BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Industrial Placement year

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Industrial Placement Year program at the University of Bolton equips students with practical and problem-solving skills in computer science, preparing them for careers in computing and IT. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, with opportunities for specialization in areas such as AI, cloud technologies, and information security. Through an industry placement year, students gain valuable work experience, enhancing their employability and industry-relevant knowledge.

Program Outline

BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Industrial Placement Year - University of Bolton

Degree Overview:

This program is a 4-year full-time degree designed to equip students with the practical and problem-solving skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of computer science. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for a successful career in computing and IT.

Objectives:

• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of computing and IT principles and practices.
• Gain practical skills in systems analysis, design, and software development.
• Develop skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, essential for working at the interface between humans and digital technology.
• Foster lifelong learning skills to maximize professional development and success.
• Gain valuable experience through an industrial placement year, enhancing employability and providing industry-relevant knowledge.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Core Computing Disciplines: The program covers fundamental computing concepts, including programming, data structures, algorithms, computer systems architecture, and databases.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose from a diverse range of optional modules, allowing them to specialize in areas of interest such as big data, AI, cloud technologies, natural language processing, and information security.
• Practical Skills Development: The program emphasizes practical skills development through laboratory sessions, project work, and real-world assignments.
• Industry-Relevant Knowledge: Students gain industry-relevant knowledge through live briefs, guest lectures, and the industrial placement year.

Structure:

• Year 1: Introduces core computing concepts and foundational skills.
• Year 2: Builds upon Year 1 knowledge, introducing more advanced topics and practical applications.
• Industrial Placement Year: Students gain valuable work experience in a relevant company, applying their skills and gaining industry insights.
• Year 4: Final year of study, focusing on advanced topics, research, and a final project.

Course Schedule:

• Start Date: 23/09/2024
• Duration: 4 years

Individual Modules:

• Maths for Computing: Covers mathematical concepts relevant to computer science.
• Computer Science Fundamentals: Introduces core computer science principles and concepts.
• Computing Infrastructure: Explores the hardware and software components of computer systems.
• Databases: Covers database design, management, and query languages.
• Object Oriented Programming: Introduces object-oriented programming concepts and techniques.
• Data Structures and Algorithms: Explores data structures and algorithms used in computer science.
• Computer Systems Architecture: Covers the architecture and organization of computer systems.
• Systems Analysis and Design: Focuses on the process of analyzing and designing computer systems.
• Advanced Databases and Big Data: Explores advanced database concepts and big data technologies.
• Web Design and Programming: Covers web design principles and programming languages.
• Cloud Technologies: Introduces cloud computing concepts and technologies.
• Advanced Programming: Covers advanced programming techniques and languages.
• Industrial Placement: Students gain practical experience in a relevant company.
• Research and Professional Issues: Explores research methodologies and professional issues in computer science.
• Undergraduate Project: Students undertake a significant project, applying their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.
• Applied Machine Learning: Covers practical applications of machine learning techniques.
• Software Quality Management: Focuses on software quality assurance and testing.
• Emerging Technologies: Explores emerging technologies in computer science.
• Natural Language Processing: Covers the processing and understanding of human language by computers.
• Operations Management: Introduces principles of operations management in IT environments.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including coursework, practical demonstrations, reports, and exams.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, case studies, and guest lectures.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced lecturers and researchers in fields such as machine learning, computer vision, data science, intelligent agents, bioinformatics, information and cyber security.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes small class sizes, personalized support, and access to industry-standard technologies in well-equipped labs.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in computing and IT, including network design, programming, web development, software application, interactive multimedia roles, IT support, consultancy and operations, E-commerce, and business analysis.
• Opportunities: Graduates find opportunities in various industries, including finance, retail, healthcare, education, entertainment, energy, telecommunications, aerospace and defense, financial services, manufacturing, and the public and third sectors.
• Outcomes: Graduates possess a strong understanding of core computer science technologies, practical programming skills, and valuable knowledge of databases, systems architecture, and specialized areas of interest.
They also develop transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, commercial awareness, problem-solving, and negotiation.

Other:

• Student Satisfaction: The University of Bolton's Computer Science courses are ranked 5th in the UK for student satisfaction according to The Complete University Guide 2024.
• Teaching Quality: The Computer Science courses are also placed in the top 5 in the UK for teaching quality by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
• Industry Links: The school has strong links with businesses, providing students with opportunities to work on live briefs and gain industry-relevant knowledge.
• Employability Focus: The program emphasizes employability development through guest lectures, industry contact, and the industrial placement year.
• Location: The University of Bolton is located in Bolton, a town with many shops, bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
Nearby Manchester is a thriving digital hub and offers networking opportunities.

Fees & funding

Course fees Home Fees Year of study Total Entry year2024/252025/262026/272027/282028/292024£9,250£9,250£1,850£9,250-£29,600 International Year of study Total Entry year2024/252025/262026/272027/282028/292024£15,950£15,950£2,950£15,950-£50,800 EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in