BSc (Hons) Computing (Application Development)

Summary 2012/13

• Computing ranked top in the North West for overall student satisfaction in the 2011 Student Satisfaction Survey;
• First steps to chartered status in the industry as a result of alignment to SFIAplus skills standards;
• The option of undertaking a year out in industry before your final year.

Creative innovation is a key requirement in this degree which is for anyone interested in a career in software development. You will acquire the technical programming skills that focus on future employability and the knowledge to apply this to the real business world through enhancement of your problem-solving skills. The relevance for future employers is achieved and maintained by closely aligning the objectives of the degree to the SFIAplus skills standards which are used widely across the IT industry. Computing has been ranked top in the North West for overall student satisfaction in the 2011 National Student Survey.

2012 Entry Requirements

240 UCAS tariff points plus evidence of numeracy.

Summary 2013/14

• Computing ranked top in the North West for overall student satisfaction in the 2011 Student Satisfaction Survey;
• First steps to chartered status in the industry as a result of alignment to SFIAplus skills standards;
• The option of undertaking a year out in industry before your final year.

Creative innovation is a key requirement in this degree which is for anyone interested in a career in software development. You will acquire the technical programming skills that focus on future employability and the knowledge to apply this to the real business world through enhancement of your problem-solving skills. The relevance for future employers is achieved and maintained by closely aligning the objectives of the degree to the SFIAplus skills standards which are used widely across the IT industry. Computing has been ranked top in the North West for overall student satisfaction in the 2011 National Student Survey.

2013 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points plus evidence of numeracy.

Details

Who is this course for?

This Computing (Application Development) degree is for anyone who wishes to follow a career in the dynamic field of software development. It will give you exposure to many different styles of programming and problem-solving techniques and equip you with the skills and knowledge to create innovative applications in today's software development industry.

What will I gain from this programme?

The overall aim of the programme is to ensure you learn how to develop and test software systems. This is from requirement specifications, making use of the tools and techniques available, to building highly creative and effective software solutions, a skill valued very highly by employers.

You will gain a firm grounding in the concepts of programming and software development, including an introduction to the latest software tools and methodologies used in industry. You will also develop your organisational skills and learn how to communicate effectively in writing, online and face-to-face.

Your studies will involve delivering presentations to your peers, responding to their opinions in person and via email, as well as developing sophisticated skills of analysis and argument. An ability to think on your feet, working independently and using your own initiative, will also be nurtured.

How we will support you

In addition to university student support, you are allocated a personal tutor who is there to help you with personal development planning, module choice and any other issues that arise. Your personal tutor will also teach you during the first year of the programme.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will study a common set of modules that provide a solid foundation for the second and third years of your degree. You will study a balanced range of current computing topics from fundamentals of analysis and construction of systems to multimedia technologies. Part of your first year studies will look at career options within the Computing and IT industry to help you select your second and third year modules. Your personal tutor will also be able to advise you.

Year 2 provides a specialised focus. You will enhance your programming skills by exploring a range of models for application development and broaden your experience of programming to cover not only Object-oriented programming but also other paradigms which are re-emerging in modern programming languages such as F#. You will also experiment with all aspects of applications from the underlying software to the hardware devices, re-engineering and enhancing existing applications through to developing your own unique solutions. All Year 2 students have the option of undertaking a 12-month industrial placement before beginning their third year.

Year 3 develops advanced knowledge and skills with an emphasis on independent study and learning. You will explore leading edge concepts related to the development of unique entire applications, utilising industry-standard platforms and frameworks. You will also develop your own original ideas and concepts building upon the theoretical underpinning provided within the modules. All Year 3 students will complete a final year project which will enable you to demonstrate your developing expertise through the creation of an appropriate piece of software.

How will I study?

Teaching methods have been designed in consultation with leading employers in the region, ensuring you gain relevant experience and use industry-standard equipment. As well as lectures, most modules use student seminars. These are smaller discussion groups, in which you'll have the chance to express your opinions and ideas and develop many skills.

Placement

You will select either a short work placement or Graduate Enterprise.

In the work placement you will identify and analyse workplace problems and research and identify a range of solutions, implementing and evaluating them and then writing a report. You will develop skills and the confidence to apply and secure employment for a short and a year-long industrial placement if you select this option.

