Computer and Data Science with a Foundation Year – BSc (Hons) *
Course Feature
Class Description
Do you want to develop the skills needed to be a leading IT professional? Our BSc Computer and Data Science course will develop your skills in producing computer systems solutions. You will gain a sound mathematical and scientific understanding alongside developing the professional attitude needed in industry.
While studying your Computer and Data Science degree with us, you’ll also have access to dedicated industry-standard facilities in a fully equipped lab running the latest software. Plus, we’re home to a Cisco Systems and a Microsoft Academy Centre, so you can rest assured knowing our university course will prepare you for a successful career in the industry.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year course option enables you to study for our BSc (Hons) degree over an extended full-time duration of four years by including a Foundation Certificate (year one of four). The Foundation Certificate provides a broad study programme that underpins the follow-on degree. In order to progress to the next year of your degree, it is necessary to achieve a pass in all of the modules of the Foundation Certificate.
You will study the fundamental concepts of computer science in your first year, including computer programming, user interface design, information systems, computer networks and computer architecture.
In your second year, you will consolidate your learning by studying advanced subjects that emphasise software engineering skills. You will also be introduced to topics such as systems fundamentals, data structures and algorithms, discrete mathematics, and web application development.
In your final year, you will broaden your understanding of computer science by studying specialised subjects like artificial intelligence, cyber security and wearable computing. In addition, you will complete an individual project in order to demonstrate your technical skills and general employability in preparation for career progression. The individual project simulates typical graduate workplace tasks that require in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific area of computer science. This will include consideration of wider issues and the ability to manage activities and resources, and to generate, implement and report on solutions to meet task objectives.
During your course, you’ll have the opportunity to take a sandwich placement year between your second and third year. This is something we recommend highly, as it will give you an invaluable opportunity to hone your expertise, try out a potential career path and get relevant workplace experience that is valued by many employers. It will also boost your CV.
Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by our expert teaching staff, all of whom have a wide range of research and industrial experience in areas such as computer security and software engineering, which they use to enhance the curriculum.
What’s covered in the course?
We will help you to develop a good balance between in-depth academic knowledge and technical and practical expertise, equipping you with a range of transferable skills, such as complex problem-solving, the ability to analyse in a careful and considered manner, and working as a team member.
This course shares a common first year with the Computer Science programme, covering fundamental concepts, such as algorithms and data structures, as well as nurturing your creativity.
The Data Science element of the course focuses on the technical aspects of data science as well as developing a wider appreciation of how these principles can be applied elsewhere. You will explore areas including data acquisition, integration, storage, analysis and visualisation of data.
You’ll be based at our flagship City Centre Campus, where you’ll use dedicated, industry-standard facilities to research and work on enterprise software and virtual environments to develop business solutions and systems. You’ll have access to virtual learning environments, as well as networking, electronic, enterprise systems and business intelligence laboratories.
We are preparing you for the workplace. Your knowledge of the application of computing to provide IT solutions will evolve on a daily basis, and we will ensure you are able to innovate in order to deliver business value and sustainable solutions.
Throughout your course you’ll be supported by expert teaching staff, many of whom have worked in the field, are active in research and are continually innovating with industry.
The course will help you to understand the concept of database design and querying. In addition, modules such as applied statistics and data mining module will help you to have acceptable skill in ‘R’ programming which is vital for data analysts. Mohamed
The course covers a breadth of topics and the newest developments using a very hands on approach. Julian
Why Choose Us?
- You’ll be taught by staff with a wide range of research and industrial experience, who are actively involved in different professional associations such as the British Computer Society and the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
- Our strong links with companies such as Oracle, Linux Professional Institute, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and Apple ensure that the course is up to date, relevant and respected by employers.
- You will learn about international standards and regulatory frameworks to allow you to work in an ever-changing computing industry, both at a local level and on a global stage.
- The course offers you the option of undertaking an industrial placement year after your second year of study.
- In 2017, we spent £6.5 million on improvements to our Millennium Point facilities so you’ll have even more access to dedicated, industry-standard equipment.