UWTSD Home - Study With Us - Undergraduate Courses - Applied Computing (BSc, HND, HNC, Foundation Entry)
The IT sector offers careers across a wide range of computing disciplines, including software engineering, data management, AI, networking, cyber security, user experience and web technologies. Studying this programme, you will develop a broad range of technical skills related to applied computing. The course includes opportunities to study technologies used across the computing sector.
A significant emphasis is placed on data management and the implementation of applications for manipulating information, including database systems and web applications. Additionally, as a graduate of this programme, you will have learned skills to equip you to lead teams and manage projects.
We recognise that students may not yet have identified an area of interest and instead wish to study a variety of subjects before focusing on a preferred theme. The Applied Computing programme on our Swansea campus has been developed to satisfy this need - with the programme offering an extensive selection of optional subjects underpinned by a foundation of core modules, experienced tutors will guide you in selecting modules related to your chosen specialism.
We also offer entry to all of our Swansea-based degree programmes via our Foundation Year as part of our Widening Access commitment. This is an entry route for students seeking a career change or for those needing to update their skills in order to meet the entry requirements.
Applied Computing
BSc (Hons) | 3 Year Degree Programme (Levels 4 to 6)
UCAS Code: AC01
Apply via UCAS
BSc (Hons) | 4 Year Programme with Foundation Entry (Levels 3 to 6)
UCAS Code: AC02
Apply via UCAS
HND | 2 Year Programme (Levels 4 to 5)
UCAS Code: AC08
Apply via UCAS
HNC | 1 Year Programme
UCAS Code: AC09
Apply via UCAS
Full-time applicants who wish to start in September should apply through UCAS. Part-time applicants, or applicants who wish to start in May/January, should apply through the University.
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Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year
Why choose this course?
- This degree scheme is designed to produce suitably equipped graduates to work in the rapidly expanding computing and information systems industry within the UK.
- The programme includes the traditional concepts, principles and techniques of software development, databases and information systems but applies these within the context of engineering large and complex systems.
- Through our industrial links, we have also developed a program structure to provide students with the latest skills along with an appreciation of the demands of industry.
- This course is designed to give the student the most flexibility in choosing modules that meet their own personal goals. This approach gives students a greater opportunity to develop skills most closely aligned to their own industry experience and needs.
- Graduates would seek positions in application development, business systems analysis, database development and administration, information systems consultancy and management etc.
What you will learn
The enormous growth of the Internet, the proliferation of computer networks, programmable devices and information systems in various forms and the highly accelerated rate of change ensures a continuing requirement for employees with contemporary computing related skills and qualifications.
The Internet, in particular, is a major technological revolution that is having and will continue to have an enormous impact on society. The radical, transformational change that has been observed in the arena of computing and organisations’ dependence on technology for competitive advantage are compelling reasons to incorporate new ideas, paradigms and technologies into computing related programmes.
In the first year, you will study a broad range of subjects common to several courses within the Computing Portfolio. These provide the underpinning required for later years and allow flexibility in choosing modules that meet student’s own personal goals. This approach gives a greater opportunity to develop skills most closely aligned to the student’s own industrial experience and needs. In the final year, you will undertake a major project which provides a focus for your studies.
The expertise and skills you develop from engineering software solutions as part of a team is highly regarded by employers.
Foundation Year
- Academic Skills (20 credits; compulsory)
- Analysing and Solving Problems (20 credits; compulsory)
- Integrating Project (20 credits; compulsory)
- Introduction to Computer Programming (20 credits; compulsory)
- Introduction to Computer Systems (20 credits; compulsory)
- Introduction to Mathematics and Science (20 credits; compulsory).
Year One – Level 4 (HNC, HND & BSc)
- Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (20 credits; compulsory)
- Data Analysis and Visualisation (20 credits; optional)
- Introduction to Web and Database Concepts (20 credits; compulsory)
- Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
- Mathematics (20 credits; optional)
- Networks and Cyber Security Essentials (20 credits; compulsory)
- Software Development (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Two – Level 5 (HND & BSc)
- Advanced Networking (20 credits; optional)
- Advanced Software Development (20 credits; optional)
- Changemakers: Creativity and Value Creation (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
- Cloud Computing Architecture (20 credits; optional)
- Computer Forensics (20 credits; optional)
- Data Security and Compliance (20 credits; compulsory)
- Databases and Application Development (20 credits; optional)
- Games Architecture and Mechanics (20 credits; optional)
- Geographical Information Systems (20 credits; optional)
- Indie Game Development (20 credits; optional)
- Network Operating Systems and Services (20 credits; compulsory)
- Network Programmability (20 credits; optional)
- Object Oriented Programming and Algorithms (20 credits; optional)
- Software Engineering Principles and Testing (20 credits; optional)
- Statistical Programming (20 credits; optional)
- Web and Mobile Technologies (20 credits; optional).
Year Three – Level 6 (BSc)
- Advanced Cyber Security (20 credits; optional)
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 credits; optional)
- Cloud Computing Administration (20 credits; optional)
- Cloud-Based Web Services (20 credits; optional)
- Data Warehousing and Data Mining (20 credits; optional)
- Emerging Trends (20 credits; compulsory / optional (PT))
- Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation (20 credits; Optional)
- GPU Programming (20 credits; optional)
- Graphics and Games Programming (20 credits; optional)
- Independent Project (40 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
- Industrial Based Research (20 credits; optional (PT))
- Socket Programming and Concurrency (20 credits; optional)
- Software Engineering Principles and Practice (20 credits; optional)
- Switching, Routing and Wireless (20 credits; optional)
- Usability Engineering (20 credits; optional).
The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of computing and information systems development. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of worksheets, practicals, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework.
The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving.
- Find out more about the Graduate Attributes Framework
Related Links
Key Information
BSc (Hons) Applied Computing - 3 Years Full-Time - UCAS CODE: AC01
104 UCAS tariff points (previously 260) to include:
- Two C grades at A-Level/AVCE; or
- BTEC National Diploma grades Pass, Pass, Pass; or
- BTEC National Certificate grades Merit, Pass; or
- NVQ Level 3 - Pass
Please note that subjects at Advanced Level should/may include ICT, Computing, Maths, Physics or similar. GCSE Maths grade C or above is preferred.
For Foundation Year entry, see below
HND Computing - 2 Years Full-Time - UCAS CODE AC08
48 UCAS tariff points (previously 120)
HNC Computing - UCAS CODE AC09
40 UCAS tariff points (previously 100)
Grades are important; however, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We are interested in creative people that demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen subject area and therefore we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. To assess student suitability for their chosen course we normally arrange interviews for all applicants at which your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered as well as your qualifications.
Foundation Entry:
BSc (Hons) | 4 Year Programme with Foundation Entry (Levels 3 to 6)
UCAS Code: AC02 Apply via UCAS
Other:
Applications from those offering alternative qualifications are welcome. Please contact computing@uwtsd.ac.uk for more information.
Our graduates have excellent employment prospects in the computing, teaching, lecturing and ICT industry, as well as in other areas of the economy. Recent statistics show that the vast majority are following their chosen career paths within six months of graduating.
Graduates would seek positions in application development, business systems analysis, database development and administration, information systems consultancy and management, etc.
It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Independent Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved.
Paul Roderick MSc Applied Computing
I enjoyed everything about the course and will miss John Rees the most.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information
