This course is an ideal choice if you are not sure about which specialism of computing to study or you want to keep your options open. It covers a broad range of computing topics and offers you the widest scope to build up your knowledge. The course scored 94% overall satisfaction in the 2011 National Student Survey.
You study topics from understanding business needs and analysing requirements, through building practical systems using web, database technologies and programming, to a study of the hardware and managing systems security. There are themes throughout these topics, and a choice of structure to help you specialise in your studies. Each theme starts from basics, with extra support for common problem areas such as mathematics.
This course is different from other computing courses because we acknowledge that most companies already have IT systems in place. From that position we take you smoothly from the basics to looking at how to design new applications that integrate into existing systems, an area which this course specialises in.
In the second year you don't just study databases from one manufacturer, you learn the principles behind interoperating with a range of types of databases. Similarly with web technologies, you look at both "legacy" systems and some of the most advanced service-oriented concepts.
You can also study service management and service delivery to the level where you could consider taking professional examinations in ITIL. ITIL is a qualification which is recognised worldwide as a standard for best practice in the provision of IT service. Or you could choose to take an applications implementation approach, and become an IT developer. We are one of only five UK universities with strong partnerships with SAP, one of the world's largest software organisations to specialise in integrating multiple types of software and hardware into world-wide enterprise systems.
If you choose your options strategically, you can take both these specialisms, allowing you to enter the marketplace with skills that are in high demand.
During the second year you can complete a professional projects module. This gives you the opportunity to work on real projects, with external clients or internal clients from across the University. You work to near professional standards, which may include industrial visits, arranging and conducting interviews, release management of versions, quality assurance schemes, and project worker time management. This all happens before the placement year, enabling you to present your individual portfolio of work to employers as evidence of your skills.
You have an academic tutor throughout the course to give guidance on study opportunities and access to professional career guidance staff.
