Computing Science BSc (Hons)

Computing Science students study computing fundamentals, practical and theoretical, in the first year and progress to the study of advanced concepts and the acquisition of complex technical skills in the second and final years of the degree. The technical skills that students acquire are based on an understanding of the theoretical principles which underpin these skills. This equips students with the theoretical basis to extend and develop their knowledge in the years after graduation, enabling Staffordshire graduates to keep pace with a rapidly changing technical environment. A wide range of different teaching and learning strategies are used. In addition to formal lectures, there are student led seminars, group presentations and theory based tutorials. Much of the teaching takes place in labs and a range of approaches are used including demonstrations, individual working, pair working and group exercises. Some modules are research based and include student presentations to tutors and to other students. Independent learning is encouraged throughout the degree but is supported in particular by the final year project. In the project students are required to identify a problem which requires a computing solution and to complete a full project lifecycle including background research and final testing and evaluation. Most importantly, students are required to produce a working artefact which meet real world requirements. A key element of the Computing Science award is the degree of choice offered to students. As students move through the degree, they increasingly take responsibility for their own learning, deciding which topics to study (from an approved list of computing specialisms) and selecting modules to support their area of interest. This requires students to be actively involved in deciding on their path through the degree and to make decisions about their post graduation career.