Next start date: September 2013
Why choose this course?
Computing is a rapidly advancing industry that is radically changing the way we live. There is an established need for a new generation of computing professionals that can adapt to these changes and develop the software solutions of the future.
This course provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter a rewarding career in the computing industry, irrespective of your prior computing and programming experience. Our Computing degree course is amongst the best programmes of its kind, and when you graduate you will be well equipped to develop the software and network systems that industry is looking for.
What you study
All SECAM programmes share the same common first 2 years. This ensures that SECAM graduates experience a solid foundation of broad technical knowledge. At the end of Year 2, students will be invited to choose to either continue on their initial degree programme or to change to any of the other programmes offered by SECAM. We feel it is very important that our students are empowered to be able to choose the degree programmes that are most appropriate for their ambitions and goals and we recognise that those may change during your studies with us.
All of our degree programmes have been re-designed to allow direct entry into Years 2, 3 and 4 for suitably qualified students. Students will be considered on an individual basis.
An indicative list of topics that you will study for Computing is shown below:
Year 1
Design and experimentation; introductory programming; security of computer networks; computers and the computing environment; along with practical sessions that will give you a flavour of: problem solving with gadgets; programming projects; experiments in interaction; networking; mathematics; logic; internet; security; professional, social and ethical issues; design and digital media.
Year 2
Computer and communications technology; data design and organisation; objects and modelling; dynamic internet systems; individual project; plus optional modules (choose 3 from 5): applied mathematics and modelling; engineering design; design and digital media; computing; security.
Year 3
Core modules include: computer science; mobile device programming; server-side web development; group project. Optional modules include: information architecture; securing internet applications; mobile phone technology; software engineering; cloud computing and mobile devices; intelligent systems
Year 4
Core modules include: enterprise internet development; seminar programme; research methods and project scoping; individual honours project. Optional modules include: visualisation and modelling; applied artificial intelligence; languages and compilers; semantic web.
Computing is no longer restricted to desktop computers and business environments, but has become an integral part of the way we live. Unlike traditional Computer Science degrees, you will not simply be taught strict theoretical programming. This degree will allow you hands on, practical experience in developing for a range of computing platforms through a variety of languages. This will not only enable you to create applications, but will enable you to think like a programmer. You will develop an understanding of how these languages and devices are different and how these differences provide new benefits to the users and new markets for commercial software.
No prior technical or computing knowledge is assumed for entry into Year 1. Through your time at Abertay you will become a creative programmer who can adapt their skills to cutting edge technologies. You will be taught a lot, but through your experiences on the course, your interactions with the staff and other students, you will gain the ability to learn much more. You can then carry this ability to quickly apply, adapt and learn into your future career.
How you learn
You will spend between 12 and 16 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and computing lab-based practical activities. Lectures are used to present the key concepts, theories and techniques throughout the course. Tutorials and lab-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence and confidence in technological and theoretical work. During the course you will also participate in team-based activities including a group project in year 3 where you will specify, plan and implement a software product.
How you are assessed
In all years there is a mixture of coursework, project, class test and closed-book examinations; each module being assessed by the most appropriate assessment mode for the topic being studied. In year 4, 50% of your final Honours grade will be assessed by the research, planning, development, documentation and presentation activities undertaken in an individual project.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
Higher BBBB; A Level CCC; ILC (H) BBBBB
Essential subjects:
Students studying SQA Highers or ILC (H) should have a literate subject (e.g. English or History) AND a technical subject (e.g. Computing, Maths or Physics).
Students studying A Levels should have a technical subject (e.g. Computing, Maths or Physics).
Advanced entry (year 2)
Advanced Higher or A Level: ABB (to include grade A in Computing)
Advanced entry (year 3)
HND in Computing (Software Development). You will be required to have studied Java or C#. If you are currently at college, please also refer to our Coming from college page.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Alternative Qualifications
Applications are generally assessed on the basis of standard school leaving qualifications such as SQA Highers or GCE A Levels. For those with alternative qualifications, consideration is given to professional qualifications or other forms of formal academic learning as well as experience gained that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses such as the University's AHEAD programme, or those offered by further education colleges (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Career prospects
As reported by the BBC (10th Sept 2012), the Scottish IT sector has been creating 7,000 jobs a year but last year only 1,500 students graduated in computing. Demand is outstripping supply. There is a constant demand for graduates who can show proven ability to design, build and support software systems and develop computer applications that are effective, motivational and contribute to a company’s or organisation’s success.
Graduates from this course have gone on to work for a wide range of organisations in industry, government, entertainment and educational sectors. Graduates are also extremely well equipped to enter further postgraduate study. Our graduates have found work in a range of industries and organisations from large multinationals like BT, Logica, NCR and Nokia to smaller local companies. They are employed for example as software developers, web designers, IT consultants and systems designers. This wide range shows the flexibility of our graduates in this ever-changing field.
Want to know more?
Programme Tutor: Dr. John Isaacs
Admissions Tutor: Dr. Petra Leimich
Tel: +44 (0) 1382 308600
email: secam@abertay.ac.uk
Text: +44 (0) 7800 002195
| Fee Category | September 2013 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£1820 per year. Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£10250 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
