Computing with Economics

Description

Computing and communications technologies lie at the heart of modern society. They include hardware, software, networks, tools, telecommunications equipment and required standards that provide the technological framework on which the delivery of information services is based. The IT industry is reporting a widening gap in software skills while hard technology is developing and diversifying fast.

The overall aim of this intensive programme is to enable all students to develop their potential so that they can apply what they have learnt to deal with computational problems and develop solutions in a real-world environment in relation to economics. Through studying this programme, students learn how to specify, design, develop and operate efficient and innovative computer-based systems and gain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of the relevant computing technologies within a shorter space of time. Graduates of the degree programme will be able to undertake a variety of careers in the IT sector of related industries.

This major/minor programme of study specifically aims to produce technically sound computing graduates who are exposed to basic concepts and practice of economics, providing them with IT and computing technical know-how as well as awareness of the principles of the application areas.

The content of this fast-track programme is compatible with the UK QAA subject benchmark statement for Computing and with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The intensive nature of the programme requires motivation, commitment and above all good management of time.

Intended learning outcomes

At the end of the programme students should be able to gain knowledge and understanding in:

• roles of computer-based systems in modern societies.
• fundamental facts, concepts, theories, principles & methodologies. Concepts and principles of economics.
• use of the theoretical knowledge, methods & tools in modelling, designing, implementing and deploying usable computer-based systems and related management issues.
• system architectures and related technologies.
• state-of-art development of technologies and their applications ininteractive multimedia, information security, business and intelligent decision-making systems. Applications of IT in economics.
• computer programming, together with relevantmathematical structures and concepts.
• Ethical, professional, social and legal issues in exploiting computing technology in practice.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 14015 Year (EEA)
• EUR 19930 Year (Non-EEA)

Home/EU £11,250; International £16,000

• English

Course Content

Virtual learning environments, online /stand-alone computer-based packages and software tools are used to enhance the effects of teaching and learning.

The principle of progressive disclosure is adopted for classroom-based teaching. Reading, practising and staff-student interactions are general ways for learning. The opportunities for interaction include lectures, seminars, workshops, small group tutorials and practical classes.

To enable student-student interaction for learning, group projects, student seminars and workshops are organised.

Many of our Information Systems and Computing courses have supervised practical classes in the computer laboratories in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long. You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading research and the computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.

Individual project

A particularly important feature of the BSc in Computing with Economics is the project, which extends over the first three terms of the second year, and involves the specification, development and testing of a substantial piece of software. In support of this, you will learn to program in C++ and Java, as well as taking courses in database and human-computer interaction.

A pass in the project is a requirement for the award of a degree. The degree will not normally be awarded a higher classification than that awarded to the project.

The purpose of the project is to provide you with the opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge in a chosen area of computing or information systems, to exercise judgment in solving a major problem and to develop a working software system. You will be expected to:

• Choose an appropriate project topic and identify a problem to work on.
• Identify the work required to solve the problem.
• Plan and organise the project work.
• Carry out the work and deliver a sound solution to the problem.
• Submit all required reports, program codes and prototype systems.
• Exercise judgment in chosen solutions throughout the project.

Through the project, you will gain experience in:

• Acquiring, organising and presenting knowledge in a field of study and applying the knowledge to solve an identified problem.
• Comparing and selecting suitable approaches and methods in solving the problem.
• Exercising initiative and sustained effort to set and achieve a clear set of objectives within stated deadlines.
• Developing solutions and implementing the solutions.
• Mastering a particular programming language, which can be different from the ones that you have learnt before.

This project may be the first large piece of work that you do completely by yourself. You should first choose a suitable project topic to work on and a supervisor to direct your work throughout the project development life cycle.

The project is a crucial element of the degree, counting for 45 units. It should cover one aspect of computing and should be based on theories of design, construction and use of information systems. It could involve the development of a practical system for a real user or the prototyping of a new technique in computing.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

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

Requirements

Applicants who do not meet our minimum requirement of BBC at A-level may be considered for Access to Computing, depending on grades.

English language requirements

• IELTS: Average of 6.0 (with 5.5 or above in each component)
• TOEFL: (Internet-based) 79-80
• TOEFL: (Paper-based) 550
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): C or higher
• International GCSE English as a Second Language: C or higher on extended curriculum
• London University GCE O level Syllabus B in English Language: C or higher
• Oxford-ARELS Examination Higher Level: Credit or Distinction
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 50-57

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 Buckingham.

Funding

Bursaries and scholarships can be a great way of financing your studies, and enabling you to achieve your potential. If you win a scholarship, you receive a discount on your fees and, most important, a scholarship on your CV will make you stand out to future employers.

How many bursaries and scholarships are available?

A number of scholarships and bursaries are awarded annually by the University which vary from partial fee to full-fee awards. These are thanks to the donations received from supporters of the University, including the Audrey Osborn Trust, The Headley Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Brunner Family Trust, RM & D Gregory, Eranda Foundation and John Desborough Memorial Bequest.

Applications are now closed for July and September 2012 applicants. We will be considering January and April 2013 applicants from Monday 17 September, the deadline for submission will be Friday 2 November.

The following Scholarships have specific entry criteria and / or deadlines:

• Sir Ray Tindle Scholarships
• The Paul E H Davis Awards Deadline for applications: 31 October 2012 for Exhibitions & flexible for Research Scholarship.

Entry requirements & procedure

It is the Universitys policy to ensure that bursaries and scholarships are awarded to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from a University education. In the case of some scholarships, at the request of the donor, academic merit will also be taken into consideration.

All awards are subject to your meeting the Universitys academic entry requirements and abiding by the rules and regulations. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you will need to have been offered a place to study at Buckingham. In the case of UCAS applications, if you are made an award you will need to select Buckingham as your firm acceptance choice.

Please note: these awards are made to new students only, current students are not eligible to apply.