Computing BSc Degree

Course Level H

Description
This BSc (Honours) Degree (UCAS Code G602) is offered at Stephenson College in partnership with Sunderland University, and is a top up from an HND in Computing. It provides the best kind of qualification for those wishing to advance their career, or to start a career in the IT industry. Research has shown that those with a Degree will earn substantially more than those without.
This is a new programme which is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to undertake a career in Software Development. Graduates from the programme will be able to make an immediate contribution to an organisation perhaps as a Software Developer, or Software Engineer.

Course Length
The BSc Degree is normally a full time course and normally takes one year attending 9 hours per week. Students will also need to complete a further 6-9 hours per week of directed study, including work on a project, reading and completing assessments. The course starts in the beginning of September and is normally completed by the beginning of June. It may be possible to complete this course in a part time mode over two years, with 6 hours a week attendance in the first year, and 3 hours a week in the second.

What will I study?
All students will study the following core units
20 Credits - CSE301 Object-Oriented Software Engineering
20 Credits - CIF301 Information Systems Project Management
20 Credits - CIS300 Knowledge Based Systems
20 Credits - CSE 300 Advanced Software Engineering
40 Credits - CIF303 Double Project

How will I learn?
This module will be taught using a combination of lectures, discussion sessions, seminars, and practical sessions using CASE tools, realistic case studies and self study.

How will I be assessed?
Apart from the Double project, each module will be assessed by a mixture of one written examination and usually one assignment. .Most assignments are practical in nature, apart from Software Engineering which requires a research based assessment to be completed.
The project requires the development of an application together with research into relevant areas of computing. Ideally the project should be sponsored by an employer.

Where could it lead?
By using the latest industry standard software and technology you will learn the high level skills that are currently in demand by national and regional employers. Add to this teaching by experienced and friendly staff, everything is in place to give you the edge you need in your computing career. Once completed, graduates will be able to use their skills immediately in the professional workplace in roles such as a Software Developer, Web Developer, and Software Engineer or undertake further study onto one of our Masters programmes.
Recent research (published in May 2007) suggests that students with a Computing degree will on average earn 240,000 more over their working lives than people without a computing degree.