Graduate Enterprise allows you to work in small groups and establish, organise and run your own business venture. You elect a board of directors, raise capital, and market and finance a product or service of your own choice. At the end of the programme, the company goes into voluntary liquidation and you present a report and accounts to your shareholders.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme team are active in areas of research including mobile computing and cloud computing, software engineering, e-commerce, strategic information systems, web information architecture and applications of problem-based learning in computing and information systems.

How will I be assessed?

The pattern of assessment is extremely varied and will ensure you acquire a range of skills. You will design and write programs, write reports and essays, critically analyse documents, deliver oral presentations and undertake examinations. Exams do not count for more than 50% of any module. We want you to develop an ability to work independently and, in the third year, many modules are assessed entirely on the work you produce.

What are my career prospects?

You will encounter modules that specifically develop technical programming skills but with relevant application to future employability and this is maintained by closely aligning the objectives of the programme to the SFIAplus skills standard.

SFIAplus has been adopted by the British Computer Society (BCS) as the framework on which BCS members may be graded towards attaining Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status. Aligning outcomes alongside SFIAplus means that you graduate with skills meeting industry expectations for programming roles and also take the first steps towards attaining chartered status in the industry.

Further study at Edge Hill University

• MSc Computing and Information Systems
• MSc Information Security and IT Management
• MSc Web Development

Related Programmes

• BSc (Hons) Computing
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Part Time)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Information Systems)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Control and Embedded Systems)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Systems and Software)
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business
• BSc (Hons) Web Systems Development

A Great Study Environment

Computing and Information Systems is housed in the modern, purpose-built Creative Media and Information Systems Technology (CMIST) building. There are four dedicated teaching laboratories with extensive PC provision, peripherals such as web cams and scanners and the latest industry-standard software from Microsoft and Macromedia, as well as access to other central computer laboratories.

Edge Hill’s Business School draws on expertise from a range of departments and provides a focal point for research, consultancy and the delivery of career enhancing programmes. IT laboratories have extensive PC and Mac provision with plenty of peripherals.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,400 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time study in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

For students choosing the 4-year route, tuition fees and financial support arrangements are the same as the equivalent year of the full-time programme, with fees for the sandwich year still to be confirmed.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

We welcome applications from those who already have a Foundation degree or those without traditional qualifications.

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Besim Mustafa, Edge Hill Business School, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657640
• Email: mustafab@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

Year 1

Systems Analysis is the starting point for developing a computer system for a business need. This module provides you with the ability to analyse problems and design solutions. You will be introduced to the business environment and problems faced in devising computer-based approaches to business systems. Topics include the systems lifecycle, systems analysis, requirements analysis, data flow diagrams and CASE tools.

Programming: Concepts to Construction offers a practical introduction to the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. You will be introduced to the analytical techniques and processes essential for specifying, designing and implementing applications. Object-orientated concepts and notions are introduced, together with the application of a modern programming language which is widely used in industry.

Computer Architecture is about the principles of modern computer organisation and architecture. It explores the layered nature of system structures and examines the interfaces between them. The module covers a range of topics from bare hardware, constructing a PC and networking concepts to operating systems and sophisticated system software.

Website Development has been designed to give you an introduction to the field of website development. The module will equip you with a sound understanding of the World Wide Web and related technologies, which will be a valuable asset in all aspects of work within the web industry.

In addition to providing you with the necessary theoretical content, the module also provides a step-by-step guide through the development of a simple web project. You will explore the elements of website design, including colour, typography and imagery and assemble them together in an effective layout. In addition, the module also provides an appropriate setting to introduce some of the more powerful, user-friendly web development tools used widely in the industry today, along with XHTML and CSS.

Multimedia Systems is a broad subject area forming part of the general discipline of computing science. The application of multimedia is found in a number of forms, including mathematics and engineering, medicine, education, and particularly advertising, art and entertainment.

This module, however, focuses on the production of multimedia for delivery via the desktop computer. You will explore elements of image capture and manipulation, interaction design / animation as well as sound / audio for use in multimedia systems, including the web. You will be expected to assemble text, images, animation and sound together in an effective presentation. The module will also enable you to explore and gain experience of current multimedia development tools and how to use them.

