Computer Science - Degree Apprenticeship - BSc (Hons)

2024/25 Part-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty:

Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

School:

School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems

Campus:

Derry~Londonderry campus

Start date:

September 2024

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.

That is why on each of our courses within the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in Computing or Engineering.

Read the course details below to find out more.

With this degree you could become:

  • Mobile Application Developer
  • Database Administrator
  • Software Developer

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Allstate
  • Citi Group
  • Kainos
  • Liberty IT
  • E-Desk

Overview

This course provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to apply best practice in software engineering to support the business needs.

Summary

This course is designed to empower students and employers to work collaboratively for mutual benefit. Students may want to work as well as study for a degree qualification. Employers may be interested in degree apprenticeships and want to recruit the right people to the organisation. Whichever perspective you may be from, this course offers the solution.

It is based at the Magee campus by the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. If you are interested in computer software design, how computers communicate and how they actually perform their tasks, then this course is for you. This course will equip you with a varied computer science education based upon the development and improvement of your programming skills throughout. You will also learn to apply best practice in all areas of software development. After you complete this course you will have the skills necessary to pursue a career in computing in a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations.

Degree Apprenticeships at Ulster University

A Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that provides an alternative route to getting a University Degree, where Apprentices complete their course alongside paid permanent employment.

Degree Apprenticeships involve integrated learning - you’ll gain practical experience that will inform your learning, and with mentorship support, you’ll apply what you study to your work within your organisation.

Degree Apprenticeships are funded by the Department for the Economy, so you can complete your undergraduate degree without having to pay tuition fees.

When to Apply

You should apply for a Degree Apprenticeship programme once your Apprenticeship employer has made you an offer of employment.

For details of all available job opportunities, please complete the enquiry form below and our course team will get in touch.

To be eligible to apply for a Degree Apprenticeship, you and your employer must meet all of the scheme’s eligibility criteria.

You must also meet the minimum academic entry requirements for the course you intend to study.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

About

The Computer Science (Degree Apprenticeship) course covers all the necessary skills you will need to be a computing professional, from idea generation to system implementation.

Year 1 of the course is accelerated learning, whereby apprenticeship students study 120 credit points, equivalent to full-time students. Delivered this way, apprenticeship students can maximise their performance in industry from second year having acquired a strong knowledge base from this accelerated learning approach. Upon successful completion of Year 1, apprenticeship students move to part-time mode of attendance/study and join the part-time sequence of module delivery along with other part-time students on the course.

Each year of study is comprised of two semesters, each 15-weeks in duration. During the first year of study, the student will attend University four days per week (full-time study mode), completing 60-credit points per semester, and will spend one day per week with the company. Outside of delivery of both semesters and any time commitment required for completion of examinations, the apprentice is permitted to work full-time with the company.

Post Year 1 (Years 2-4), the mode of study changes from full-time to part-time. Apprentices will attend University one day per week (part-time mode) and complete 40-credit points of study. The four remaining days per week will be spent with the company. Apprentices will, therefore, in years 2 through to 4, require training on one day per week during semesters 1 and 2.

Apprenticeship students will advance their programming skills and develop the necessary capabilities to design, build, operate and maintain complex computer systems. The modules within the course provide an excellent platform for skill development through practical application.

They will also be exposed to more advanced topics to consolidate your knowledge and understanding of software systems development. Through the Final Year Project, students will also gain practical experience in the planning, development and implementation of a computing system.

Members of the teaching team are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy and Members of the industry professional body - the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. Through their research, knowledge transfer and placement activities, teaching staff are also actively engaged with the local software and IT industry, and many modules on the course are directly informed by staff research activities.

Attendance

Year 1 of the course is accelerated learning, where students study full-time equivalent, 120 credit points.. Students attend modules four days per week, with one day in the company.

In Year 2 to 4, students switch to part-time mode completing 80 credit points in each year. Students attend modules one day per week, and work four days in the company.

Students are taught alongside full-time students, and modules are scheduled to accommodate day-release from employment.

Modules are taught on campus on a single day per module basis and are web-supplemented.

Start dates

  • September 2024

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Lectures are used to present theory and concepts and are supported through a combination of tutorial discussion and practical, laboratory exercises.


Modules are either assessed by coursework only or by a combination of coursework and formal examinations (January and May). Coursework assessment is carried out using any combination of written assignments, class tests, presentations, and group assignments as appropriate to meet the learning outcomes of each module.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

- the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor

- the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement

- the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Attendance and Independent Study

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

  • Attendance and Independent Study

    As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

    Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.

