About the course
COURSE OVERVIEW
- Learn from a specialist team of research-active academics who work at the forefront of the field
- Access a wide range of specialist software and tools including dedicated Cyber Security and Forensics, Networking and Software Development laboratories in a state-of-the-art new development (from 2019)
This programme offers a multi-disciplinary perspective to the subject of Computer Science giving students an excellent basis for a future career in the field.
Our four year degree provides in-depth knowledge and skills in computer science, networks and applications, enabling you to progress into any area of the computing industry. You will learn the necessary skills to develop cutting edge, state-of-the-art innovative applications.
You will benefit from links to professional and industry bodies, including EnCase Academic Programme, Cisco Networking Academy and the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
In year 1 you will develop fundamental core knowledge in computer programming, operating systems, mathematics, networks and database design. Legal and regulatory frameworks are explored together with developing your personal and professional skills.
In year 2 you will engage with new subjects that will help you identify possible career paths. You will develop an in depth understanding of web, mobile and object orientated and programming languages together with the principles of network security and artificial intelligence. The Integrated Project module incorporates your knowledge learned in Year 1 and enables you to design, develop and evaluate a security application as part of a team.
An optional Placement Year will enhance your employability, business understanding and professional skills through a sandwich placement year.
In year 3 you will deepen your knowledge in critical network security concepts including distributed systems and leadership development. You will develop an appreciation of the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks focusing on developing your core employability skills. The Computing Project module helps you to develop specialist skills and expertise through the undertaking of a substantial body of work. You will spend the rest of the time studying your optional modules including Information Futures, Intellectual Property and Penetration Testing.
In your fourth year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a substantial project with a research active supervisor and you will be supported to produce at least one academic publication. In year 4 you will develop advanced knowledge in network security, digital forensic investigation, software development and multimedia networking. Optional modules in business management, innovation and entrepreneurship enable you to develop skills in these areas.
Careers
Students will be equipped to enter a variety of cyber security graduate roles including software developer, information systems engineer and application analyst.
94.4% of our 2015/16 graduates (first degree and other undergraduate courses) were in employment and/or further study six months after completing their course (The Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey).
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for Applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Work placements
Students can undertake an optional 12 month sandwich placement following successful completion at Level 5. BS3958 - Employment Experience offers students the opportunity to undertake meaningful and relevant employment experience (underpinned by the UoW Employer Engagement Strategy 2017).
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market. You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team, your personal tutor and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 432 hours
Independent learning: 768 hours
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 360 hours
Independent learning: 840 hours
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 360 hours
Independent learning: 840 hours
YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 360 hours
Independent learning: 840 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
The programme is designed to ensure that learning, teaching and assessment is embedded within the programme to meet learning outcomes and provide ‘accessible and appropriate support for all aspects of student academic and personal skills development’ (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy, 2015-18). The programme has a modular structure and learning outcomes and assessments are clearly defined for each module.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on the King Alfred Campus or at West Downs, Winchester
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used can be found by attending an Open Day or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)*:
70% coursework
20% written exams
10% practical exams
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)*:
60% coursework
20% written exams
20% practical exams
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)*:
70% coursework
10% written exams
20% practical exams
YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)*:
80% coursework
20% written exams
0% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.