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Course Details

EQF/MQF Level

Level 6

ECTS Credits

60 ECTS

Duration of Study Programme

1-2 Academic Years

Awarding Body

University of Hertfordshire

Intakes

October & January

Malta/EU Price

€7,200

Course description

The Computer Science programme aims at providing you with opportunities to develop specific in-depth technical abilities and skills that are relevant to the design, development and management of computing-based systems that support information handling and decision making, and to develop a broad understanding of, and practical abilities in, a range of computing disciplines.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • develop a range of cognitive abilities relevant to the design, development and evaluation of programmed solutions to problems;
  • develop a range of practical skills relevant to the design, development and evaluation of programmed solutions to problems;
  • develop a range of transferable skills including communication, logical presentation of ideas and arguments, and independent and team working; and practice these skills within the context of their studies;
  • recognise and begin to appreciate the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the application of your knowledge and skills to a range of problems;
  • encounter a broad range of activities drawn from a variety of problem domains.
  • develop specific in depth technical abilities and skills that are relevant to the design, development and management of computational systems;
  • develop a broad understanding of, and practical abilities in, a range of computing disciplines.

What you will study

You will study modules such as:

Programming and Software Engineering Practice

  • This module develops understanding of object-oriented technology in the analysis and design of software systems. Real-world problems are analysed and modelled in an object-oriented way, experience is gained in translating such models into executable systems. The module explores design concepts such as abstraction, encapsulation and inheritance. The module considers how these design concepts can improve software quality, and how typical implementations of these concepts can be captured and reused by using design patterns. The module also extends understanding and experience of software engineering practice. It offers exposure to the development and evolution of software, developing practical software engineering knowledge and skills.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explore object-oriented concepts, their realization in programming languages, and use in the design and architecture of software systems, using current and emerging technologies.
  • Develop practical skills in the use of a variety of object-oriented techniques.
  • Apply and critically evaluate object-oriented design techniques to the development of software systems.
  • Apply a range of advanced software engineering practices.
  • Extend understanding of the practical implications of technical context on the application of software engineering processes and practices.

Project Planning

  • This module provides preparation for the BSc Project. The module covers: Defining and gauging the suitability of a personal project to address a complex problem; Setting individual targets and goals relevant to the undertaking of the project; Determining ethical, professional and social considerations related to project design, implementation and delivery; Developing self-evaluation skills to support self-analysis of learning, skill acquisition and performance; Understanding particular models and methods used to initiate, plan, report on and manage complex technical projects.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Plan for the undertake of a complex individual project.
  • Understand the purpose of the project as an academic exercise based around the creation of a practical artefact.
  • Be prepared for the writing of a substantial technical dissertation.

Computer Science Project

  • This module is almost exclusively self-directed study. The actual academic content is defined by the topic chosen by the student.This module leads on from the Project Planning module. The Project Planning module will have developed many of the skills needed to undertake the BSc Project, including preparatory learning activities on identifying a suitable project idea. The Project module provides an individually designed programme of study based around the principles of the chosen degree title. This programme of study should reflect a solution to a problem of the student’s devising.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Devise a complex individual project answering a real-world problem, based on and underpinned by Computer Science principles.
  • Plan, undertake and evaluate a practical solution to an identified problem, designed to extend and deepen their knowledge of subject areas relevant to their studies.
  • Plan, produce and refine a significant technical report describing and reflecting upon the programme of work undertaken to solve a real-world problem.

Choose one from the following:

Computer Systems Security

  • This module provides a description of computer security techniques and mechanisms and the underlying design trade-offs. Furthermore, it discusses risk and threat methods and methodologies.The module covers cryptographic tools, access controls and techniques for equipping students to scope, manage and conduct a penetration test.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Have a systematic understanding of advanced principles in computer security
  • Provide solutions to cyber security problems in the modern socially-driven, knowledge-based, virtual computing era

