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Undergraduate courses/Computing courses/Applied Computing

Key facts

Entry requirements

112 or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

G460

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

Additional costs

See all the key facts

Entry requirements

112 or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

G460

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

Additional costs

See all the key facts

This course provides a broad understanding of aspects of Applied Computing, whilst allowing you to specialise in their chosen areas. It develops technical skills in computing, including agile programming, mobile applications, information security, analysis, database design, and business intelligence alongside developing critical thinking skills vital to working in complex IT environments. The course also benefits from the unique research contribution of the Internationally renowned Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR), which embeds ethics and the impact of computing and technology within the modules.

Professionalism within the industry context is emphasised throughout, with strong links to BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT). You will be exposed to multiple concepts, tools and technologies that are current industry standard, in addition to the fundamental underlying principles.

The curriculum offers Applied Computing BSc students significant employment opportunities aligned with the shift in the IT industry towards hybrid professionals who engage with both technical and business aspects. Through thinking critically and systemically, Applied Computing BSc graduates are attractive prospects to a wide range of roles and employers.

Key features

  • We have more than 50 years of computing experience that you can learn from. This long-standing history allows you to draw on a wealth of research and academic expertise to inform your studies.
  • Enhance your employability and gain industry experience by undertaking an optional work placement. Previous students have carried out placements at organisations including Caterpillar, GCHQ, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, Siemens and Vauxhall.
  • Develop your practical skills in our specialist facilities. You’ll have access to 100 computer workstations which are divided into five interconnected laboratories, each with 20 high-specification PCs running Windows/Linux.
  • Enjoy an international experience with Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Global, which can enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons. Previous Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Global trips have included New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Japan, South Africa and Italy to name a few.
  • Through block teaching, you will focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once. This means that you will be able to focus closely on each subject and absorb your learning material in more depth, whilst working more closely with your tutors and course mates.
  • Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.
Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments – rather than lots of exams at the end of the year – and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging. Read more about block teaching.

What you will study

Block 1: Foundations of Computing

The aim of this module is to equip students with a grounding in foundations of computing. It underpins many aspects of computer science related degree programmes and introduces you through regular lectures and labs to computer systems (devices), computer networks (networks), and ethics in computing. You will gain knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with computing and be exposed to the theoretical and practical aspects including data representation, computer components, desktop virtualization, mobile computing, traditional PCs and cloud services.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 40 hours

Seminars and practicals: 72 hours

Self-directed study: 140 hours

Assessment: 48 hours

Block 2: Programming in Python

The Python programming module has no pre-requisites; it is designed for learners with no prior programming experience and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. As well as covering the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python, this module aims to teach you the basics of programming computers using Python. You will be introduced to fundamental theories and related concepts of the Python programming language; the module will help the learner develop a sufficiently rich and detailed, generally applicable background and hands-on practical knowledge. Learners will solve problems, explore real-world software development challenges, and create practical applications

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 40 hours

Seminar and practicals: 72 hours

Self-directed study: 136 hours

Assessment: 52 hours  

Block 3: Data Analytics and Statistics

This module introduces the skills on data analytics and basic quantitative techniques for data collection, summary and presentation. You will develop an understanding of basic concepts associated with the analysis and interpretation of statistical data within a business and organisational context.

The module will allow students to understand and present financial data within a business and organisational structure. You will be able to apply financial mathematical techniques to simple but real-life scenarios to make decisions. The module will also introduce the formulation, solution and interpretation of linear programming models and cover network models and project management.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 24 hours

Seminar: 24 hours

Practical: 24 hours

Self-directed study: 180 hours

Assessment: 48 hours

Block 4: Information Systems Analysis and Design

This module gives an insight into the many tasks that must be carried out during the analysis and design stages of an information system development project. It provides a practical introduction to the techniques used at different stages of a project. It also illustrates how these tasks fit together within the overall project framework, and how they can be managed to ensure that the aims of the project are met.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 24 hours

Seminar: 24 hours

Practical: 24 hours

Self-directed study: 104 hours

Assessment: 60 hours

Block 1: Programming with APIs and Frameworks

This module seeks to extend your skill and knowledge of both the selected language and wider program related concepts e.g. object-oriented development, frameworks and APIs.

