Computing - Application Software Development

You will learn to protect internet systems and design applications with the needs of end-users in mind. In third year you will focus on developing your technical analysis and development skills applied to a range of target platforms. You’ll develop applications for a range of browsers, operating systems and devices, and learn skills in modern web development and software for mobile devices.

The Honours year provides you with knowledge and skills in more advanced areas of modern computing.

Topics such as Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Data Visualisation will allow you to develop sophisticated software, while topics such as Enterprise Systems and Web Security introduce real-world techniques in modern computing.

The individual project is a major feature of the final year, and will give you an opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the course to a large, self-directed project in an area of special interest to you.

Graduate Story

Read one of our Graduate Stories to find out more about the course:

Learning Methods

Many activities are done in the context of projects to develop important skills in project management and team-working; to extend programming and problem-solving skills, and make sure that your software applications meet the real needs of users and business organisations.

You’ll use the latest computer hardware and software, with extensive use of technology-assisted learning. Lectures and practical sessions are undertaken with class sizes of around 40 however we also use a two to three-hour integrated teaching approach where you have short periods of instruction followed by lab exercises to contextualise the topic.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 40 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1 - 4 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Demonstration - 40 students per group, 8 hours per week 

How long is a BSc (Hons) Computing - Application Software Development course?

The Computing - Application Software Development degree can be completed over:

• 2 years
• 2 years + 1 year placement

Independent Study

Independent study allows you to engage fully with the wider context of the subject being taught in supervised classes. It allows you to fully cement what has already been taught and be fully prepared for the next session. Independent study should amount to around 3 hours a week per module.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our staff members feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union. Recently we have been awarded two Lecturer of the Year awards and an award for Continued Excellence.

Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers, visiting Distinguished Researchers, library staff and industry experts and postgraduate researchers.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each term:

• Two Written Exams. Average time of exam three hours
• Two Project Outputs
• Two Reports
• One Dissertation
• One Practical skills assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Optional, paid, 3-month (summer) or 12-month placements can be undertaken in this course. You will be supported by a dedicated Placements Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement module and be assigned a Placement Supervisor who will carry out regular visits to your placement provider and meet with you and your employer. The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate.

Please note, placements are not guaranteed.

Job Prospects

There is a constant industry demand for graduates who have the ability to build robust usable software applications in the global digital market. You will have the user design and security knowledge, and the proficiency in the tools and technologies needed to develop accessible, interactive solutions for your clients. In addition to these skills, you will also have learned about ethics – so you’ll have an excellent skill-set for any employer.

Is Computing - Application Software Development a good career choice?

Previous BSc Computing - Application Software Development graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Data Scientist
• Software Developer
• Digital Health Developer

As a graduate of the course you could find employment in a variety of areas that take advantage of recent advances in communication and information technologies. These include building and servicing information-rich applications using interactive media for mobile devices, developing secure internet and intranet technologies to provide enterprise-wide services, and developing smart database and e-commerce systems.

What is needed for a BSc (Hons) Computing - Application Software Development degree?

• This course does not have a year 1 or 2 as the requirements are an HND Computing: Software Development or a similar Computing with Software Development diploma award.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

 A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £50 for materials