Mobile Computing

  • This module examines mobile development and the issues around programming for a mobile device, understood here as a phone, tablet, or wearable computational hardware. In terms of programming this might involve: Novel forms of input: accelerometry or GPS reading; Understanding gesture: swiping, pinching, long- press; Context awareness: battery level, light level, nearby sensors or devices; Mobile usability: developing for small screens with restricted space; Connectedness: interfacing with web services; Publishing apps on dedicated app stores.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Focus on key issues pertaining to the design and development of mobile applications

Choose one from the following:

Data Mining and Visualisation

  • Data Mining is an analytic process for discovering hidden knowledge, unexpected patterns and new rules from large datasets. The major tasks for data mining include association rule mining, classification, cluster analysis and anomaly detection. There are various algorithms for each of these tasks. In general, data mining techniques are used in organisations which collect data. Potential applications include market analysis and management (target marketing, customer relation management, market basket analysis, cross selling, market segmentation), risk analysis and management (forecasting, customer retention, quality control, competitive analysis), fraud detection and management, text mining (news group, email, documents) and web analysis, etc.
    Data visualisation is about designing ways of presenting and effective interaction with data. Potential applications of data visualisation include market data, media and web data, and scientific data. Data visualisation often works with the results of data mining, to present the knowledge, patterns and rules uncovered from a dataset.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explore concepts, techniques and applications of data mining.
  • Explore different data visualisation techniques and explain the benefits and limitations of different techniques.

Quantum Computing

  • Quantum Information Processing is an extremely active research area exploiting fundamental quantum phenomena in new applications from computation, secure data communication and information processing. A major paradigm shift, the area is of significant interest and potential benefit to both computer and physical scientists. This module will be theoretical in nature, exploring concepts and applications from the area of Quantum Information Processing with an emphasis on Quantum Computing. Content will vary according to current research directions.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Appreciate the fundamental principles involved in Quantum Computing (QC) and how issues and concerns in classical computing are modified when extended to QC
  • acquire a framework for understanding the concepts involved in QC and to appreciate the importance and limitations of these techniques.

User Experience Design

  • This module explores the body of knowledge underpinning the field of User Experience, including how factors such as system, user and the context of use influence the user experience.  User Experience is a very broad domain, encompassing many different fields of study. For us in this module, much of the work will focus on concepts and techniques that can be applied to the design of user interfaces and implementation of software prototypes. Furthermore, it will explore methodologies that can be used in evaluating User Experience designs.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop a critical understanding of the body of knowledge pertaining to the field of User Experience
  • Identify and select appropriate techniques and methodologies, and apply these, to the design, analysis and evaluation of User Experience work

How you will learn

You will study at your own choice of time and place, saving on travel and accommodation costs and fitting in with your other commitments.

Our programmes begin on specific dates, you study as a small group and there are deadlines for coursework assignments and a fixed 24-hour period for tests. This way you combine the flexibility of distance learning with the self-discipline and community spirit of conventional tuition. Our students come from all over the world so you will have a great opportunity to gain first-hand experience of global networking.

You will use the Internet for learning: to access course information, to communicate with others, and to transmit completed assignments for marking. We take advantage of technologies to provide faster and more effective communication and to deliver much richer learning materials than is normally possible with other forms of learning.

Method of Assessment

Modules are assessed by combination of coursework (including essay, design, development of software artifact, technical report, academic report, live presentation, peer review, team work, video log, live demonstration, viva) and tests. The dates of assignment submission and tests are fixed.

The tests are available for a fixed period of time, usually 24-hours, to ensure all students can find a convenient opportunity to complete them within that period. If you cannot meet the assignment deadlines or test dates, you must inform the Module Leader in advance of the deadlines to get appropriate advice.

Entry requirements

  • Edexcel BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing and Systems Development; OR
  • HND or Foundation degree in a computing subject from a UK Institution;
  • For students whose first language is not English, competence in English must be demonstrated through an overall IELTS score of 6.0, or equivalent qualification

Students should produce copies of certificates, full CV in EuroFormat and passport-size photo.

Fees & funding

Current Fees

Full-time Part-time
Malta/EU €7,200 €7,200

Get Qualified

Refund through Get Qualified Scheme: €5,040*

Net Amount: €2,160*

*Terms and Conditions Apply

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