A common feature of modern software development is the requirement to interact with and use existing libraries and frameworks. You will be exposed to modern frameworks and APIs to build software. In addition, you will be encouraged to use collaborative tools such as GitHub. 

By the end of the module you will be expected to write code that interacts with a pre-existing API/Framework to implement some appropriate business functionality.

Please include learning, teaching and assessment activity hours for the module in this section. The below is an illustrative example for a 15 credit module. 

Lecture: 24 hours 

Practical: 48 hours

Collaborative Activities: 40 hours 

Revision: 40 hours 

Consolidation: 148 hours

Block 2: Business Intelligence

Aims to teach key concepts and techniques for designing and evaluating interactive systems to achieve successful human computer interactions.

Designing successful interactive systems involves understanding and applying the key principles of designing usable systems, but also understanding the characteristics of the user populations, the nature of their tasks and environments.

Developing interactive systems involves confronting ethical problems, not least in the need to allow for the requirements and capabilities of users. Testing and evaluating prototypes of interactive systems is a critical part of building systems without major usability problems and achieving a good user experience. For this reason, modern system development methodologies plan usability testing and iterative development of a sequence of prototypes into the development process.

Lecture: 40 hours

Tutorial: 12 hours

Practical: 12 hours

Out-of-class activities: 12 hours

Self-directed study: 176 hours

Assessment: 48 hours

Block 3: Information and Database Development

In an emerging digital world, data is essential to all aspects of human life. What is of more importance, is how data is efficiently stored, retrieved, and presented in a way that makes sense using appropriate database management systems (DBMS). This module will take you through the fundamentals of DBMS, shedding light onto the two broad categories of DBMS: relational (structured) and non-relational (unstructured) databases. You will understand the business and technical motivations behind the use of specific DBMS for managing information in specific situations.

Whilst unstructured DBMS will be discussed at introductory level, the module will provide more detailed understanding of structured DBMS, such as relational DBMS design principles, data modelling using Unified Modelling Language (UML), entity relationship diagrams, and manipulating data using Structured Query Language (SQL). The relational database design may be related to business scenarios. You may also be expected to make modifications to pre-prepared databases through redesign allowing them to reflect on the implications.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 20 hours

Tutorial: 10 hours

Practical: 10 hours

Self-directed study: 60 hours

Assessment: 40 hours

Block 3: Introduction to Information Security

The module will investigate the importance of Information Security in the context of Information Systems. The module will be investigating the challenges to application and system developers in relation to the requirement for secure design and implementation. The module is a foundation of security foundations as required in terms of requirements analysis and the design of software. The module will be providing a theoretical framework in providing security solutions with reference to secure application development. 

Learning, teaching and assessment activity hours for the module:

Lecture: 15 hours 

Seminar: 30 hours

Self-directed study: 55 hours

Assessment: 50 hours

Block 4: Integrated Project

The module will take the form of a taught project module allowing students to draw up the specification, documentation and early prototype for a constrained system. You will be encouraged to work in teams providing opportunity to experience modern techniques such as Agile/Scrum development. Although no specific language is explicitly named for the module it would be wise to select a family of languages / development environments that allow student to demonstrate a range of modern technical skills.

The assessment will be designed to encourage collaboration, peer learning, and formative feed-forward assessment.

The module will include supporting materials introducing concepts and practice relating to agile development. It is expected that students will use an appropriate set of tools for collaboration for example GitHub.

Practical: 48 hours

Lecture: 24 hours

Collaborative activities: 40 hours

Revision: 40 hours

Consolidation: 148 hours

Choose one module for Block 4.

Block 1: Application Architecture

An understanding of application architecture is an important part of the implementation of a wide range of modern technologies, including web, mobile and desktop development. This module will look at the issues surrounding the implementation of appropriate architecture e.g. security and programming considerations. It will take a hands-on approach allowing students to build software that address many of these issues.

