Course Summary

Computer science is at the core of modern technology, and at the heart of a number of specialist technology fields. This course shares a common first stage with our other BSc degrees in Computer Science to give you a foundation, as well as providing a platform for specialist study in the second and third stages. You'll cover essential areas such as systems architecture and security, as well as acquiring practical skills in a variety of modern programming languages. You'll also develop skills in systems modelling, software development and artificial intelligence, before focusing on your chosen specialist area during your final stage project.

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, whilst providing a basis of theoretical knowledge.

The course is designed to promote flexibility and allow for a change in your final award during stage one of the course. Featuring a significant element of practical work, the course will enable you to design and build intelligent systems, exploring path-planning and navigation of robots in different environments.

Why choose this course?

The skills and knowledge you acquire on this course will be invaluable for finding work in the computer industry. In addition to general IT graduate trainee positions, this course offers specialist employment opportunities in mechatronics and robotic control. The course is taught by experienced researchers who are able to transfer their skills to students, with a theoretical base that is enhanced by practical experiments.

During the course you will:

• Work towards opportunities to work in industry as a hardware or software engineer
• Have the chance to become more involved in the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics
• Develop your skills with hands-on teaching and learning activities
• Work in our modernised labs and gain essential hands-on experience of working with the very latest robots as well as the latest developments in AI

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Software modelling
• Object-oriented programming
• Mechatronics sytems
• Robotics technology
• Robotics and automation
• Distributed software technology
• Operating systems
• Computer security

BSCSR-S

Assessment

The types of assessment used ranges from laboratory practical work that assesses the practical application of knowledge and concepts gained in lectures and seminars and also from learning acquired during self-study to computer based assessments and formal written examinations.

Educational Aims

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:

• Be creative and judgmental


• Acquire knowledge and understanding of Computer Science and Robotics


• Apply such knowledge to analyse problems at hand and to evaluate possible solutions


• Formulate correct procedures for problem solutions


• Communicate findings to peers

Student support

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.

Team working

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.

Career Management Skills

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:

• Your own interests, motivations and strengths


• The kinds of opportunities for employment and self development that are available


• Your personal objectives


• How to articulate, evidence and present your achievements and skills

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.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

Software Engineer, Programmer, Teacher.

Further study:

MSc, PhD, Teaching Diploma / Certificate.

Entry

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:

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

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.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.

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.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

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:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

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.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course 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

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

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.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Professional, Statuatory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

Physical impairment in the form of depreciated visual, audio, mobility and neurological cognitive faculties will, where identified and practicable, be ameliorated by the deployment of appropriate hardware, software and individual support. The department disability tutor is tasked with providing assistance for such students.

Skills Development

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.

Improving learning and performance

First year students undertake a personal development unit that looks at the learning styles of each participant and seeks to enhance these. In addition you will receive formative feedback on tasks that you undertake. Any assessed piece of work will always receive written comments and you should use these in order to improve your performance (if necessary) at the next available opportunity.

Progress files

Please see http://bridgescetl.beds.ac.uk/curriculum/curriculum_guides for details.

Professional standards

The course team consists of Chartered Engineers and Chartered IT Practitioners who will give professional advice on matters relating to the course and other matters relating to their professional experience.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

Academic advice and personal tutorship will be given throughout duration of the course. These can be further reinforced in the students' final projects.