BSc Computing for Business with a Year in Industry

Why Take This Course?

Long gone are the days when computing professionals were solely writing programs to satisfy their business users. Clients now have higher expectations and rightly want a greater degree of involvement throughout the development process. This partnership approach has been found to substantially increase the chances of creating successful systems. Nowadays developers must be able to communicate with users at all levels of an organisation and to do that they need to know something about the businesses in which they work. The Computing for Business degree with a year in industry is specifically designed to integrate both the exciting subject areas of Business and Computing. It provides a thorough understanding of systems development while at the same time providing a sound knowledge of modern business operations. Studying on the Computing for Business with a year in industry degree provides valuable real world experience, which significantly strengthens your CV for post degree job searching. It will also develop important transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, organisation and time keeping.

The Computing for Business with a Year in Industry degree is excellent for students wanting to pursue a career in a commercial computing environment. Students will acquire a wide range of techniques and tools for use in the construction of sophisticated information systems with particular emphasis on software within business. The third year is spent on a relevant work placement in industry and the course is resumed in the fourth year.

The degree is delivered using modules from both the School of Computing Sciences and the Norwich Business School. Both of these Schools have close contacts with industry, for example, through research funding, knowledge transfer programmes, external advisory panels, and consultancy. The School of Computing Sciences also has its own consulting company called SYSCO. Guest professionals are frequently invited to give talks and meet with students. These links with business and industry are exploited in the degree by setting real world problems and using real data in practical projects and coursework. A significant proportion of the assessment is made up of such projects - both individually and in groups.

The course has a compulsory first year that develops your skills in computing and introduces you to business. In the second and fourth years you study further commercially oriented computing modules and learn about the workings of organisations. You are free to choose further computing and business modules that suit your interests and your career aspirations. You will complete a substantial individually supervised project in your final year.

The majority of our graduates gain related employment in software engineering, systems analysis, IT consultancy, or business analysis. This programme has full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation as well as exemptions leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status from the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT)

Contact time

Students have on average 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars, though this may vary depending on module choices. Additionally, students should allocate at least 25 hours per week for study, coursework assignments and projects.

Teaching and Assessment

This section shows the module breakdown for each year of your course.

Year 1 The first year comprises a set of six compulsory modules; five provide a solid grounding in computing before moving into later years where more choice and flexibility is available. The sixth unit gives an introduction to the business side of the course. One module is devoted to programming which is taught through a combination of lectures and laboratory classes that involve practical exercises. The Computing Systems modules are also very practical and cover introductory analysis, design, development and evaluation of web based systems. Students experience working in pairs for one project on the Computing Systems 1 module. The Computing Revolution module looks at the past, present and future of computing through the eyes of guest industrial speakers and leading researchers. At the same time, it focuses on valuable study skills in preparation for years two and three.

All modules are taught through lectures and a combination of seminars and/or laboratory sessions as appropriate. The Computer Revolution and Computing Systems 1 modules are assessed by coursework alone; all other modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and end of year examination.

Many of our computing degrees follow a similar first year. Should your interests and career aspirations evolve, it is usually possible to change to a different computing degree at the end of your first year. It may also be possible to transfer to the Business Information Systems degree. Year 2

The second year has four compulsory modules, Software Engineering 1, Systems Analysis, Database Systems and Introduction to Organisational Behaviour. These explore topics central to the development of computing systems for business. Students are able to customise their degree programme by selecting two further modules, one from Business and one from Computing. Computing options include topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Graphics, Architectures and Operating Systems, Statistics, and Sound and Image. Business options include Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting, Principles of Marketing, and Operations Strategy and Management. The majority of these modules are assessed by coursework and examination. The aim of year two is to cover knowledge and skills appropriate for professionals in the area.

Year 3

The School of Computing Sciences has well established commercial links throughout the UK and beyond, many of which you may be able to benefit from. Students are expected to seek their own work placements with help and support provided by UEA Careers Centre and the School's Industrial Placement Coordinator. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field of Business Computing, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. To ensure that students placed in industry are committed and enthusiastic, progression on this programme is dependent upon satisfactory performance during the first and second years and your success in securing a suitable work placement. The School of Computing Sciences will offer you full support and guidance whilst you are identifying and negotiating work placement opportunities.

