Computing Systems BSc (Hons) Undergraduate Programme By Ulster University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Computer Science and Information Systems

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

BSc Hons Computing Systems develops core skills in problem solving and computational thinking and exposes you topics spanning programming, databases, networking, web development, data analytics and product and process management. Advanced topics include areas such as systems security, cloud computing, applied artificial intelligence, computer vision and edge & embedded computing. The course also develops innovative and creative thinking alongside a range of professional, ethical and sustainable skills that prepare you for a career in computing, equipped with the technical and personal skills sought by industry and ready to apply best practice in software engineering to develop wide ranging systems for any organisation. Uniquely, BSc Computing Systems is designed using the Variable Rate Progression (VRP) model. VRP empowers you to design your own personal pathway through the modules of the course, something that is not possible in traditional courses. The precise pathway, course duration and specific sequencing of modules are determined by you. Using VRP, the degree may be completed part-time in 3*, 4, 5 or 6 years. Many potential pathways exist. A pathway 'Simulator' for experimenting and planning your route through the course is available on our VRP website at: https://www.vrpassistant.com. *Note that should you choose to enter the course in February, rather than September, the minimum duration of the course will be 4 years. Ulster University is an approved Training Provider for the Department for the Economy's Higher Level Degree Apprenticeship** scheme. Students enrolled in the part-time BSc Hons Computing Systems program study alongside Degree Apprentices. Additionally, many scheduled lectures are shared with full-time Computing students. This blend of part-time students, degree apprentices, and full-time learners creates a vibrant and engaging learning environment, fostering opportunities for sharing experiences, collaboration, and building a lasting network of professional contacts. ** Applicants seeking an apprenticeship should visit Ulster's Degree Apprentice Hub website for additional guidance - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apprenticeships The School of Computing at Ulster University holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award since 2016 and is committed to promote and advance gender equality in Higher Education. We particularly welcome female applicants, as they are under-represented within the School. Modules Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course. Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list. In this section Level 4 – studied in Year 1 or 2 Level 5 – studied in Year 2, 3 or 4 Level 6 – studied in Year 3, 4, 5 or 6 Level 4 – studied in Year 1 or 2 Semester 1 Problem Solving for Computing Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming via Python that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module. Introduction to Databases Database management is a fundamental skill expected of Computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of database design, implementation, querying and management of relational database systems. Semester 2 Innovation and Society This module is designed to make future computing professionals have the practical skills to co-create innovative technological solutions to a problem using design thinking tools and processes and be aware of and take into consideration the nature of the legal, ethical, social and professional issues raised during any technological innovation. Mathematics for Computer Scientists This module provides an introduction to core areas of mathematics that are commonly used by computer scientists. The relationship between set theory and propositional logic is explained, with applications to digital circuits. Mathematics for decision making is introduced, including their practical application. Probability, descriptive statistics and matrices are introduced, and their application to simple linear regression is used to motivate their use within data science. Semester 3 Client Side Development This module will assume no prior experience in creating web pages and will introduce the design principles, structural elements and technical concepts that underpin web authoring. Application of the technical concepts will be facilitated through the use of web authoring tools in practical sessions to enhance the technical skills for the creation and styling of interactive Websites. Introduction to Physical Computing The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the underlying systems that support the applications software. The theoretical concepts covered are illustrated by considering their practical application in modern real-world solutions. Level 5 – studied in Year 2, 3 or 4 Semester 1 Programming in Practice The module builds upon the expertise acquired in Level 4 programming modules by expanding upon the students' understanding of data types and algorithms within the scope of object-oriented programming. The module focuses on providing students with practical skills for industry-focused software development. Systems Security This module introduces fundamental concepts related to computer system security. It presents a thorough discussion of the fundamental principles and technologies underpinning the field, covering concepts, terminology, cryptography, vulnerabilities, protocols and good security-oriented design. The module provides an understanding of computing systems security concerns and how they can be addressed and mitigated so that security considerations are taken into account, and embedded in organisations and IT projects planning and management. This includes the communications within networked applications, security issues and cryptographic fundamentals Semester 2 Software Product and Process Management The Software Product and Process Management module provides the opportunity for students to gain a sound theoretical understanding of contemporary product and process management techniques. There is also the opportunity to apply learning from within the module and from modules undertaken thus far while working cohesively and professionally as part of a software team towards the successful management and planning of software product that meets business needs. Data Analytics In the present-day era of big data, this module

Programme overview

Main Subject

Computer Science and Information Systems

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

BSc Hons Computing Systems develops core skills in problem solving and computational thinking and exposes you topics spanning programming, databases, networking, web development, data analytics and product and process management. Advanced topics include areas such as systems security, cloud computing, applied artificial intelligence, computer vision and edge & embedded computing. The course also develops innovative and creative thinking alongside a range of professional, ethical and sustainable skills that prepare you for a career in computing, equipped with the technical and personal skills sought by industry and ready to apply best practice in software engineering to develop wide ranging systems for any organisation. Uniquely, BSc Computing Systems is designed using the Variable Rate Progression (VRP) model. VRP empowers you to design your own personal pathway through the modules of the course, something that is not possible in traditional courses. The precise pathway, course duration and specific sequencing of modules are determined by you. Using VRP, the degree may be completed part-time in 3*, 4, 5 or 6 years. Many potential pathways exist. A pathway 'Simulator' for experimenting and planning your route through the course is available on our VRP website at: https://www.vrpassistant.com. *Note that should you choose to enter the course in February, rather than September, the minimum duration of the course will be 4 years. Ulster University is an approved Training Provider for the Department for the Economy's Higher Level Degree Apprenticeship** scheme. Students enrolled in the part-time BSc Hons Computing Systems program study alongside Degree Apprentices. Additionally, many scheduled lectures are shared with full-time Computing students. This blend of part-time students, degree apprentices, and full-time learners creates a vibrant and engaging learning environment, fostering opportunities for sharing experiences, collaboration, and building a lasting network of professional contacts. ** Applicants seeking an apprenticeship should visit Ulster's Degree Apprentice Hub website for additional guidance - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apprenticeships The School of Computing at Ulster University holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award since 2016 and is committed to promote and advance gender equality in Higher Education. We particularly welcome female applicants, as they are under-represented within the School. Modules Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course. Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list. In this section Level 4 – studied in Year 1 or 2 Level 5 – studied in Year 2, 3 or 4 Level 6 – studied in Year 3, 4, 5 or 6 Level 4 – studied in Year 1 or 2 Semester 1 Problem Solving for Computing Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming via Python that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module. Introduction to Databases Database management is a fundamental skill expected of Computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of database design, implementation, querying and management of relational database systems. Semester 2 Innovation and Society This module is designed to make future computing professionals have the practical skills to co-create innovative technological solutions to a problem using design thinking tools and processes and be aware of and take into consideration the nature of the legal, ethical, social and professional issues raised during any technological innovation. Mathematics for Computer Scientists This module provides an introduction to core areas of mathematics that are commonly used by computer scientists. The relationship between set theory and propositional logic is explained, with applications to digital circuits. Mathematics for decision making is introduced, including their practical application. Probability, descriptive statistics and matrices are introduced, and their application to simple linear regression is used to motivate their use within data science. Semester 3 Client Side Development This module will assume no prior experience in creating web pages and will introduce the design principles, structural elements and technical concepts that underpin web authoring. Application of the technical concepts will be facilitated through the use of web authoring tools in practical sessions to enhance the technical skills for the creation and styling of interactive Websites. Introduction to Physical Computing The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the underlying systems that support the applications software. The theoretical concepts covered are illustrated by considering their practical application in modern real-world solutions. Level 5 – studied in Year 2, 3 or 4 Semester 1 Programming in Practice The module builds upon the expertise acquired in Level 4 programming modules by expanding upon the students' understanding of data types and algorithms within the scope of object-oriented programming. The module focuses on providing students with practical skills for industry-focused software development. Systems Security This module introduces fundamental concepts related to computer system security. It presents a thorough discussion of the fundamental principles and technologies underpinning the field, covering concepts, terminology, cryptography, vulnerabilities, protocols and good security-oriented design. The module provides an understanding of computing systems security concerns and how they can be addressed and mitigated so that security considerations are taken into account, and embedded in organisations and IT projects planning and management. This includes the communications within networked applications, security issues and cryptographic fundamentals Semester 2 Software Product and Process Management The Software Product and Process Management module provides the opportunity for students to gain a sound theoretical understanding of contemporary product and process management techniques. There is also the opportunity to apply learning from within the module and from modules undertaken thus far while working cohesively and professionally as part of a software team towards the successful management and planning of software product that meets business needs. Data Analytics In the present-day era of big data, this module

Admission Requirements

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements. The entry conditions below apply to applicants presenting qualifications from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or Great Britain.

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