Why you should study this course
Study this Computing course at Coventry and you have the chance not only to examine the core elements of computer science, but also to explore and apply what you learn, tackling contemporary issues such as ‘Big Data’ and big data analytics, while developing real products as you would in industry.
Our practical approach to the teaching of computing subjects combines Activity-Led Learning, collaborative technical projects, and simulation of real-world problems.
Our course is constantly evolving to meet the advances of the vibrant field it represents. You will be taught by current staff who are active in internationally rated research in fields such as web development, pervasive computing, artificial intelligence, distributed systems, and computing for the creative industries. Please note staff are subject to change.
The curriculum has been designed to produce computing specialists with skills in areas such as systems analysis and design, programming, web development, databases, mobile application development and user centred design. Throughout your studies, we will encourage you to use state-of-the-art technologies to develop an industry-relevant personal portfolio of work.
By the time you graduate, you should be fully equipped to move on to your professional careers, continue your studies or move on to research.
What you'll study
Year one
The first year of study covers the fundamentals of computing and computer principles including programming, computer architecture, databases, mathematics, networks, and software design.
Modules
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Programming and Algorithms - 20 credits
This module introduces the fundamentals of computer programming and algorithm construction that will underpin the technical and theoretical content of undergraduate degree courses based within the discipline of Computing.
Compulsory
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Software Design - 20 credits
The purpose of this module is to equip students with the concepts of software-based systems development and principles of software design used by industry. It provides a practical guide to the software development process with associated tools and techniques.
Compulsory
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Mathematics For Computer Science - 20 credits
Logic and sets provide the mathematical basis on which much of Computer Science relies. This module provides an introduction to the basic notions of logic and sets, and then builds on that by applying these ideas to a variety of problems arising in discrete mathematics, showing applications in Computing.
Compulsory
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Object Oriented Programming – 20 credits
This module builds upon and develops the fundamental computer programming skills previously gained. A new programming language with direct memory access will be introduced and the syntax for control structures met already will be covered.
Compulsory
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Computer Architecture and Networks – 20 credits
This module will provide students with a broad overview of computer architecture, such that they will be able to explain the structure, characteristics, performance and interactions of fundamental components of a computer.
Compulsory
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Database Systems - 10 credits
This module provides insight and understanding of how data can be modelled, stored and accessed for use in the real-world.
Compulsory
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Computer Science Activity Led Learning Project 1 – 0 credits
This module hosts the first Activity Led Learning (ALL) Project for the BSc Computer Science course. Students are placed into groups and set a project related to their chosen course which requires skills and knowledge presented and developed in the other modules studied in the semester.
Compulsory
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Computer Science Activity Led Learning Project 2 – 0 credits
This module hosts the second Activity Led Learning (ALL) Project for the BSc Computer Science course. Students are placed into groups and set a project related to their chosen course which requires skills and knowledge presented and developed in the other modules studied in the semester.
Compulsory
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Add+vantage – 10 credits
You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.
Compulsory
Assessment: Coursework and exam
Year Two
The second year of study offers more advanced work on web development, programming, software development, and data science; and includes legal and ethical issues in computing as well as basics of UX (user experience design). The second year also allows you to carry out an extensive project to an industrial brief.
Modules
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Web Development - 20 credits
The module introduces basic concepts in networked application implementation, as well as a range of key contemporary web technologies. It will enable students to deliver interactive, dynamic websites.
Compulsory
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Programming For Developers - 20 credits
This module builds on the concepts and principles outlined in the programming modules in year 1, providing you with additional insight into programming techniques. Operations upon more complex data structures, such as trees and graphs, will be introduced and developed within a practical context.
Compulsory
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Software Development - 20 credits
This module builds on the Year 1 Software Design module, offering development opportunities at a higher level, as well as teaching processes and techniques associated with software engineering.
Compulsory
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People And Computing - 10 credits
This module covers fundamentals in usability, computer law, and professional ethics. The focus is on how people’s use of computing can be made effective and useful as well as legal and ethical.
Compulsory
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Enterprise Project - 20 credits
This module aims to provide integrative course-based assessment whilst providing you with experience of responding to an industrial brief, drawn directly, or derived from, our industrial partners.
Compulsory
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Data Science for Developers - 20 credits
This module provides an insight into how data and information retrieval systems are designed. It aims to provide an introductory study of database concepts, theory and design aimed at practical use of database and information retrieval tools and techniques.
Compulsory
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Add+vantage Module – 10 credits
You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.
Compulsory
Assessment: Coursework and exam
Following your second year, you will have an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution.
If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Professional Training module or the Study Abroad module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.
Students opting for either the Professional Training or Study Abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.
Final year
In your final year, you can select two optional modules from a range of technical computing disciplines, giving you the opportunity to specialise in topics, such as open-source software development. This will enable you to shape your learning to your career aspirations and allow you to study topics you are interested in. You will also have the opportunity to work on an individual final-year project, or on a group final-year project with your peers at an international partner institution.
Modules
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Individual Project Preparation or Group-based Project Preparation – 10 credits
The aim of this module is to prepare you for your individual or group project, including topic selection, supervisor allocation, project planning, literature review and completion of the Coventry University Ethics process.
Compulsory
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Web API Development – 20 credits
This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create your own API for use in web applications using the latest technologies and featuring an interactive web client.
Compulsory
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User Experience (UX) Design – 20 credits
The module will allow you to focus on the creation of graphical user interfaces, from simple prototyping through to coded product.
Compulsory
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Individual Project or Group-based Project – 20 credits
The aim of this second module is for you to build on your previous project preparation module and conduct development, reach relevant and useful conclusions in its evaluation, and communicate these in a professional academic report.
Compulsory
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Security – 20 credits
This module introduces you to the concepts and practical considerations of creating and evaluating secure computer systems.
Compulsory
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Add+vantage – 10 credits
You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.
Compulsory
Assessment: Coursework and exam
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Optional modules (1 of 2)
Mobile Application Development – 20 credits
This module will enable you to use development kits to build applications for mobile platforms.
Open-Source Development – 20 credits
In this module, you will be working with the concepts, practices, and tools of open-source development. Through lectures and practical work involving code from real world open-source projects/organisations, you should gain experience with common tools used for version control in development teams.
Compulsory
