Course overview
Here you study computer science essentials and benefit from work on live industry briefs, competitions and hackathons. Interact with our community of fellow students, academic staff and industry professionals to boost your learning and career opportunities.
This course is ideal if you want to experience the benefits of university-level education before committing to study a full computing science degree. We support you all the way – maybe you've been out of education for a while, didn't get the grades first time round or want to retrain in a new field.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Algorithms and Data Structures
You study a variety of algorithmic techniques and learn about the use and importance of data structures. Consider their properties to understand which representations are appropriate under different circumstances. You are introduced to the basic mathematical skills required in algorithmic design and its interaction with data structure.
Computer Technologies and Cyber Security
Computer networks and cyber security are essential aspects of every business, and key knowledge areas for computing professionals. You are introduced to computing technologies and associated operating systems, along with underpinning concepts. Study network design principles, techniques and technologies to gain an insight into common business configurations.
You also explore cybercrime and cyber security issues, assessing and managing security risks and considering key legal, ethical and professional issues.
You are introduced to the fundamental concepts of software development using a modern programming language. Consider key aspects of the process such as designing solutions, writing application code, developing documentation and formal approaches to testing. Gain the essential skills needed for software application, including best practices used by industry and the wider programming community.
Producing a successful, robust, user-friendly system or application begins with analysing stakeholder requirements and a detailed design. Learn about the concepts and techniques of systems analysis and design. In industry, you use visual models to communicate designs to developers and stakeholders before implementation. Using data modelling techniques, you can define how the system will store and interact with data.
We place a strong emphasis on professional practice and transferrable practical skills, such as communicating design, structuring workflows with process models and gathering requirements. This provides you with the essential skills you need in industry.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn in seminar-style sessions that focus on practical skills underpinned by a grounding in the associated concepts and theories. Which means you can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in smaller groups.
Your learning experiences are enhanced through sessions delivered by industry practitioners who can share their valuable industry insights with you.
You demonstrate your computing skills, all directly related to the needs of the job market. And you develop your teamworking skills, working with others on solutions using the latest technologies in simulated industry setting.
Modules are delivered in six-week blocks. You study one module at a time, and modules are underpinned and supplemented by online learning materials.
How you are assessed
It’s essential that you learn by doing. Which means that most of your assessed work is based around practical projects that you work on throughout. You get valuable tutor feedback to guide your work and your overall development.
As you progress through the course, you develop a portfolio of work - this is an important industry requirement. Our tutors can give you advice and guidance on which work to include.
And your final project allows you the freedom to set your own brief based on your skills, interests and career aspirations.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A typical offer is 64 tariff points and either maths GCSE grade 4, Level 2 Key Skills (Application of Number) or Level 2 Functional Skills.. Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS tariff calculator.
We welcome applications from mature students without conventional entry requirements. We take into account any alternative qualifications or other experience you may have.
International applicants
This course is not available for international applicants as we are not accepting applications from applicants requiring a student visa.
What you need
To access the on-campus facilities you need a HTML5-capable web browser on a computer such as a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux computer. HTML5-capable web browsers that can be used include the following:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
For some sessions you can also access sessions on the following browsers and devices:
- Chrome or Safari on an iPad (iOS 11 or later)
- Android (Android 8 or later)
- Microsoft Surface Pro (Windows 10) tablet
Don't have your own device yet?
Don't worry - we have a bank of devices available for you to loan whenever you are on campus.
Our Digital Access Fund could also help with a £400 John Smith's Student Store voucher to buy a laptop or digital device, and access to Adobe Creative Cloud - a suite of 20+ world-class, industry-standard creative apps including Photoshop and InDesign. Subject to eligibility criteria. Terms and conditions apply.
TU London Digital Access Fund Scheme Terms and Conditions 2023-24
Employability
Career opportunities
You can work as an IT consultant, information systems manager, systems analyst, software developer, computer network architect, web developer and IT project manager.
Teesside University graduates have secured jobs in organisations including IBM, Amazon, Schlumberger, Ordnance Survey, Codemasters, npower, Cisco, HMRC, NHS, Traceco and Clicksco.
Teesside University students have done work placements and internships in organisations such as Dupont, Accenture, General Electric, Nissan, Nicander, Red Embedded, Microsoft, Intel, Thomson Reuters, Glaxo Smith Kline and GCHQ.