Block 2: Human Computer Interaction

The aim of this module is to provide students with the essential knowledge to critically evaluate IT decisions that are made at managerial level. Students will explore the implications of digital transformation, and the changing roles of the C-Suite to accommodate global changes in the business environment. The role of IT and different solutions available to a business, based on their need will be discussed; for example, enterprise systems, cloud-based systems, and business intelligence/analytics solutions.

With the growing role of data and emerging technology, students will also explore the importance of strategic, tactical and operational decision-making and the role of business analytics in supporting the business problem solving process. Finally, students will also explore and understand the ethical implications of IT, which influence the decisions around how IT is designed, implemented and used in an organisation.

Practical: 30 hours

Lecture: 30 hours

Reading (suggested reading is part of seminar work): 20 hours

Collaborative Activities: 30 hours

Reflection: 30 hours

Self-directed study: 50 hours

Consolidation: 60 hours

Assessment: 50 hours

Block 3: Final Year Project

The Final Year Project enables students to undertake an individual project on an approved topic of interest, that addresses significant Computing and Information Systems related problems relevant to the programme of study. The project provides an opportunity for you to integrate many of the threads of your programme of study and to extend your work beyond the taught elements through with research and self-learning.

Lecture: 8 hours

Online interactive workshop: 8 hours

Supervisor meetings: 5 hours

Self-study: 219 hours

Assessment*: 60 hours

Block 4 option: Information and Communication Technologies for Development

The gaps in the socio-economic wellbeing of developed, developing and underdeveloped countries often indicate how they use emerging technologies for solving problems. As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) evolves, it offers a wide range of opportunities for closing these socio-economic gaps, particularly, from a developing country viewpoint. This module will expose you to issues that influence the adoption, implementation, uptake, and sustainability of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in developing countries.

Lectures: 50 hours

Seminars: 30 hours

Reading: 40 hours

Collaborative: 20 hours

Reflection: 40 hours

Revision: 40 hours

Assessment: 80 hours

Block 4 option: Privacy and Data Protection

There continues to be a growth of databases holding personal and other sensitive information in multiple formats including text, pictures and sound. The scale of data collected, its type and the scale and speed of data exchange have all changed with the advent of ICT. Whilst the potential to breach privacy continues to increase organisations are subjected to a considerable amount of legislation governing privacy and data protection. This module examines the balance between maintaining business effectiveness, legal compliance and professional practice in the field of IT/IS.

The module will:

Address the legal, social and technological aspects of privacy and data protection.

Consider privacy enabling technologies and privacy invasive technologies.

Identify and evaluate the role of the computer professional in providing privacy and data protection.

Lecture: 40 hours

Seminar: 90 hours

Self-directed study: 90 hours

Assessment: 80 hours

Block 4 option: Advanced Database Management and Programming

This module provides you with further training on the essentials of advanced database management and programming, developing your ability to differentiate between relational databases and non-relational databases.

It develops the skills to choose a suitable database for an application from a business perspective to meet stated requirements using realistic scenarios and the ability to analyse semi-structured data and to choose an appropriate storage structure. It develops skills in database design and data retrieval using a variety of complex data structures and NoSQL programming including aggregation methods.  In addition, the module considers advanced concepts and database theory such as concurrency and recovery, ACID properties, distributed database systems, replication and the CAP theorem. It is important to understand these concepts in order to choose the most appropriate database for an application and to understand the implications. 

Practical: 20 hours

Lecture: 40 hours

Online learning: 60 hours

Reading (suggested reading is part of seminar work): 60 hours

Reflection: 60 hours

Revision: 60 hours

Block 4 option: Artificial Intelligence

Aims to demonstrate a clear understanding of the theoretical principles and methodological approaches to Artificial Intelligence (AI). It will provide a theoretical perspective to the computational theory and practical experiences of those principles and techniques.

This module will cover the history of AI, basic principles of neural and evolutionary computation, search and problem solving. The techniques used in this module will provide you with a clear understanding of what problems can be solved, or not, with a computer.

Lecture: 40 hours

Online learning: 60 hours

Reading (suggested reading is part of seminar work): 60 hours

Reflection: 60 hours

Revision: 60 hours

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching and assessment

The compulsory modules on this course ensure that you learn by a combination of practical experience, self-study and research. The option modules at Level 6 allow students the opportunity to specialise.