Year 2

Compulsory modules:

Database Management Systems are integral parts of almost all IT systems. This module builds on system analysis methods and introduces you to the concepts of database design. You will acquire practical skills to be able to model, design, develop and implement relational databases with multiple tables using the rules of normalisation and entity relationship modelling.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) has become the dominant approach to achieving high quality software in the last decade. The high costs incurred in software development, maintenance and failed systems have focussed attention on the importance of adequate and appropriate techniques, such as object-oriented modelling, and appropriate representation through the Unified Modelling Language (UML). This module will enable you to further develop analytical skills whilst applying the main concepts of object-oriented design in the context of a modern programming language.

Programming Languages: Theory to Practice explores alternative strategies and languages to identify best practice in programming as well as areas requiring deeper investigation when selecting the most efficient solution for a problem, therefore addressing issues prior to the release of a software artefact. The module will consider the strategies available to software developers to assist with designing, validating and verifying their code before the final implementation of a software application.

Programming Languages: Inspiring Creativity is a trend in current software development and is the use of functional programming and imperative programming alongside the OO paradigm. This approach supports integration between each of these paradigms with the intention that the most appropriate paradigm can be selected according to the problem being addressed. It is highly applicable to web-based systems and resources in which very large and complex datasets may require degrees of intelligence to be coded in order to efficiently and effectively process information. One of the aims of this module is to enable you to develop a portfolio which presents technical skills and demonstrates theoretical understanding. The portfolio will provide a concrete representation of your skill sets providing you with a tangible product to enhance your profile in the job market.

Select one of the following modules:

Work Related Learning enables you to participate in a short work placement. You will identify and analyse workplace problems appropriate to the programme of study, research and identify a range of potential solutions, implement and evaluate the most appropriate solution after discussion, and write an evaluative report on this project. This module furthers your career development learning plans, equips you with the required skills and confidence in applying and securing employment for both short-term and year-long industrial placements, and enhances your overall prospects in gaining graduate level employment.

Graduate Enterprise is an alternative to the work-related learning module in which you will work in small groups and establish, organise and run your own small business venture. In running your company, you elect a board of directors from amongst your peers, raise capital, and market and finance a product or service of your choice. At the end of the programme the company goes into voluntary liquidation and you will present a report and accounts to your shareholders.

Team Project is a module that equips you with essential employability skills in the context of a realistic team-based computing project. You will learn, practice and evaluate your team working skills, participate in career development activities designed to improve confidence and competence and develop technical knowledge and skills. Live or role-play projects and interviews are used in order to provide an authentic project experience. The module is also informed by the SFIAplus Skills model and will enable you to develop autonomy, influence and business skills in an environment of developing complexity. Consequently, this development is closely aligned with Personal and Career Development Planning, including development towards Chartered status with the BCS.

Select one of the following modules:

Physical Computing: Input and Output will enable you to gain an understanding of constructing electronics projects for control applications. You will also achieve an in-depth understanding of sensing applications and consider issues around basic sensors, developing and enhancing your skills in computer programming through the coding required for microcontrollers.

Web Scripting will enable you to study how the internet and web have become increasingly complex environments leading to an ever-growing demand from users to experience the ‘wow’ factor when visiting websites. This can be achieved, in part, through a dynamic, animated and interactive environment, where information can be presented in a more visually interactive way. Such environments require technologies that go beyond the HTML standard, making use of client-side scripting languages to allow for users to interact in a much more visual way. This module will expose you to the basics of client-side scripting. You will develop an understanding of the tools and techniques needed to implement a dynamic client presentation and make use of emerging technologies such as XML and AJAX which are now commonplace within industry.

Year 3

Compulsory modules:

The Computing / Web Development Project enables you to individually pursue an aspect of computing of your choice, demonstrating initiative and building self confidence. The project will typically entail the creation of an appropriate system (software or hardware based) for a client. You are responsible for managing the project but will receive one-to-one support from your personal tutor throughout the year.

Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional Issues in Computing engages with essential professional aspects of the discipline. Computing and IT are areas of practical activity which in different ways employ and affect a large number of people in society. It is therefore vital that you are aware of the most pressing professional, legal and ethical issues affecting and surrounding the discipline.

