BSc Computing the new flexible degree specifically designed to be customised to people’s busy lives.

• 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent
• a relevant Access course

Mature students may study individual modules without the qualification requirements: upon successful completion of two or more modules, they may then register on the programme.

All students for whom English is not their first language must have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or equivalent, with a minimum of 6.0 in both reading & writing (and a minimum of 5.0 in listening & speaking).

Technical requirements

UELPlus and UEL Direct will be the main platforms used by UEL in supporting students on the programme. In addition, most modules will require students to use specialist software for developing applications. To participate in the programme, students will need at least:

1. A Windows PC (minimum PIII, with Windows XP), with CD drive, with at least 10 hours unrestricted access per week.
2. 56 K modem with Internet access.
3. A supported Internet browser (see UELPlus’s tune-up page at http://www.webct.com/tuneup/viewpage?name=tuneup_browser_tuneup_information ),
4. Reliable email.
5. Access to a printer.

Bonus factors

Knowledge

• Computer Systems.
• Systems Modelling.
• Database Design.
• Programming language syntax.
• Professional Issues in IT.

Thinking skills

• Develop skills in analysis, design, and implementation of software projects.
• Think through solutions to computer-related problems.
• Evaluate the best solution from a range of options.
• Produce work to a professional standard.

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Programming practicals.
• Database Implementation.
• Web Design.
• Project Management scenarios.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Develop effective communication skills.
• Be aware of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues in information systems and related areas.
• Be aware of trends and new developments in computing.

The normal duration of an equivalent on-campus degree is 3 years. This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

However, students on a distance learning course may choose the time it takes to graduate. We expect that most students will complete the programme in 3-6 years. The maximum time allowed to take your distance learning degree is 8 years.

The calendar year will contain three assessment points. A student may register on a module at any time throughout the calendar year, and will choose the assessment point for each module on which they register.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Knowledge is developed through

• A study guide that helps learners to make the most effective use of the core textbook and other resources.
• The study guide provides clear structuring, routeing and signposting, to establish a context for learning.
• The study guide highlights key concepts, models and frameworks and it clearly indicates to the student the sections of the textbook that they must study.
• In some areas, the study guide adds extra content, or integrates additional resources (such as journal articles) to support those topics not covered by the core textbook.
• Self-assessment questions enable students to check their progress – by comparing their answers with sample answers, they can assess for themselves how well they have met the learning outcomes for a particular section of the study guide.
• Students will have access to UK Libraries Plus and to online journal articles via the Athens access management system. In addition, electronic contact with the tutor and dedicated support staff will be available.

Thinking skills are developed through

• The study guide, which uses of activities, self assessment questions and other formative assessments.
• The activities that help learners to understand or master a new topic or skill. They generally require students to engage with the topic in some way.

Some examples of types of activities are those which require students to:

• apply concepts or frameworks to their own situations
• apply concepts in solving problems or evaluating scenarios,
• reflect on or analyse topics,
• carry out further research related to topics of study.
• Feedback will be provided for all activities. This may take the form of:
• identifying a right or wrong answer
• giving examples, alerting students to key points.

Practical skills are developed through

• Activities relevant to the computing profession. For example, modules on programming will contain examples, activities and self-assessment questions that will help to build students’ practical programming skills.

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• The skills curriculum which is embedded in core modules at levels 1, 2 and 3.
• The use of an online community, which will help develop skills in communication and in cooperative tasks.

Individual module learning guides detail the coursework breakdown including the number of assessments and the weighting of each. For a formal description of the assessment process please refer to the Academic Framework module regulations at www.uel.ac.uk/academic framework/index.htm.

Assessment Boards

Assessment Boards control, consider and adjudicate upon all assessments undertaken by students. The Board comprises of a Chair (usually the head of school), all those substantially involved as programme leader, module leaders and examiners and external examiners (whose duty it is to check the standard of assessments). For more detailed information about the terms of reference of Assessment Boards please refer to www.uel.ac.uk/academic framework/index.htm.

30% hurdle.

It is possible that a module has only one assessment, in which case a mark of 40% is required to achieve a pass. However, a module which has more than one assessment, for example two, is considered to have two components. In order to pass a module with two components it is necessary to achieve an average mark of 40% and a minimum of 30% in one of them.

The section below gives a general guideline of what the university is looking for at different levels of the programme.

Level 1:

• You can present factual information.
• You can analyse and evaluate the information and draw conclusions.
• You can follow guidelines in creating solutions to straightforward problems.

Work of a higher standard usually reflects an approach where:

• You have required little guidance in producing your work.
• You have shown initiative where appropriate.
• You have fully appreciated the complexity of a task and managed your time and resources accordingly.
• Your work is presented with care and forethought.

Level 2.

• Your work displays a detailed knowledge of the topic. You are aware of other contexts that can be applied to this knowledge. With some guidance you can analyse data situations in a range of different contexts.
• You can take information gathered or the ideas of others and reformat it for your own purpose.
• You can select appropriate evaluation technique and use them to evaluate your own findings.

Work of a higher standard usually reflects an approach where:

• You have required minimal or no assistance.
• You have been particularly creative in devising and implementing your chosen solution.
• You have identified key elements in problems and chosen the appropriate strategies to resolve them.
• You have communicated your work in a clear and concise manner.

Level 3.

• Your work displays a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the subject with areas of specialisation showing depth of understanding.
• You are aware of current developments.
• Without guidance you can analyse data and situations in a range of different contexts.
• You can develop creative and innovative solutions with little guidance.
• You can review evidence critically and use your findings to support conclusions and recommendations.

Work of a higher standard usually reflects an approach where:

• You have not required any assistance.
• You have proved that you can manage your own learning and make full use of a wide range of resources.
• You have been confident in your ability to solve problems.
• You have communicated your work in a thoroughly professional and coherent manner.