Computer Science Degree Course

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree at UCLan emphasizes theoretical aspects of computer science, including computational thinking, while also focusing on practical applications through software development and artificial intelligence. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in the computing industry, including software architecture, database administration, and data analytics. The program is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and offers a sandwich placement option in industry after the second year.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree at UCLan is designed to prepare students for a wide range of computer science careers, both now and in the future. Students will also learn software development, including databases and user interface design.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and develop the systems and software used in everyday life.
• Prepare students for the digital revolution and the exciting opportunities it presents for new applications.
• Provide students with a strong foundation in software development, including databases and user interface design.
• Offer students the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest through optional modules.

Outline:

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science program is a three-year, full-time program delivered in-person at the Preston Campus. It is also available as a part-time option. Students can choose to undertake a one-year industrial placement after completing their second year.

Course Schedule:

• Year 1:
• Compulsory Modules:
• The Computing Challenge (CO1007)
• Introduction to Networking (CO1008)
• Programming (CO1409)
• Computer Systems and Security (CO1508)
• Systems Analysis and Database Design (CO1605)
• Optional Modules:
• Games Concepts (CO1301)
• Web Technologies (CO1707)
• Year 2:
• Compulsory Modules:
• The Agile Professional (CO2007)
• Database Systems (CO2011)
• Software Development (CO2401)
• Advanced Programming with C++ (CO2402)
• Computational Thinking (CO2412)
• User Experience (CO2722)
• Year 3:
• Compulsory Modules:
• Honours Degree Project (CO3008)
• Advanced Software Modelling (CO3408)
• Artificial Intelligence (CO3519)
• Data Science (CO3722)
• Optional Modules:
• Cross Platform Development (CO2404)
• Computer Graphics (CO2409)
Students develop problem-solving skills relevant to computing professionals and learn about usability and interface design and evaluation.
• Programming (CO1409): This module develops students' ability to analyze problems and implement software solutions.
Students gain core skills in computer programming and debugging, software design, and advanced programming techniques. It also examines legal, ethical, and privacy issues related to data collection and emerging technologies.
• Systems Analysis and Database Design (CO1605): This module provides an in-depth understanding of database design and implementation, allowing students to add this skill to their programming skillset.
• Games Concepts (CO1301): This module encourages students' interest in game analysis and fosters creative thinking in game development.
• Web Technologies (CO1707): This module explores modern web technologies, their future scope, and security concerns related to web-based applications.
Students develop an understanding of web technology structure and the contexts in which they are developed and applied.
• The Agile Professional (CO2007): This module develops project leadership skills required by computer practitioners, exploring Agile methodologies and their application to a course-specific group project.
It reinforces understanding of social, professional, ethical, and legal aspects of computing and prepares students for their final year project.
• Database Systems (CO2011): This module explores database concepts, relational database theory, and relational query languages.
Students gain experience implementing a database in a suitable environment and learn about data analysis and database design techniques.
• Software Development (CO2401): This module develops high-level skills necessary for major software projects, covering phases of specification, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.
It considers issues affecting each phase, including quality, usability, and documentation. Students develop skills in modeling, designing, and evaluating interfaces with a focus on user experience.
• Honours Degree Project (CO3008): This module culminates students' studies, requiring them to research, study, and produce a report based on the investigation of a problem and the development of a solution.
• Advanced Software Modelling (CO3408): This module takes a rigorous approach to software development, examining formal methods for specification, development, and verification of software.
It presents techniques for analyzing and implementing real-time solutions and investigates the theory and problems of concurrent systems.
• Artificial Intelligence (CO3519): This module introduces and familiarizes students with the approach and techniques of Artificial Intelligence, exploring AI in the context of computer games and theoretical underpinnings of AI and Computing.
• Data Science (CO3722): This module provides tools for analyzing datasets and visualizing their properties.
Students explore technical problems and solutions inherent in developing applications for ubiquitous computing platforms.
• Computer Graphics (CO2409): This module explores algorithms and hardware used in real-time rendering of 2D and 3D graphics.
• Distributed Systems (CO3404): This module integrates software development skills through the construction of distributed systems, conveying fundamental principles of designing distributed systems considering scalability, security, heterogeneity, concurrency, and containerization.

Assessment:

The program uses a combination of assessment methods, including:

• Individual coursework assignments
• Groupwork
• Presentations
• Exams (seen or unseen)
The program emphasizes practical-based learning and assessment, with coursework contributing significantly to the final degree classification.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Practical sessions
Independent study is an important aspect of the program. Students have access to purpose-built laboratories and general computer rooms equipped with specialist software. They use a range of development environments and tools, and software is made available for use on personal computers where possible. The program is taught by staff who are experts in their fields, many of whom are active researchers. They research areas such as:
• Human-computer interaction (particularly through the Child-Computer Interaction Group)
• Data communications
• Mobile computing
• Computer security
• Software engineering (particularly Agile software development)
Staff have collaborated with overseas universities and global companies such as BAE and Sony, and some have worked in the games industry, aerospace, and the defense industry. They are also involved in consultancy and software development for clients.

Careers:

A Computer Science degree opens doors to a wide range of careers in the computing industry, including:

• Software architecture and development
• Database administration
• Data analytics
• Mobile application development
• IT consultancy
Graduates are prepared for employment in various sectors, including business, finance, and the biomedical industry. They can also pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as:
• MSc Applied Data Science
• MSc Computing
• MSc IT Security
• MSc User Experience Design
Research degrees such as MSc (By Research), MPhil, or PhD are also options.

Other:

• The program is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), meeting the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
• Students have access to a free BCS membership for the duration of their Computer Science course, providing benefits such as connections with the tech industry through BCS mentors, access to bespoke events with industry experts, and interactive career tools.
• The program includes an annual "Computing Challenge" competition where students work in teams to develop a new app in a competitive yet supportive environment.
• Students have the opportunity to work on live projects for real clients.
• The program offers a 48-week sandwich placement in industry after completing the second year, with opportunities for both UK-based and international placements.
• Students can transfer to other specialist computing courses during the first year, including BSc (Hons) Computing, BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security, BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, and BSc (Hons) Software Engineering.

Tuition Fees:

• UK
• Full time: £9,250 per year
• Part time: £1,540 per 20 credits
• International: £16,500 per year