Businesses are looking for graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of computing. They want people who know their way around information technologies (IT) – but they also want people who know about business. This course aims to help you develop your understanding of both disciplines and how they are interlinked, and to build up your skills for future employment.

To become a computing professional in a competitive and fast-paced environment, you need a range of skills and a good understanding of business, so we’ll look at both areas. We’ll give you the chance to design and develop computer systems and websites – and we’ll get you thinking about the issues that a business has to take into account when developing new information systems.

The first year of your studies will cover a broad range of aspects of computing including:

• Web programming
• Database development
• Storage and manipulation of data.

You’ll also get the chance to work on projects individually and as a team. We'll give you a thorough grounding in the principles of IT including best practice in developing web technologies (using programs such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript). You’ll be supported in gaining advanced skills in developing database driven applications using Visual Studio and SQL Server, we'll also look at business theory and apply this to IT.

We’ll look at data analytics, how user-friendly a system should be, and the strategic business needs of an organisation. You’ll spend most of your time studying in the School of Computing and Engineering, but some of your modules will be provided by our Business School too.

During your studies you’ll also have the chance to spend a year working in industry. You could develop some great experience and pick up some useful contacts that could help you take the first steps in your career.

Placements

This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students have spent their placement year at companies including Next, Puma UK, HMRC, and Nissan, as well as smaller companies from the local economy and further afield. You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as software engineer, server and storage analyst, senior developer, research software development engineer, systems security engineer and business analyst in organisations including BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Hermes, Microsoft, BT and Amazon UK.**

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.