Overview
This course covers all the main areas of computing and gives you plenty of opportunity to specialise.
Careers
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in many areas of computing, including applications development, programming, database development, web infrastructure and applications, business systems, project management, networking and user support.
They’re also working in many different industries, including defence, health, business and telecommunications.
Local employers advise us on course content and the networking modules will qualify you to apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate status.
Modules & assessment
Year one, core modules
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Fundamentals of Design
You will be introduced to the concepts of a software life cycle, system theory, design methodologies and relational data modelling. Our module uses a system methodology to work through a software lifecycle looking at analysis, design and implementation. You will be given the opportunity to apply a design methodology to a case study producing diagrammatic representations of the data and functionality of a system. You will be introduced to the essentials of database design and implementation. You will be expected to participate in group work as well as make individual contributions. Our module is 100% coursework, comprising a set of deliverables to demonstrate analysis of the case study example(s) and application of design theory. Exercises will be both formative and summative to encourage discussion of design theory and its application. -
Computer Systems
With the use of computers in all walks of life it is essential for companies to have IT staff capable of specifying, installing, configuring and maintaining the company's IT resources and networks. This module ensures you will have the practical skills companies look for in an IT specialist. We will investigate the components and operation of modern computer systems and introduce you to the hardware components which enable a computer to process data and the devices which enable data to be input, output and stored. We will also introduce you to the fundamentals of computer networks as modern computer systems rarely operate in a standalone manner. -
Digital Imaging Software
Gaining a good understanding and becoming proficient with commercial software is one of the key requirements of the media and internet technology degree and working in the creative industries. This module gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with digital imaging software tools that are commonly used in the media technology business. Our module is run as a supervised workshop where each week you'll be instructed in underlying principles and how they are implemented by the chosen software, and expected to complete a set of exercises. You’ll be assessed by a portfolio of workshop exercises and coursework assignments. -
Introduction to Programming
This module provides an introduction to high level programming, requiring no prior programming experience. You will use industry-standard tools and techniques to design, implement, test and document simple programs using a current programming language such as C#, Java or C++. You will understand the principal components of a high-level program, laying the foundation for subsequent modules requiring structured programming ability. It emphasises the principles of good programming practice and introduce the techniques required to develop software which is robust, usable and efficient. By the end of the module you will have sufficient mastery of a high-level programming language to allow them to design, implement and test simple programs. The skills taught within the module are directly transferable to the workplace and provide a suitable foundation to apply programming skills in your later studies and future career.
Year two, core modules
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Software Engineering
The number, size, and application domains of computer applications have grown and most people depend on the effectiveness of software development. Software products have to be efficient, good quality and to help us to be more efficient and productive. Software Engineering is a form of engineering that applies the principles of computer science and mathematics to achieving cost-effective solutions to software problems. Get real-world experience in software engineering and gain the intellectual tools to be able to design, implement and test software systems. Build on Fundamentals of Design and Introduction to Programming and journey through all the phases of the life cycle by taking case studies and building real software applications based on them. You will use CASE tools to study topics, including analysis and design in UML and managing the OO software development process. Finally, you will work in team on a specific project to create an application from a case study that showcases a whole software lifecycle. -
Database Design and Implementation
You will be guided through the fundamentals of database design. This grounding will enable you to construct small scale industrial quality databases. You will work in groups emulating real world development teams. As part of this you will learn the skills of constructing documentation, making revisions and delivering work to a deadline. Implicitly, you will learn the skill of managing a group environment. This module begins with the development of an acceptable approach to industrial clients and their problems. Working within the specification given, you will learn how to extract data from interviews and paperwork. You can then progress to designing and building a database, querying the database to provide the reports (including statistics) that a customer needs. During this process the current industrial choice database language (SQL) is learned. The assessment comprises the design, production and querying of a database and the completion of a portfolio of coursework to be submitted at the end of the course. -
Internet Databases
This module will introduce you to the design, development and implementation of client/server applications for internet or intranet web sites. During this module you'll consider the necessity for a website, whether it is on the internet or intranet, and how usable it is for clients. You'll research current design standards, existing web sites, and have access to specialist resources in our computer laboratories including a computer running Internet Information Services (IIS) acting as a server machine. By the end of this module you'll deliver a working, user centred web site with a design of pages and without code errors.
Year three, core modules
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Professional Issues: Computing and Society
Understand the issues, opportunities and problems linked with computerisation of wide areas of human activity and the technical development and social effects of computer technology. You will focus on advanced computer reflective thinking in both computer science specialists and others, and development skills in professional values and approaches in the IT and computing fields. You will cover relevant and current topics in Computer Law (e.g. Data Protection; Intellectual Property Law; Computer Misuse) and other social, ethical and legal topics such as considering the causes and effects of systems failures (including but not limited to computer systems failure). You will also look at other aspects such as the ethical and professional responsibilities of graduates - particularly those from IT and computing disciplines. -
Change and Risk Management
In this module you'll develop a critical understanding of the problems and opportunities faced by managers who need to develop effective risk management strategies, giving you the skills to be a positive change agent. You'll cover operational as well as strategic level consideration of issues, to give you a better appreciation of the interdependence and requirements of these levels. We'll consider a range of theories and factors relating to the successful management of technological change both within and external to the organisation. You'll use a combination of case studies and 'real world' examples to link theory to practice. -
Undergraduate Major Project
You will create in a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic of your choice. You could choose your topic from a variety of sources including research groups, previous/current work experience, your current employer, a suggestion from your tutor or a topic you are specifically interested in. You will identify problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, determine solutions, develop hardware, software and/or media artifacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your finding using a variety of media. Regular meetings with your project supervisor will ensure your project is closely monitored and steered in the right direction.
Assessment
We’ll assess your progress using exams and essay assignments, as well as your presentations, case studies, major project and performance in group work and lab-based tasks.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
University Centre Peterborough
University Centre Peterborough (or UCP) is our modern campus in the heart of an historic city.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK & EU students, 2018/19 (per year)
£8,000
Fee information
For more information about tuition fees, including the UK Government's commitment to EU students, please see our UK/EU funding pages
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your fees in the following ways.
Tuition fee loan
You can take out a tuition fee loan, which you won’t need to start repaying until after your graduate. Or alternatively, there's the option to pay your fees upfront.
Funding for UK & EU students
Most new undergraduate students can apply for government funding to support their studies and university life. This includes Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. There are additional grants available for specific groups of students, such as those with disabilities or dependants.
We also offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Entry requirements
Main
64 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please email answers@anglia.ac.uk for further information.
All tariff points must come from A levels. Points from AS levels cannot be counted towards the total tariff points required for entry to this course.
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