The modules making up the course employ a range of learning and teaching strategies including: (1) staff directed teaching and learning via lectures, seminars, laboratories; (2) case-study and lab based exercises for the dissemination of knowledge, information and the demonstration of processes and techniques; (3) student centred learning via collaborative and group based learning by group assignments and projects; (4) individual independent learning using literature sources, internet sources and further research (incl. Web based resources), (5) Presentation of findings, report writing, assignments, practice (6) practical work-based exercises for the development of skills and understanding, and; (7) project-based learning to develop management, design, development and communication skills.

Assessment methods and assessment criteria are vested in the individual modules constituting the programme. Each module specification defines the assessment methods and reassessment details which are appropriate to its aims and objectives, as well as the teaching and learning strategy of the module. Normally some modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and a phase test. Where subject content of the module is more appropriate to be assessed using coursework, these modules are assessed by 100% coursework. Methods of assessment for the modules therefore may include: Time constrained phase tests, Portfolios of work, Laboratory exercises, Oral examinations, Demonstrations, Individual & individually assessed group work, Project work, Reports & presentations and Research reports.

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Student work

Our facilities

Applied Computing facilities

Our Computer Science laboratories provide computer workstations for students to use, with four interconnected computing laboratories with HP PCs running Windows/Linux.  All the machines are connected to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work. Many of the software packages are open source, which means students can download and run the software needed for their course work while at home. The laboratories also include study spaces where you can work individually or in groups.

Learn more

Library and learning zones

Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources.

Library and learning zones

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Our expertise

Profile picture for Martin Stacey

Martin Stacey

Senior Lecturer

Martin Stacey studied psychology and artificial intelligence before focusing his research on understanding design processes from different perspectives. His main teaching interests are human computer interaction and systems analysis and design. 

Accreditation

This course has achieved initial accreditation from the British Computer Society (BCS), subject to a final review of degree outputs after the first cohort has graduated. Confirmation is expected in 2025.

What makes us special

Three students working together around a laptop

Block Learning

With block teaching, you’ll learn in a focused format, where you study one subject at a time instead of several at once. As a result, you will receive faster feedback through more regular assessment, have a more simplified timetable, and have a better study-life balance. That means more time to engage with your Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ community and other rewarding aspects of university life.

global-1

Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Global

Enjoy an international experience with , which can enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons. Previous Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Global trips have included New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Japan, South Africa and Italy to name a few.

Where we could take you

applied computing graduate careers

Graduate Careers

Graduates can enter careers which require technical computing skills including positions such as programmer, web developer, technical sales and marketing, database designer/manager, IT/PC support and technical customer support.

placements

Placements

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.

Previous students have taken up placements in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including some international posts, with leading companies such as Ashton Court, ONVU Retail, Taylor Hobson and TNT.

Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests. An assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

Take your next steps

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Find out how to apply

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Course specifications

Course title

Applied Computing

Award

BSc (Hons)

UCAS code

G460

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September

Duration

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

*subject to the government, as is expected, passing legislation to formalise the increase.

Additional costs

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics, plus one of the following:

Normally 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or

  • BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM or

  • Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE course. English and Maths GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or

  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ points or T Levels Merit

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Scholarships

Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International student scholarships

Find out about available international scholarships or visit our fees and funding page for more information.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find out more about contextual offers.

Additional costs

There are no compulsory placements or trips associated with this programme, however, you will have the option of participating in Âéw¶¹´«Ã½Global trips either as part of some of the modules or as an extra-curricular activity. These trips are subsidised by the university and the cost and the subsidy varies by location.

Students have the opportunity to take a paid or unpaid placement year in industry before their final year. Placements are full-time jobs and are available in a wide variety of sectors include private, public and not-for profit.

If you wish to undertake a placement year facilitated by Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ fees are reduced to £650 (£750 for international students) for the year. This covers your access to all Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ services during your year away from the university, support from your academic supervisor and professional staff, as well as all the preparation support provided in advance.