From sending a text to using the cashpoint, every day we all interact with computers in all sorts of different ways. Computing helps us have more fun, get creative and try out new ideas. It enhances our quality of life and aims to meet the challenges that ongoing advances in technology create. This course helps you build up knowledge and the skills that could be invaluable in the computing industry.

In this course, we aim to help you explore a range of topics, such as,

• Programming
• Software engineering
• Mathematics
• Mobile computing

We'll look at both the theory and practical side of things to help you develop your abilities, having knowledge of both could make all the difference when you go on to look for employment in this rapidly expanding industry.

Your tutors will encourage you to identify problems, and then work out how to solve them using software. You might get involved in developing software solutions using the latest artificial intelligence (AI). Or perhaps you’ll look at how to use computing applications in engineering or scientific experiments to combat environmental problems.

In Year 1 you’ll follow a core computing programme aimed at giving you a broad understanding. Then from Year 2 on you’ll have the chance to take an option module in each year, this and project based work will help you to tailor your studies according to what interests you the most.

During your studies you’ll be taught through a combination of formal lectures, tutorial groups, practical laboratory work and seminars. The course is partly accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), which means you will have fulfilled some of the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional, Chartered Incorporated Engineer or Registered IT Technician. Our course also gives you the chance to apply your skills in the real-world with an optional one-year placement, previous students have undertaken placements at companies like IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, HBOS and British Airways.

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 Microsoft, Siemens, Hermes, Airbus and Cummins 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.

* Percentage of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 17/18, UK domiciled graduates).