Mobile Application Development is examined as we are witnessing the coming together of the world’s two fastest growing services, namely mobile technology and the internet. This is leading to the so called mobile internet model, which will have immense impact on telecommunications companies, internet service providers and any other organisation wishing to transact in the new world economy. This module provides you with a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of all the relevant technologies associated with mobile computing, ranging from applications development and middleware support for mobile applications to fixed and mobile networking technologies and standards. You will also gain practical skills by developing small applications for mobile devices.

Distributed Systems illustrates how during the last two decades we have witnessed that a traditional centralised computing model is rapidly changing to distributed one. This is driven by advances in communication technology and increased user demands for sophisticated applications. Such applications, regardless of the hosts on which they reside, require interoperability among heterogeneous hosts, operating systems and data sources. The development of distributed applications presents many challenges to application developers; therefore it is essential for computing graduates to acquire knowledge of developing systems / applications that are distributed. You will learn the main concepts of Parallel and Distributed systems through a number of modern and representative case studies. You will also construct an implementation of a small distributed system.

Application Frameworks demonstrates how in computer programming the concept of software libraries, or Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), is a common mechanism for providing often used, generic software elements that can be used to build up applications. A further abstraction of APIs is the development of Application Frameworks, which provide generic functionality that may be over-ridden but also offer management and control that must remain in place when an application is built using the framework. More recently a number of these frameworks have been developed to support the implementation of web-based applications.

The rationale for this module is to explore the adoption and usage of these frameworks as their use is considered good practice in the software development industry. You will develop a critical understanding of the role of application frameworks in the software development process. The module also offers an insight into the underpinning concepts and programming patterns often deployed to aid the development in a number of areas of software applications and examines the emergence of web application frameworks to facilitate software development on the internet.

Select one of the following modules:

Physical Computing: Autonomous Devices considers the growing number of applications which utilise microcontrollers. Microcontrollers are small, inexpensive computing devices. These devices can be programmed to respond to signals from, and control, a variety of electronic devices. They can form the basis of basic robotics devices and, as such, offer an ideal platform to explore control applications in computing. In this module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the development of devices which are controlled by microcontrollers, together with a critical understanding of the current advances in technology in the field. You will develop a device which is able to sense and react to changes in its immediate environment.

Embedded Systems form the largest percentage of computer systems in service (more than all the other types of computer systems put together). This is hardly surprising as almost all moderately intelligent devices we use, or rely upon, contain one or more microcontroller devices. These embedded systems are mostly not seen, tucked away in some unreachable location, whilst being expected to function for long periods of time without fault, attention or maintenance. Embedded systems specialists are increasingly sought after as systems grow in numbers and technology rapidly advances. At the same time research in new embedded systems technology is expanding, thus creating many opportunities for computing graduates in research as a satisfying career. This module will give you a broad overview of the subject area.

Coaching Learners provides an opportunity for you to experience teaching and learning from the lecturer's perspective. You will develop skills in assisting computing students to learn and develop an understanding of some of the underpinning educational theory. For students who wish to progress onto a PGCE, adult teacher training or similar, this module will provide relevant experience of the needs of an adult learner.

Forensic Computing provides a firm foundation in forensic computing by teaching the methods, tools and techniques for data recovery and analysis. The module also covers the legal requirements for presenting such data. The overall aim is to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to undertaking a forensic computing investigation in a systematic manner. You will develop an understanding of the role of a computer forensics analyst through the use of existing applications and investigative techniques looking at both theory and practice.

Interface Programming explores how effective design is reliant upon understanding the human context in which a new artefact has to fit. Human computer interaction is a field that looks towards applying information about human behaviour, abilities, and activities in the design and evaluation of systems for productive, comfortable, and effective human use. In this module, you will gain an insight into the issues relating to the design and implementation of user interfaces. You will develop a critical understanding of the mechanisms adopted and also the relationship between the end user, the interface designer and the software developer that takes place through the development cycle.

Advanced Databases enables you to further develop your knowledge of databases and database management systems. Databases are an essential element of most small to large computer systems, so it is important that if you wish to pursue a career in IT you are able to work with advanced relational databases and the less common types of database systems (eg object database systems etc). The module discusses enhanced normalisation, structured query language (SQL) as well as other modelling tools or database design. You will gain first-hand experience using modern database management systems.