    The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

    Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

    Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

  • Assessment

    Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes.  You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.

    Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

    Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.

  • Calculation of the Final Award

    The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

    Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

    All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.

    In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

    Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.

Academic profile

Members of the teaching team are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy and Members of the industry professional body - the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. Through their research, knowledge transfer and placement activities, teaching staff are also actively engaged with the local software and IT industry, and many modules on the course are directly informed by staff research activities.

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.

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Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Mathematics for Computing

Year: 1

This module is designed to give the student an appreciation of the mathematical concepts required for computer science. This module provides fundamental topics necessary for developing student competencies in the essential mathematics that forms an integral part of an undergraduate honours degree in computing.

Software Development I

Year: 1

This module provides students of computing with an initial competence in the development of software through the medium of a modern programming language with facilities for both structured and object-oriented programming

Software Development II

Year: 1

This module is a direct follow-on to Software Development I. Students are introduced to more advanced features of both an algorithmic programming language and an object oriented language, and will be expected to acquire a higher level of competence in writing software.

Database Systems

Year: 1

The module covers the fundamental principles and theory of database design and provides practical experience in designing and developing database systems using a range of techniques, tools and technologies. It emphasises the important role of databases within an organisation and addresses the use of scalable and secure relational database management systems to facilitate the development of software systems involving large volumes of data and over the web.

Year two

Computer Hardware and Operating Systems

Year: 2

Differences in the internal structure and organisation of a computer lead to significant differences in performance and functionality, giving rise to an extraordinary range of computing devices, from hand-held computers to large-scale, high-performance machines. This module addresses the various options involved in designing a computer system, the range of design considerations, and the trade-offs involved in the design process.

Systems Analysis and Design

Year: 2

This module is devoted to the understanding of organisations as systems, the environment in which they operate and the processes they undertake.

It provides the student with knowledge of the tools and techniques of modern systems analysis, essential to the creation of information systems using industrial best practice.

It investigates concepts associated with business analysis, methodologies and modelling techniques in use today. The module also develops project management and communication skills.

The module will develop a student as an IT professional analysing and designing effective systems in industrial and commercial environments.

Students nurture their professional skills and learn how to work collaboratively in teams.

Year three

Computer Networks & Security

Year: 3

This module provides an in-depth study of computer, communications and networks. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of computer networks to guide the installation and maintenance of modern, high quality reliable networks. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test networks, deploy network based software applications and resolve network infrastructural problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in networking, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact networking in the future

UX

Year: 3

This module builds on programming foundations covered in Year 1 and provides a foundation for the Web development modules in Year 2 and 4. In addition, it offers an appreciation of user factors in application design and provides students with the tools to specify and develop high quality user interfaces across all modules.

Object-oriented Programming

Year: 3

Programming is an essential skill in today's digital world. It enables individuals to effectively analyse and solve complex problems, automate tasks, and create new technologies. Learning to program not only enhances a student's ability to understand and work with technology, but it also improves their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, programming is a highly sought-after skill in the job market, with many industries requiring individuals with programming expertise. By learning to program, a university student can open up a wide range of career opportunities and be well-prepared for the future.

This module builds on knowledge and skills attained in previous modules, i.e., core programming concepts and capabilities involving loops, conditions, functions, problem-solving, design, and logical thinking.Typically, a student's first exposure to programming in our degree is with Java, and in this module will have an opportunity to learn a new language (e.g., C#, C++, or Python).

Students will have an opportunity to increase their coding skills and learn about more complex programming and software engineering concepts such as Object Orientation, Decomposition, Functional Programming, Memory Management, Input/Output, Exception Handling, Testing, Debugging, and Version Control. Students will design and implement code solutions to set problems both individually and in groups.

Algorithms and Data Structures

Year: 3

The module builds upon the expertise acquired in Year 1 software development. Students are introduced to the classic data structures and algorithms that are used to process them, the specification of methods and classes and the measurement of algorithm performance.

Professional Development

Year: 3

This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and transferable skills needed to secure employment within the Computing and Engineering domain.

The module prepares students for professional work by developing knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations of employees, employers and clients as determined by codes of professional conduct. Students will have the opportunity to practise the presentation of themselves in, for example, application forms, curriculum vitae, interview, elevator pitches and aptitude tests.

The module provides an underpinning foundation of research concepts, methods and techniques necessary for project development and delivery. The students employ research skills developed during the module to gather research from a variety of sources and critically review this literature. Embedded in all these activities is the reinforcement of the need for adhering to recognised ethical standards and taking a professional approach to employability.

