Your stepping stone onto a degree in Computing.

• 120 UCAS points with two A2 passes or equivelent qualifications.

• The University welcomes applications from mature students, even if you do not have the standard entry requirements. Many of our students are over 21 when they join the University and their extra experience is a valuable asset. We are happy to consider alternative qualifications or work experience as evidence of suitability to study for a degree.

Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. If your first language is not English your ability to understand, write and speak English must be good enough to allow you to cope with your studies. You must have one of the following:

• English GCSE grade C or above
• Level 2 Key Skills in Communications
• A minimum score of 6.0 on IELTS
• the Cambridge Proficiency Certificate (C), the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (B)
• TOEFL (550 paper-based test or 213 computer-based test.)

The aims of the extended degree are: -

• To develop study skills that will be useful in subsequent study at undergraduate level.
• To teach basic computing and maths skills fundamental to all disciplines.
• To develop an awareness of the concepts, techniques and applications of your chosen degree subject.
• To develop responsibility for independent learning.

The objectives are that on completion of the programme, the student should have: -

• Demonstrated the acquisition of a sufficient knowledge base to cope with study at degree level.
• Demonstrated the acquisition of sufficient general study skills to cope with study at degree level.
• Attained a level of mathematics and computing appropriate to undergraduate study in the proposed area.

Knowledge and understanding

• Understand the role of Computing in society.
• Know how to structure academic writing & reference work correctly
• Understand the strands of computing.

'Thinking' skills

• Be able to reflect upon their current skills level & identify areas that require improvement

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Ability to carry out numerical and analytical tasks.
• Create animation, write a software program, ability to network
• Be able to access & use various learning resources e.g. Virtual Learning Environment, library

Skills for life and work

• Be able to efficiently plan their work, demonstrate good time management.
• Work productively in a group to produce an oral presentation

The expected duration of this programme is 4 years when attended in full-time mode or 6 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year.

Modules are defined as:

Core Must be taken
Option Select from a range of identified module within the field
University Wide Option Select from a wide range of university wide options

The following is the core route for this programme. Please refer to the programme specification for the three year degree onto which you would like to progress for details of the combined honours routes for each programme.

Successful completion of the 120 credits during the introductory year will enable you to progress onto your chosen degree programme.

Knowledge and understanding is developed through

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Practicals
• Reading
• Internet, Virtual Learning Environment

'Thinking' skills are developed through

• Computer aided learning
• Presentations
• Preparing for tutorials and seminars/workshops
• Completing coursework assignments (including data analysis essays, presentations etc)
• Independent reading

Practical skills are developed through

• Laboratory Practical and/or fieldwork
• Computer simulations and use of IT

General skills are developed through

• Managing time
• Presenting ideas and arguments in a structured manner - written and oral communication
• Problem solving
• Team work

Wide variety of assessment methods are used including Written examinations

• Time constrained assessment.
• Practical reports
• Essays
• Data analysis
• Poster presentations
• Oral presentations
• Portfolios
• Final year research project and dissertation
• MCQ tests
• Database searches
• Library exercises

Knowledge and 'Thinking' skills are assessed by

• Evidence of reading and comprehension of the topics covered in the module being assessed. This will be particularly apparent in essay work and examinations.
• Ability to describe, explain and discuss various aspects of the programme material in the context of class tutorials, group work, presentations and other pieces of assessed coursework for the module.
• In the final year particularly, thinking skills will be assessed by the ability to take information presented in any module out of its original context and to utilise this information in the construction of arguments, comparisons, hypotheses etc as required to address the specific assessments in each module.

Practical skills are assessed by

• The ability to carry out laboratory practical work effectively, within the timeframe allocated.
• The ability to interpret and report on work carried out in the laboratory.
• The ability to complete assignments using appropriate resources.
• Evidence of logical planning and management of time in the preparation of materials for assessment.

General skills are assessed by

• The ability to work to strict deadlines
• The ability to select and utilise appropriate problem solving skills
• Demonstration of effective oral and written communication skills
• Evidence of interpersonal skills such as teamwork and /or team leadership
• Evidence of general numeracy skills