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, during which you will learn, in depth, the principles and practices of both disciplines computer science and software engineering.

The disciplines of computer science and software engineering are central to many of today's commercial and industrial activities, as well as providing a diverse and rapidly developing field for personal study. This course is designed to enable you to analyse and build a range of applications. Emphasis is on the entire software development lifecycle, and the production of high-quality software systems using object-oriented (OO) methods and tools.

You'll explore the entire systems development life-cycle, as well as comprehensively covering OO methods. The final-stage project enables you to take your specialist work to greater depth, leading to the possibility of future research.

The emphasis of the course is to provide vocationally skilled programmers and software engineers who have both a general overview of computer science an software engineering, with a more detailed knowledge of fields like internet programming, database applications, artificial intelligence applications or networking.

Why choose this course?

The skills and knowledge you acquire on this course will be invaluable for finding work in the computer industry - graduates of this course have progressed to careers as a computer programmer or software engineer (or trainee) in project management, safety critical systems, software development, object orientation (OO) systems, design and analysis. Other graduates have embarked on further research or postgraduate study.

During the course you will:

• Explore a broad-based curriculum, yet with enough depth to acquire credible vocational skills
• Cover a variety of computer science areas, typically delivered by an expert in the relevant field
• Cover the entire systems lifecycle
• Take advantage of close links with local companies
• Use state-of-the-art software development environments
• Benefit from the Universitys research activity in the area of Computer Science
• Be taught by staff with relevant experience in industry and commerce

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Software engineering management
• System methodologies: Unified Modelling Language (UML), OO
• Risk management and quality issues
• Develop skills using a variety of tools (such as as Microsoft's .NET framework-building application)
• Testing

BSCSE-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 as well as oral presentations.

Educational Aims

The curriculum structure is composed of core subjects combined with strands that allow a deeper exploration of particular aspects of a broadly based subject. The core comprises fundamental subjects based on both Computer Science and the software engineering lifecycle.

This integrated thematic approach to both disciplines enables students to orient their studies towards particular learning outcomes leading to the ability to progress towards specialisation whilst maintaining the flexibility that the core provides.

On completion of the joint Honours degree students will be capable of making a positive contribution to a variety of software engineering, computing and computer science related industries. The programme aims:

• To develop personal skills so that students have confidence, the ability to express their creativity both individually and as part of a team


• To promote a responsible attitude towards the use of the computing hardware and software


• To facilitate students' understanding of developments in computing technologies


• To promote students awareness of the cultural, social, political, economic and ethical implications in the computing industries


• To promote an understanding of the role of resource planning, project planning and similar activities not only technical roles in effective software engineering

The emphasis of the programme is to provide vocationally skilled software engineers / computer science practitioners who have both a general overview of the both disciplines and also more detailed knowledge and skills in area such as Object Oriented programming and Object Oriented design, software engineering lifecycle planning, testing and deployment.

Student support

During the induction and PPAD there will be a series of diagnostic tests designed to identify the need for any specialist support (e.g. dyslexia). If identified, students will be referred to the University of Bedfordshire Disability Support Unit.

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 modules mainly for International students.

All students undertake Computer Assisted Diagnostic assessment. The results of such diagnostics enable a personalized program to address individual learning requirements in basic mathematical or language skills. Academic advice is provided both at Field level and also at Corporate level.

Team working

Group assessments and informal group activities (in laboratories or tutorial sessions) are part of many modules and the skills needed to work with others are specifically addressed as part of preparing for professional life. As such, students will come across group working as a core concept within the pathway frequently. Students are expected to contribute to team discussions, to complete tasks as part of a team and in general, be able to demonstrate that they are able to work effectively with others.

Career Management Skills

This forms a consistent thread progressing through each year with opportunities of engaging with industrial and business projects (at Levels 2 and 3). Students are also encouraged to engage with the Careers Development Unit (Job Shop) in order to assess the skills that they possess against positions within the current market. Any skills deficiencies can then be identified and students can begin to address these in order to progress to their chosen career.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career paths:

It is possible to identify several different roles that graduates of the joint degree pathway are expected to fulfil - competent software engineering technician, trainee computer programmer / software developer - and these vocational outcomes have formed the basis of this strategically planned curriculum. Initially, students are likely to gain jobs as a skilled practitioner with the prospect for later progression leading to posts of responsibility supervising working within a team based development and support settings within significantly large, as well small scale, industrial and commercial settings. The aim of the pathway is primarily seen to equip graduates to develop the intellectual and pragmatic skills needed to develop quality software artefacts that not only function and meet client requirements, but also fit within the pragmatic constraints. The role of external and internal standards is also emphasised as being vital. Equally, such topics will equip the graduate to proceed to a higher degree and or participate effectively within a research or academic setting. An important feature of the joint pathway is that the entire software production lifecycle is covered.

Further study:

MSc in a Software Engineering related topic; MPhil / PhD.

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:

Communication skills are assessed at the start of each course and individualised help is provided as required by teaching staff. In addition many (if not all) assessments address the need for the development and demonstration of both written abilities, especially with regard to technical subjects and spoken and visual communication skills.

Information Literacy:

Written reflective reports are often required for in-course assignments (using, for example, Microsoft Word). Students will also experience a wide range of computing-specific packages and tools including the use of online library sources. To enhance students information literacy they will also have access to a wide range of Learning Resources courses (e.g. referencing) and the Professional Personal and Academic Module will develop these abilities.

Research and Evaluation:

Students are expected to work independently and to produce assignments which show their ability to synthesise and evaluate disparate sources of information, to critically evaluate these and to undertake self-directed research activities in order to come to a fully supported rational and objective conclusion. Thus, practical work always requires a supportive analytic commentary and rationale whilst written and / or oral presentations are based upon core research and evaluative skills.

Creativity and Critical Thinking:

Students are given opportunities to solve problems both informally in groups, during practical activities through exposure to given general scenarios from which they need to devise solutions and more generally are given tasks that develop critical arguments to support hypotheses. This is particularly evident at Level 3, but the development of these skills starts at Level 1 and is reinforced at Level 2.

Improving learning and performance

First year students undertake a personal development module that looks at the learning styles of each participant and seeks to enhance these. In addition, students receive formative feedback on tasks that they undertake. Any assessed piece of work will always receive detailed written comments and feedback that can be used to improve 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 Department of Computing adheres to the professional standards and codes of conduct and code of practice of the British Computer Society (BCS). As undergraduates on this course, students will be expected to adhere to these standards at all times particularly so but not exclusively when undertaking their final year project or working collaboratively with industry.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

To ensure that standards are adhered to, the programme has been designed so that students will be educated about the professional standards of their Field (this is covered within the Fundamentals of Computing Unit at Level 1, as well as the Social and Professional Project Management unit at Level 3). It is also expected that students undertaking their final year project will sign an ethical form to show that the work they undertake during their project will be conducted in an ethically accepted manner. Many of the academic staff are BCS members so are able to act as champions and role models in this area.