Computing for Business

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The course covers the application and development of key computer technologies, as well as business management principles. You will be offered a choice of computing modules, so that you can adapt the course to your previous computing experience. Computing Science at Stirling has strong links with industry and a number of work placements and company projects are available to students on the course. Stirling is partner in the Making the Most of Masters initiative, which organises company-led MSc projects. Past project topics include mobile phone app development, bespoke Java applications, .net applications and advanced website development projects.

Structure and content

This course comprises two 15-week semesters of taught modules, a winter programming assignment over three weeks in January, and the MSc project over three months at the end. Semester 1 concentrates on fundamental techniques. Semester 2 integrates, develops and applies these skills.
Practical work is a key component in this course. It builds from self-contained tasks in Semester 1, over the larger winter programming assignment, to a group project in Semester 2. Finally, the dissertation project (possibly with a company) is the largest piece of work, which leads to your MSc dissertation.

In Semester 1 you will take the following core module:

Management in Practice: Provides an introduction to management and the knowledge and skills managers need to manage.

Plus one elective from:

* Marketing Management: Explores the concepts of marketing and its strategic role as a management function
* People Management: Provides an overview of the management of people and the changing role of a human resource manager in a competitive business environment

Plus one elective from:

* Principles and Practice of Programming: Design and test programs written in Java. You will study good practice in program construction, programming with data structures and graphical user interfaces
* Technologies for eCommerce: Provides an in-depth understanding of how to use Java servlets and JSP to implement an ecommerce website server

Plus one elective from:

* Database Principles and Applications: Provides a critical understanding of the role of database management systems and the ability to creatively design and implement practical databases
* Computer Security and Forensics: Covers the principles of computer security and their application to forensic analysis, in particular confidentiality, integrity, and availability

During the winter break there is an extended programming assignment using Java.

In the Semester 2 you will study two core modules:

* Project Management Fundamentals: The first part of the module considers the evaluation and selection of projects, while the second part examines their management. The techniques are illustrated with examples from a variety of case studies
* Object-oriented Software Design: How to analyse and model requirements and develop object-oriented software, through the use of UML and CASE tools

Plus one elective from:

* Operations Management: Examines the importance of operations management in production and service industries
* Strategic Management: Provides an overall understanding of the needs, contexts and processes involved in strategic management within organisations. You will examine the main underlying approaches to strategic management

Plus one elective from:

* Decision Support Systems: IT methods and techniques in the support of decision-making in organisations, in particular modelling, simulation and intelligent decision support systems
* Networking and Technologies for eCommerce: Discusses computer networks and their layered architecture. You also study web scripting using PHP, Java script and XML
* Networking: Investigates the principles of data communications, including layered network architecture, services and protocols
* Communication Systems and Services: Covers the underlying concepts of Voice over IP communications architectures, web service provision and its role in commercial applications, as well as the principles of applications for mobile phones

You may graduate with the Postgraduate Diploma after two semesters, or you may continue with a three-month project and dissertation to qualify for the MSc degree. Computing Science at Stirling has strong links with industry. We offer commercially-linked projects for the MSc dissertation period. Topics include software applications which help the management of projects, people or resources. As such, projects include mobile phone app development (iPhone, Android, and also cross platform environments), bespoke Java applications, .net applications, and advanced website development projects.

Delivery and assessment You will learn about computing and management approaches through lectures, tutorials/seminars and practical sessions. Lectures involve the whole class, while tutorials and practicals are for small groups. Practical work is a key component in our degrees, and provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. It builds from self-contained tasks in the first semester, over a larger programming assignment in the winter break to a group project in Semester 2. Finally, the dissertation project is your largest single piece of work leading to your MSc dissertation.

After two semesters of classes you will embark on a three-month project working on your dissertation topic. At the end of the project you will write up your findings as your MSc dissertation. For the MSc projects, we will make a number of industrial placements available.

To support your work in and outside of classes, our computing laboratories offer 24-hour, seven-days-a-week access to state-of-the-art networked PCs, with full internet access.

Throughout the course, a mixture of assessment techniques are used to allow you to give your best. Assessment on individual modules is usually based on both examination and practical work during the semester.

Entrance requirements Applicants normally require a first or second class Honours degree in computing, or a closely related subject, from a British university, or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognised by the University. English language requirements If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23, Writing 21. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B)

Accreditation

RAE rating In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 90 percent of research in Computing Science and Mathematics at Stirling was graded as Internationally Excellent, with the top five percent of that judged to be World-leading.

Strengths Computing Science teaching at Stirling has repeatedly been ranked amongst the top UK universities. Most recently (December 2012), Stirling is ranked Number 1 for its Graduate School in international student satisfaction survey. More details and other categories where Stirling ranked amongst the best universities world-wide.
Furthermore, the national newspaper The Guardian in its University Guide 2013 has ranked Stirling Computing Science teaching very highly. Stirling actually came out top in the UK in the category 'Satisfied with Course' with a mark of 100% satisfaction by our students. Furthermore, Stirling scored the second highest score in 'Satisfied with Teaching' (95%), and 'Value added' (9 out of 10).