Throughout the work placement, students will be expected to keep in close contact with an assigned mentor at UEA. Your mentor will also visit you at least once during your Year in Industry. By keeping a regularly updated work diary, your mentor will be able to ensure you are fulfilling all of the necessary learning objectives of a Year in Industry.

Please note we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers and students will be expected to source these placements themselves. Limited support will be available from the University. If you have not successfully secured a work placement by the end of your second year you will be transferred onto the equivalent three yera degree programme.

Year 4

The fourth year has a compulsory individual project and two compulsory modules covering Systems Engineering and Software Engineering 2. The year long project draws on knowledge and skills gained throughout the degree programme and often involves local businesses. Its focus is decided by the student in liaison with their chosen supervisor. The project also provides an opportunity to gain research oriented skills and to practise valuable transferable skills, such as report writing and oral presentation. Assessment for the project includes a variety of oral and written reporting methods but no examination. Optional modules for year three include Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Behavioural Aspects of Marketing, Management Consulting, Informational Retrieval, and Networks. The free choice option permits students to choose a subject from any School in the University, for example psychology, film studies, or a language. You may, of course decide to use your free choice to cover additional business or computing topics. We find that students returning from their industry placement have not only gained in experience but also in maturity. They typically perform at a very high level in their final year.

Career Opportunities

Computing graduates who also have some understanding of business, its organisation, its motivations and its priorities, are highly sought after. The majority of our students gain employment in UK industry. Frequently occurring job titles are software developer, systems analyst, software engineer, database designer, programmer, web developer, IT consultant, management consultant, and usability consultant. Some graduates choose to go on to postgraduate studies and a few move into the teaching profession. Computing graduates who also have some understanding of business, its organisation, its motivations and its priorities, are highly sought after, this being particularly true for those that also offer industrial experience.

Contact: cmp.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Course Organiser:Dr. Pam Mayhew

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Entry Requirements Qualification: BTEC National Diploma: DDM A Level: ABB International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall inc. 3 HL subjects at Grade 6 Scottish Highers: AABBB Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB Access Course: See below European Baccalaureate: 75% overall Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

We ask our applicants to have at least one of the following A Levels (or equivalent): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Electronics, Economics or a Business related subject.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 Level 3 credits, including 12 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Science Business or Economics related subjects.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English Language at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

The School of Computing Sciences (CMP) has an excellent reputation in teaching. 90% Satisfied with teaching in Guardian University Guide 2013.

The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in Computing Science and subject areas allied to it that include computer graphics, computer systems engineering, actuarial sciences, business information systems and computational biology.

• All of our degree courses are designed to give you a flexible structure that enables you to choose subjects that interest you and that are aligned with your career aspirations.
• You will be taught by academics at the cutting edge of their respective fields. In the last research assessment exercise 95% of our research was regarded as world-leading or as internationally excellent or recognised.
• The School of Computing Sciences has an excellent reputation in teaching having been awarded the top grade of ‘commendable’ in all categories from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
• Our undergraduate computing degrees have full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation (many of the Masters programmes also have the Further Learning Element status)as well as leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status from the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT).
• Much of our work is concerned with real-world problems and applications and we have excellent links with industry both for our teaching and research.
• The facilities and student experience in the school are excellent. We have a range of different laboratories for students that cater for the different disciplines taught in the school. We also have a Help Desk that provides support for our students, as well as a student common room and a Staff Student Liaison Committee.
• Our teaching is delivered in a variety of ways including lectures, laboratory classes, seminars and group projects. Our laboratory class and seminars are run with a 1-to-16 staff to student ratio ensuring you can obtain good support.
• The School of Computing Sciences leads the university in utilizing its internationally recognized research commercially, through SYS Consulting, its Consulting company and through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
• Our students also use their technical and entrepreneurial skills to play influential roles in the creation of companies such as Travel Republic, Evoke systems, Fyfo and Shoretech systems.

UniStats Information Fees and Funding Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Year in Industry Fees

For Home/EU students opting for Year in Industry the tuition fee is currently £1,250. The Year in Industry tuition fee will be subject to an annual increase. International Students are required to pay 25% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year in Industry and will be calculated based on the current tuition fee for that year.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support.

International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international.