Our Computer Science degree provides you with a balance of knowledge and skills to design and implement software systems to the high professional standards demanded by industry.

You will study object-oriented software design, learn systems development skills and how to apply them in practice. This will form the basis for a career as a professional software developer who can work effectively on a wide range of computing platforms.

The course is designed to equip you for a career at the cutting edge of developments in software and information technologies. There is a strong emphasis on programming modern computing platforms, ranging from embedded systems through industry-standard PCs to highly distributed systems.

The programme aims to provide you with a balance of knowledge and skills to design and implement software, as well as hardware, systems to a professional standard. It is designed to equip you for a career at the cutting edge of developments in software and information technologies.

Year 1

Your first year will introduce you to the creative, practical and intellectual skills you will need as a computing professional. You will learn skills in problem solving and modelling in a computing environment, skills in collaborating with others as part of a team, skills in software design and development and an understanding of how information technology is used in industry and commerce.

Year 2

This year you will study modules that cover a wide range of topics including object-oriented programming, database systems, the principles of data networking and micro-electronic devices. You will also learn about the professional aspects of IT, and how to design around the user experience, and gain an understanding of how IT helps modern businesses achieve mission critical goals.

Year 3 (industrial placement)

A key feature of this course is its year-long, paid industrial placement option.

Year 4

The core of this year focuses on studying the principles of knowledge engineering, operating systems, advanced programming and networking techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on familiarisation with modern technological developments in the field of computing, such as virtualisation of resources, parallelisation of processing, cloud and grid computing. Many of the activities are done in the context of projects, which develop your skills in project management and team working, as well as critical problem solving skills in IT systems analysis and design.

Year 5

The Honours year provides you with the opportunity to specialise and focus on areas of special interest, as well as gain skills in developing software systems that are smart, scalable and efficient. The Honours Individual Project is a major feature of this year, and it gives you an opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt in the course to a large, self-directed project.

SQA Higher: BBCC/BBB and two further passes (normally to include Maths and English) at Standard Grade.

GCE A Level: BB/CCC and three further passes (normally to include Maths and English) at GCSE. See also Entry to year 2 with GCE A Levels.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: B2B2C1C1/B2B2B2 and two further passes (normally to include Maths and English) at Ordinary Level.

IB Diploma 26 to include a pass in Standard Level Maths.

Alternative Qualifications Equivalent qualifications, e.g. SQA, BTEC, S/NVQs, overseas qualifications and access programmes will be considered on an individual basis. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience are welcomed.

Advanced Entry

The School of Computing and Digital Media welcomes applications from students with relevant HN qualifications or similar diplomas for consideration for advanced entry to selected courses. Overseas applicants with appropriate diplomas/advanced diplomas are also welcome to apply for advanced entry to selected courses.

Entry to Year 2 with GCE A Levels

 Applicants who are currently studying GCE A Levels, or who have previously successfully completed this qualification, may be eligible for entry to Year 2 of one of the Computing courses offered by the School of Computing Science and Digital Media provided certain conditions are met. The School is able to offer entry to Year 2 of the BSc(Hons) Computer Science (UCAS Code G400)  to any applicant who meets all the following conditions:

1.  GCE A Levels at AB/BBC/ACC, to include Computing and Mathematics.
2.  Three further passes at GCSE to include English
3.  The applicant must attend and pass a 2-week Access Course in Java Programming run by the School of Computing Science and Digital Media prior to the start of the main academic session in September. 

Applicants who wish more information about these options should contact the Admissions Tutor for the School of Computing (Mrs S Hodgson) on 01224 - 262784 or by email at s.hodgson@rgu.ac.uk

* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.

Placement 

A key feature of this course is its year-long, paid industrial placement option in year 3, which will provide you with invaluable industrial experience and will help you to focus your career goals. Placements have been carried out at high profile companies like BT and IBM, as well as with smaller local software houses and IT support providers. We have also had successful overseas placements with companies in France, Norway, USA, Canada and Japan.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, so successful graduates can apply for membership of the Society, providing valuable additional professional recognition.

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

• England http://www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk/
• Wales http://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/
• Northern Ireland http://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/

Scholarships

• Information on Computing Scholarships

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change. Published fees apply to the course's mode of delivery.

All applicants must apply online at www.ucas.com/apply.

Once you register and create your username and password you are guided through the process of applying. After submission, log in to your UCAS Track account and you can see the progress of your application, view your offers and respond to them.

This course provides you with a range of technical and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a variety of careers at the leading edge of computing. Our collaboration with industry and the industrial placement scheme will provide you with the opportunity to be involved in new developments in the very dynamic and fast-moving IT industry. Graduates from this course are highly sought after by a range of employers, including software houses, computer and electronic equipment suppliers and manufacturers and IT service providers for business and industry. As a graduate of the course you could find employment developing software applications for industry, providing, managing and supporting the range IT services required by industry.