Computing Science with a Year in Industry

Description

This degree programme is four years in duration. You will spend the first two years at UEA, Norwich. The third year is spent on a work placement and the fourth and final year is spent back at UEA, Norwich. The first two years are identical to those in the BSc Computing Science degree and you will study a range of computing subjects. The fourth year of this programme is identical to the third year in the BSc Computing Science degree programme. In the first year you will be introduced to the core material that underpins computer science, including programming in Java. In the second and fourth years of your programme, you will be able to structure your degree from a wide range of computing science subjects, allowing you to continue with mainstream computing science with choices that relate to your interests and career aspirations. During your final year you will work on an extensive project under individual supervision from a faculty member.

The degree has been accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS) which provides an external validation to ensure that the content of the degree is up to date and is organised and taught professionally. Spending a year working in industry provides you with a range of opportunities. You will be able to apply work that you have learnt during your first two years in a real industrial setting. The industry year also gives you a range of transferrable skills that should increase your employability prospects. Many of our industry students return in their fourth year and continue their industry work in their final year project. This maintains links with the company and also gives a valuable head-start to the project.

Career opportunities

Your prospects as a graduate student in Computing Science are manifold. Depending on which specialties you studied during your degree course, you will have the necessary skills to work in many application areas of computing science, for example web programming, computer games development, financial systems development, machine learning, data mining, computational biology and many more. The fourth year of your degree will further strengthen the research and analysis skills that are essential for a successful technical career in industry.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 17480 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £14,900

• English

Course Content

Year 1

Module breakdown

The first year of the degree comprises a set of two core modules and a further three compulsory modules which introduce you to the fundamentals of computing science. All of these modules are taught through a combination of lectures and laboratory classes, the latter involving practical projects. You must pass the two core modules in order to be able to progress to the second year. In addition to the five computing modules, you will also take one of two modules in mathematics relevant to computing science. The mathematics module you will take depends upon your previous mathematical background.

Year 2

Module breakdown

The second year builds on the subjects studied in the first year and is divided into three areas - compulsory computing subjects, computing options and free choice options.

The data structures and algorithms module and the software engineering module teach a range of essential techniques and tools which are vital to building many computing applications. Theoretical Computing presents the theory underlying the discipline of computing science.

You will choose two further modules from a wide range of computing options, allowing you to tailor your degree programme in a more specialised direction. The free choice option is literally what is says it is - a free choice. A subject can be chosen from any School in the University, or alternatively another computing option can be chosen. In practice about half of our student use the free choice to study more computing, while the other half chose something different.

Year 3

Module breakdown

The School of Computing Sciences has well established commercial links throughout the UK and beyond, many of which you may be able to benefit from. Students are expected to seek their own work placements with help and support provided by UEA Careers Centre and the School's Industrial Placement Coordinator. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field of Computing Sciences, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation.

You will be enrolled on the equivalent three-year degree programme in your first year, and transferred onto the four-year degree programme during your second year. Transfer will be dependent upon satisfactory performance during the first and second years and your success in securing a suitable work placement. The School of Computing Sciences will offer you full support and guidance whilst you are identifying and negotiating work placement opportunities. To ensure that students placed in industry are committed and enthusiastic progress on this programme is dependent upon satisfactory performance during the first and second years and your success in securing a suitable work placement.

Throughout the work placement, students will be expected to keep in close contact with an assigned mentor at UEA. Your mentor will also visit you at least once during your Year in Industry. By keeping a regularly updated work diary, your mentor will be able to ensure you are fulfilling all of the necessary learning objectives of a Year in Industry.

Please note we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers and students will be expected to source these placements themselves. Limited support will be available from the University. If you have not successfully secured a work placement by the end of your second year you will be transferred onto the equivalent three yera degree programme.

Year 4

Module breakdown

The final year of the degree allows you to develop your degree further towards your interests.

Save for the compulsory project, all other modules are optional. The three computing options allow you to pursue your particular interests in more depth.
As in Year 2, the free choice module can be chosen from any School in the University, although you may decide to take a further module from the many available computing options.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 78

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• Qualification: BTEC National Diploma: DDM
• A Level: ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall inc. 3 HL subjects at Grade 6
• Scottish Highers: AABBB
• Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB
• Access Course: See below
• European Baccalaureate: 75% overall

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

We ask our applicants to have at least one of the following A Levels (or equivalent): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Electronics or Economics.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 Level 3 credits, including 12 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Science or Economics related subjects.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics at minimum of Grade B and English Language at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.