehensive education and training in media production and media manipulation. An example of the latter is how to look at different ways of using video clips, editing them in certain ways, or how to change graphic images. Multimedia authoring will also be covered, where students will learn how to create an educational package, like talking books for children.”

In their final year, students will create their own computer package. The course also stresses the importance of communication skills, with an optional year in industry. Graduates will be able to work in the field of educational software development and any Multimedia CD-ROM titles, such as the Encarta encyclopaedia.

For information on either the BSc (Hons) Web Development or the BA (Hons) Creative Multimedia, call 01642 342639, or check the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk

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