Year four

Cloud Computing

Year: 4

This module aims to explore a range of modern development and deployment concepts in the context of scalable and high performance cloud and distributed computing systems.
The module combines the study of the key theoretical concepts of Cloud Computing and Distributed Computing development techniques, with practical based industry focused problems. Enabling the student to translate the associated theoretical concepts into practical implementation. The module will provide an understanding of the role and function of the core technologies involved and address the design principles required for development.

Mobile Application Development

Year: 4

This module will provide students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that will equip them to mature as software developers specialising in application development for mobile technologies. Students will gain detailed knowledge of the mobile app creation process and of developing software solutions targeted at the Android environment. The knowledge gained and the solid foundation developed will equip the student with the confidence and capability to be able to extend their study to wider environments both existing and yet to emerge.

Year five

Cyber Security

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module provides an in-depth study of secure computer systems. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of secure systems. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test application and network security, deploy secure network based software applications, configure cloud systems and resolve security problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in security, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact secure systems in the future.

Concurrent and Distributed Systems

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module provides a theoretical foundation in the area of concurrent and distributed systems. This is an increasingly important area of computing as these types of systems are now manifest in a wide range of internet/intranet based application domains. The module first covers the key theory and design principles and then provides a learning path for software development in this exciting and evolving area of computing/engineering. As a consequence it facilitates students to develop expertise in the core skills area of multithreaded, networked and web-enabled computer systems.

Mixed Reality

Year: 5

This module is optional

The module provides an in-depth overview into the theoretical and technical issues underpinning mixed reality application design and development and provides practical experience in pitching and developing mixed reality applications using a range of techniques, industry standard tools, skills artificial intelligence and technologies. It emphasises the important role of testing and user feedback in the development and implementation process. The module will explore emerging technologies, business models and market trends in the industry.

Year six

Cloud Operating Systems

Year: 6

This module is optional

The module combines an in-depth study of the key theoretical concepts of Cloud Computing and modern Networked Operating systems, with practical hands-on industry focused techniques to enable the student to understand the relationship between this theory and the practical implementation of Cloud Computing and modern Operating Systems

Advanced Mobile Technology

Year: 6

This module is optional

This module addresses and develops understanding and knowledge of key and emerging concepts associated with mobile technologies, and fosters related mobile application software design and development principles.

Intelligent Robotics

Year: 6

This module is optional

This level 6 module will present some of the sensing, perception, planning, learning, control, and movement generation principles necessary to design and program intelligent robots.

Computer Vision

Year: 6

This module is optional

This module provides a foundation in the concepts and techniques used in vision systems. Vision systems is a rapidly expanding field and, as such, has applications in areas such as medical imaging, biomedical sciences, factory automation, autonomous vehicle, facial recognition software and manufacturing. The module provides students with the opportunity of studying a subject area that is at the forefront of developing state-of-the-art advances in technology.

Computational Intelligence Technology

Year: 6

This module is optional

Having completed this module the student will have an understanding of the computational intelligence research area. The module addresses both existing techniques used individually and in hybrid forms. The module also introduces the current research topics within this domain.

Year seven

Final Year Project

Year: 7

Students are required to undertake a major project during the final year of the course. The module offers students an opportunity to develop a realistic and meaningful piece of work during their final year. This module allows a chosen subject area to be researched in depth and a solution developed as a consequence. Students will have the opportunity to integrate and apply the learning achieved from other modules in the course. The module runs during both semesters and allows students to develop a comprehensive approach to all aspects of working on a large project. The project encourages innovation and creative thinking in the development of the solution. It also develops the entrepreneurial mindset, which can influence the challenges undertaken and final decisions made.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BBC. All subjects are considered.

Reduced offer: Grades CCC

Onesubject from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Software Systems Development, Computing (not IT/ICT).

Applied General Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of DDD

OR

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (2016 suite)

Award profile of DMM

The following qualifications are acceptable in particular combinations and/or with A-Level(s) -

NB Subject requirements must be met as outlined above.
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma, BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate,
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma,
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker.

Please contact Admissions (contact details below) for further information about acceptable combinations for entry to this course.

Irish Leaving Certificate

112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

Grades BBCCC. All subject areas are acceptable.

English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades CCD. All subject areas are acceptable.

English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3

International Baccalaureate

Minimum of 25 points (12 at Higher Level)

Higher or Subsidiary Level in Mathematics and English Language required at Grade 4 or above.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course); to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.

