Computer Science (Top-up)

at Walsall College

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

Location:
Walsall College
Study option:
Full-time, top-up
Duration:
1 Year

Collaborative Learning Environment

Promoted through small class sizes and a focus on peer learning.

Highly Recommended 99% of Walsall College students would recommend the college to others.

*Induction survey 2021/22

Quality Assured

The college has been highly commended by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education.

Impress potential employers with higher level studies and open up a whole new range of career possibilities in the digital sector. This exciting one-year top-up degree is primarily aimed at successful HND in Computing graduates.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Course content

Final Year Project
In this module you will prepare and complete a project. This involves: identifying a topic of interest, conducting primary and secondary research, including a critical literature review, planning the residue of the work to be done, modelling, creating and documenting an artefact that is relevant to your course of study and that is a solution to the problem set out in your proposal, writing a report describing the technical aspects of the project’s model and artefact, the processes involved in the performance of the project, and critically reflecting on the project’s findings and outcomes, and making a presentation of the technical aspects of the project, including a demonstration of the artefact and a critical evaluation of the project outcomes.

Business Intelligence
This module looks at Business Intelligence from multiple angles so as a student you get to develop a wide knowledge related to it as a discipline. You will examine Big Data concepts, and data-mining tools such as Orange, as well as compliment your learning with legal and social aspects of the discipline.

OPTIONAL MODULES

In addition to the mandatory modules, you will also need to choose between the two optional module groups below.

Software Development

Creating Mobile Web AppsYou will develop knowledge in mobile app design, development and testing. You will cover mobile design as a broader domain to address architecture and practical planning for web design and development by using current technologies such as HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. You will also be introduced to current development environments and frameworks on both the client and server side. You will also use the latest API's and other emerging technologies.

Developing for the Cloud

Upon completion of this module you will have a comprehensive understanding of cloud based development software. You will demonstrate a critical understanding of writing code for use within cloud computing within commercial contexts. You will design and implement fault tolerant code for a defined problem, optimised for a commercial cloud infrastructure. 

Computer Networks

Cyber Operations and Network Security

This module starts by looking at cybersecurity and the Security Operations Centre, explores PC operating systems, the principles of network attacks, endpoint security, monitoring, data analysis and incident response handling. In the second semester the module looks at types of threat, securing access to devices, AAA, implementing firewall and intrusion protection technologies, layer 2 security features, cryptographic systems, VPN's and how to manage a secure network. It also looks at Legal, social and ethical issues relating to network security.

Routed and Switched Architectures

On this module you will learn why routing and switching are considered as part of the core of networking. Once the network is designed well for these technologies other features such as security can then be built upon this. This course will look in detail at the choices within routing and switching to see why design decisions are made and for you to understand these choices. The switching will look at layer 3 switching which is now increasingly being used inside of networks due to the throughput and additional features which can be offered over the traditional layer 2 technology. The emphasis of this course will be from the viewpoint of a medium to large scale organisation. This course will embed in the Cisco CCNP SWITCH and CCNP ROUTE academy certifications.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Business Intelligence 20 credits
Final Year Project 40 credits
Show 4 optional modules

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff: 240 credits from completed Pearson HNC and HND in Computing (Pass grade)

GCSE Maths – grade C/4

GCSE English Language– grade C/4

Functional skill Level 2 Maths and English

 
Careers

Graduates will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a range of roles and careers within the digital sector, such as; Software Developer, Network Engineer, Cloud Architect and Business Intelligence Developer.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through formal lectures, group work, tutorials/practical sessions, workshops, directed and self-managed study, and research projects. 

Assessment

The Routed and Switched Architectures module is assessed 50% by examination and 50% by portfolio evidence. All other modules are a combination of practical assessments, coursework and in class tests.

Feedback

For all modules, you will be provided  with opportunities to test your understanding informally (through formative assessment) to prepare you for your formal graded assessments, with written feedback accessible online via our Virtual Learning Environment. You will  receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. The feedback you receive will help to focus you to achieve better grades on the next set of modules you study. 

Independent learning

All students for each module will undertake activities outside of classes to enhance their inclass learning.

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time, top-up
Study option UK / Channel Islands
Full-time £7,500 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Walsall College BSc (Hons) Full-time, top-up 23 September 2024 Apply now
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021