BSc (Honours) Applied Computing
UCAS code
G490Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-timeAt a glance
Gain a more practical approach to computing on this hands-on course. You study core computing principles before specialising in networks, digital media or business technologies. Course modules have been designed in consultation with employers to ensure that what you learn meets your career needs once you graduate.
Key points
• Specialise in either networks, digital media or business technologies.
• Study on a course designed in consultation with business.
• Get hands-on experience in some of the best computer lab facilities in the UK.
• Gain placement with major employers such as Plusnet or Sumo Games.
What is applied computing?
Applied computing studies the aspects of computing that have a practical impact on business and everyday life. It particularly focuses on the hands-on professional aspects of computing.
About this course
Specialise in networks, digital media or business technologies on this career-orientated computing degree course. After building your core knowledge of computing principles in your first year, you then choose to specialise in your second and third year. This allows you to aim for a career in the technical, business or creative areas of computing.
Your degree award title reflects your specialism, such as BSc (Honours) Applied Computing with Digital Media. This distinction makes it easier to apply for specialist roles after graduating. Whatever your chosen area of specialism, your skills will be in great demand from industry, as there is a shortage of computing professionals in the UK (Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills 2012).
The course has been designed in consultation with industrial partners such as Plusnet to meet the specific needs of employers. So you can be sure your studies are up to date with the needs of business. Our partners also contribute real-world case studies for you to work on to give you a unique perspective into the issues you face in the industry.
Your studies centre around the new computing labs at our City Campus. These include some of the best facilities in the country with industry-standard software such as ORACLE, SAS and SAP.
Once you’ve developed your knowledge and skills in the computer labs, you can apply them in industry with a one year placement at companies such as • Plusnet • Citrix • GlaxoSmithKline • SIG plc • Henry Boot • Sumo Games • HSBC • Aviva.
A work placement year gives you experience in the sector and develops your personal and professional skills, which improves your career opportunities. In addition, many students are offered employment after graduation from their placement provider.
As part of your final year you also gain interview and presentation skills, CV and application writing skills and learn how to set up a small business or enterprise.
Key areas of study
Key areas include • computing • web development • digital media • database systems • systems analysis • programming.
Associated careers
You can find careers in areas such as • help desk support • network engineering • web design • IT management • database administration.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society. It counts towards the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer.
Course content
Year one modules
• systems analysis • database design • network fundamentals • web and media • maths and problem solving • programming concepts
Year two modules
• project management • work-based project
Plus specialist route options • e-business • multimedia technologies • interactive websites • network implementation • OO programming • database administration.
Year three
• optional work placement
Final year modules
• project • professional development
Plus specialist route options • data warehousing • change management • web-based systems • network security • innovative multimedia • wireless networks • distributed programming.
Assessment
• coursework • walkthroughs • practical demonstrations • examinations
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following
• 200 points with at least 140 from two GCE/VCE A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. General studies, AS levels and Key Skills qualifications may count towards these points.
• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We welcome applications from people of any age. There may be some flexibility in entry requirements provided you have other relevant learning or experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
2013 entry requirements
GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following
• 200 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels including at least 140 from two GCE/VCE A Levels, BTEC National qualifications or AVCE double award. General studies, AS levels and Key Skills qualifications may count towards these points.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, email admissions@shu.ac.uk