Overall profile of 24 credits at distinction and 21credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course); to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.


GCSE

For this course, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

NB Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills -Application of Number is NOT acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Additional Entry Requirements

OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
The University accepts a range of alternative combination of qualifications including OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals.

HNC
Overall Distinction (with distinctions in 75 Level 4 credits) for year 1 entry only

HND

Overall Merit (with distinctions in 45 Level 5 credits)

HND applications may be considered for Year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of the Ulster University full - time Year 1 course.

Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass with overall 50% and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for entry to an associated Honours degree (normally Year 2 entry).

For further information regarding all of the above qualifications please contact Admissions -see contact details below.

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker..

Exemptions and transferability

Transfer between this course and other similar courses within the Faculty of Computing and Engineering may be possible on the basis of academic performance and availability of places.


Exemption from parts may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course or other approved experiential learning (APEL).

The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.

Eligibility

To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you must:

  • be a school leaver aged 16 or over;
  • be newly employed (less than 6 months before the start of the course) or be about to take up employment on a permanent contract with a minimum of 21 hours per week;
  • have achieved the minimum academic entry qualifications for the course;
  • pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector;
  • have a right to live and work in the UK.

Additionally:

  • You can participate if you already have a degree, provided that it the course you are applying for is at a higher level than or unrelated to your previous qualification.
  • You can still apply for a Degree Apprenticeship if you have been at your organisation for more than 6 months, provided you are entering a new job role that requires new competences/knowledge.
  • You cannot participate if you are self-employed.

To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, your employer:

  • must have a permanent base in Northern Ireland;
  • must ensure that apprentices are enrolled on UK/HMRC payroll for the duration of the programme, and that all apprentices are paid a wage commensurate with the role and not less than the UK minimum wage;
  • must not be a public sector employer.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Allstate
  • Citi Group
  • Kainos
  • Liberty IT
  • E-Desk

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Mobile Application Developer
  • Database Administrator
  • Software Developer

Career options

Graduates with computer science and software systems development skills will find many career opportunities available to them in developing new software. On completing this course successfully, students will be able to choose from a number of career options such as software engineer, computer programmer, computing consultant, or systems’ manager or administrator. Skills developed in the course will always be in strong demand, as virtually every modern enterprise needs increasing numbers of computer-literate graduates.

Opportunities for postgraduate study in computing, engineering or related areas are substantial. The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.

Work placement / study abroad

Work-based learning is an integral part of the course.

Professional recognition

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist.

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2024

Fees and funding

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


For more information visit

Disclaimer

  1. We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate. The printed version of the prospectus is, however, published at least a year before the courses begin. Information included in the prospectus may, therefore, change. This includes, but is not limited to changes to the terms, content, delivery, location, method of assessments or lengths of the courses described. Not all circumstances are foreseeable, but changes will normally be made for one of the following reasons: 
    • to meet external, professional, or accredited body requirements;
    • to provide for exceptional circumstances due to reasons beyond our reasonable control;
    • to improve or enhance your experience, or to adopt changes recommended in student feedback, with the aim of improving the student experience and or student outcomes; and/or
    • to ensure appropriate academic standards are met, for example in response to external examiners feedback.
  1. If there are insufficient enrolments to make a course viable, it may be necessary for the University to withdraw a course. If you have received an offer for a course that we subsequently have to close, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative courses. If you do not wish to study any alternative courses at the University, you may withdraw your application by informing us by email to admissions@ulster.ac.uk.
  1. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
  1. We will include a durable PDF when we send you an offer letter which will highlight any changes made to our prospectus or online information about our courses. You should read this carefully and ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to before accepting a place on one of our courses.
  1. The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.
  1. At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible.  The University will, where possible and reasonably practicable, seek the express consent of the student in regard to any changes concerning material or pre-contract information.
  1. The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.
  1. If, after due consideration, you decide that you no longer want to study your course or to study at the University, because of the changes, you may withdraw your application or terminate your contract with the University. In order to do so, you should notify us in writing by emailing admissions@ulster.ac.uk (and update UCAS if applicable). We will, on request, recommend alternative courses that you could study with us, or suggest a suitable course at an alternative higher education provider.
  1. If you do not agree that the changes are fair, you can seek redress under the Student Complaints Procedures.
  1. Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and taken the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected.
  1. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
  1. Further information can be found in our terms and conditions.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally.  Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17:  Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.