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University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
The study of computer science provides a basis from which to progress to higher degrees or computing vocations. The robotics element of this course seeks to explain what intelligence is and how different intelligent machines can be built. Our distinctive approach combines an investigation into computer studies and practical control processes while providing an underpinning of theoretical knowledge.
Career Opportunities:
Prospects for employment within the information technology (IT) industry and associated fields are good. In addition to general IT graduate trainee positions, this course offers specialist employment opportunities in mechatronics and robotic control, as well as work as a hardware or software engineer.
Key features:
Areas of study include:
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Design and implement control algorithms for robots and theorise on the nature of future developments in this field.
2. Design and build robots to perform specific tasks and reflect upon the efficiency and functionality of their performance.
3. Path-plan the navigation of robots in both familiar and non-familiar environments and apply advanced problem solving techniques to these scenarios.
4. Design experiments to establish the full abilities of robots in a working environment.
5. Produce a report on successful design and implementation of robotic systems.
6. Use object-oriented programming languages to produce robot instructions.
7. Apply formal problem solving and logical reasoning.
This programme provides students with both academic and vocational skills to pursue academic and professional careers in industry and commerce. Completing graduates will develop their academic, creative and thinking abilities. Educational aims of the programme are to widen students ability to:
All students are supported by induction sessions at the start of each year, by personal and project tutors, by academic advice sessions and by dedicated technical support staff.
Student support is provided on a formal basis by the personal tutor system and in practical sessions, as well as informal support in the use of Blackboard. The University provides general help for learning skills through a centralised support tutor system, as well as academic English units mainly for International students.
All students undertake Computer Assisted Diagnostic assessment. The results of such diagnostics enable a personalised program to address individual learning requirements in basic mathematical or language skills. Academic advice is provided both at a Field level and also at a Corporate level.
Group work will be encouraged in assignments throughout the course. Each team will consist of 2 - 4 students. To ensure individual participation in each group, peer assessment will be used to mark the final artefact.
Staff from the Centre for Personal and Career Development will be involved with the delivery of this aspect of the curriculum in all three levels. You will be encouraged to follow the SOAR model at a number of points during the curriculum. This approach requires that you become aware of:
During the Level One Fundamentals of Studying Computing unit, you will be encouraged to explore the potential career opportunities available within your field of study and to establish the skills requirements typically expected by employers.
During Level Two, you will be expected to identify specific roles and vacancies of interest and to complete a mock application, which may include a CV, a covering letter and a mock interview. This activity will require you to establish the fit between your skills and experience and those required to meet the needs of the employer. From this, you will be encouraged to develop an action plan to help you achieve your future objectives. This could, for example, include identifying the need to gain relevant work experience or assisting with the definition of the type of project topic that will be most useful in achieving your career objectives.
There will be other opportunities to practice the skill of interpreting what an employer is looking for and then presenting evidence to support your own application.
Prospects for employment within the information technology (IT) industry and associated fields are good. In addition to general IT graduate trainee positions, this course offers specialist employment opportunities in mechatronics and robotic control, as well as work as a hardware or software engineer.
Software Engineer, Programmer, Teacher.
Further study:
MSc, PhD, Teaching Diploma / Certificate.
Standard:
Standard entry requirements for UK students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs
Students from the European Union - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides
International students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/international/apply
Additional:
A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.
Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.
Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.
We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
The general requirement is one of the following:
Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.
(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)
We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.
Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.
Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section
APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.
Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `
The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.
We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.
Return your completed application to:
University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk
The teaching / learning methods and strategy is theoretical exposition accompanied by tutor supported practical activity. This is accomplished by a combination of lectures, tutorials, moderated E-conference discussion and support and directed practical activity in dedicated, modern computer laboratories. This is often in a combined lecture, demonstration, practical and assessment all in one session with academic and demonstrator support. There is self directed research and computer based practical activity which can be assisted by the use of teaching packs in various multimedia forms such as DVDs, videos and pod casts. The particular form of support is module specific, however, all are characterised by tutor support and practical activity.
All the teaching resources are available in a web site a virtual learning environment that includes references and links, general module and programme information, discussion groups, tests and assessments. This VLE is available outside of the University to enrolled students. Students entering upon the programme will already have some experience of using computers and their operation. Therefore the approach to teaching and learning begins with student-centered methods and progresses towards independent learning. Our teaching is centered upon students, aiming to build their confidence by providing timely and informative feedback under the guidance of their teacher. As students gain in knowledge and experience at level 5 they build upon gained skills and knowledge to study in greater depth certain core topics in programming whilst broadening their knowledge by studying from a selection of topics.
Level 6 enables students, via the mechanism of a project, to demonstrate various in-depth skills involved in project management and the production of an artefact. Lectures, often with invited experts and industry leaders, focus on the latest developments and trends in Computing. Other modules taken at this level enable students to gain vocationally valid skills and experience by engaging in business projects while gaining academic credit.
Project supervision involves regular tutorial meetings between groups / individuals and their staff supervisor. The project is seen as a guarantee of the Honours nature of students and is seen, both within the University and outside, as an indication of the overall abilities and performance of the student.
Communication:
To help with the development of this you will be assessed at the start of each course and individualised help will be provided as required. In addition, many assessments address the need for the development of both written abilities, especially with regard to technical subjects and spoken and visual communication in presentations.
Information Literacy:
To help with the development of this you will have access to the Learning Resources Centre, the electronic-library and the Internet for information to complete tasks set for you.
Research and Evaluation:
To help with the development of this you will be given tasks throughout the course. To accomplish some of these tasks, you will need to undertake extensive research though the LRC and the e-library. Tasks set may involve practical experimentation to evaluate some aspects of the problem.
Creativity and Critical Thinking:
To help with the development of this you will be given tasks throughout the course. These will involve case studies and students will be expected to present answers in written reports to complete the tasks.
