BSc (Honours) Computing
UCAS code
G504Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-timeAt a glance
Study a range of computing subjects for in-demand roles in IT systems and services with the option to specialise in areas such as Oracle, Microsoft and SAP. You have the opportunity to work on real projects with external clients, building up a portfolio before gaining a placement with major companies such as Lilly, HSBC and GlaxoSmithKline.
Key points
• Learn about a wide variety of computing subjects with the option to specialise.
• Choose to gain ITIL qualifications, in high demand from employers worldwide.
• Learn SAP systems at one of only four UK universities with access to its facilities.
• Gain a third-year placement with major companies like HSBC.
What is computing?
Computing is used to support businesses throughout the world. Opportunities exist in the major IT systems providers such as Microsoft or Oracle. Organisations in every sector of manufacturing, business and government have IT departments. Alternatively, many experts in IT set up their own companies.
About this course
If you want flexibility to study a range of computing subjects with the option to specialise, this course is designed for you. You cover a broad range of computing topics that qualify you for in-demand roles in IT systems and service management. But you also have options to study specialist computing subjects such as advanced databases and systems integration. The course comes highly recommended, having scored 90% overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey.
We are different from other computing courses because we acknowledge that most companies already have IT systems in place. We take you smoothly from the basics to looking at how to design new applications that integrate into existing systems, an area which this course specialises in.
In the second year you don't just study databases from one manufacturer, you learn the principles behind interoperating with a range of databases. Similarly with web technologies, you look at both 'legacy' systems and some of the most advanced service-oriented concepts.
You can also study service management and service delivery to the level where you could consider taking professional examinations in ITIL. ITIL is in high demand by employers and is recognised worldwide as a standard for best practice in the provision of IT services.
Alternatively, you can choose to specialise, going deeper into advanced databases (Oracle), business intelligence (SAS), and systems integration (SAP). We are one of only four UK universities with an agreement with SAP to teach using their hosted system in Germany. SAP sells IT systems and services to 500 of the 1,000 largest organisations in the world, so there is strong demand for graduates with these skills.
You get the chance to apply what you’re learning on our professional projects module. This module gives you the opportunity to work on real projects with external clients, or internal clients from across the University. You emulate professional standards performing relevant tasks such as release management of versions and quality assurance schemes and aim to build up an impressive portfolio.
You then have the option to build on this experience with a placement year at a major company. Thanks to our strong links with employers and industries, you can take advantage of first-class work placements with companies such as • HSBC • Lloyds TSB • Eli Lilly • NPower • Ford. The portfolio you build on your professional projects module helps you to prove your abilities to these employers.
Key areas of study
You study a wide range of topics including • understanding business computing needs and analysing requirements • building practical systems using web, database technologies and programming • hardware and managing systems security.
You start each topic with the basics and can get extra support for common problem areas such as mathematics.
Associated careers
You can enter a wide range of careers in • IT management • service support • systems integration • database design • data exchange/integration design • web development • systems analysis.
Our graduates have found careers with companies such as • AstraZeneca • Pivotal • Torch Communications Limited • Apak Systems Limited • National Training Partnership.
e-skills is the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology. According to their latest research
• there were 105,000 advertised vacancies for IT and telecoms staff during 2011
• over 65% of these vacancies were for staff with skills in systems design, systems development or technical support - the exact areas covered by this course
We cover seven of the top ten skills demanded in the advertised vacancies. SQL, C#, .NET, SQL-Server, ASP, JavaScript, SAP.
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
• information systems • programming • computer technology • mathematics for computing • professionalism and communication skills
Year two core modules
• enterprise information systems • databases • e-business • professional project • systems design and implementation or • IT service delivery
Year two options
• human–computer interaction • Unix/Linux • Microsoft administration • IT essentials • interactive multimedia • network operating systems • foreign language
Year three
Year four core modules
• management of IS projects • professional development • management of IT services and security Choice of • advanced web applications or • security. Choice of • advanced databases or • data warehousing
Year four options
• designing and developing e-learning systems • knowledge management • architectures for enterprise applications • managing change • foreign language
Assessment
• examinations • coursework • group work • final year project
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
GCSE mathematics and English language at grade C or above, plus one of the following
• 240 points with at least 160 from two GCE/VCE A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. General studies and AS levels 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. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
2013 entry requirements
GCSE mathematics and English language at grade C or above, plus one of the following
• 240 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels in relevant subjects, or BTEC National qualifications including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. General studies and AS levels 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, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk