About your course
This course provides a practical alternative to Computer Science and Software Engineering with a less theoretical, more vocational approach to the subject. The course covers contemporary topics within the field of Computing and allows students to develop sound practical skills as well as acquiring theoretical knowledge.
- Links with over 450 local and national organisations, including Merseyside Police, Cheshire Police, EY, Experian, IBM, Eutechnyx and Intaforensics
- Opportunity to undertake a year's paid industrial placement
- Vocational course in Computing
- Combines Theory and Practice
- Covers Contemporary Topics in Computing
- State-of-the-art computing facilities with specialist computer forensics software
- Exciting career prospects
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
- Start month: September
- Campus location: City Campus
The course provides a good general purpose first degree in Computer Science and allows students to explore the subject and determine which specialization suits them best.
The course covers core subjects, such as Programming, Software Development, Information Systems Development and Systems Analysis and Design.
The core subjects provide the "backbone" to the programme and these are complemented by the three main themes, which are:
- Web Development
- Computer Networks
- Data Analytics
Students will study the core subjects and the three main themes at an introductory level during the first and second year. In the final year they will choose options based on the theme that best suits them
Other study options:
Professional accreditation/links
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Introduction to Programming
20 credits
In this module you are delivered programming and problem solving skills with no prior assumptions of programming experience. Given the importance of programming to computer science, this module will encourage you to study more specialised software development topics. You will gain an understanding of how software is developed and become familiar with a range of computer programming paradigms.
Networks and Web Development
20 credits
This module provides you with an understanding of modern Internet and web technologies. It will present the technologies underlying computer networking and the applications built on networks. These include interactive Web, development and social media technologies. This module enables you to:
Identify appropriate uses of web client-side technologies Convert user requirements into interactive web pages using modern tools and technologies Identify applications of Network/Internet protocols Describe various features of Computer Networks and the Internet's infrastructure.
Professional Practice
10 credits
This module provides you with an opportunity to consider your future role as a computing professional. The tutorials and workshops will be used to develop strategies that you can use, providing opportunities for you to understand the field of Computing in a more effective way. You will develop your understanding of professionalism in computing, of working in the computing industry, and of the ethical frameworks and codes of conduct for the computing industry.
Data Modelling
10 credits
The module develops your ability to model data in various differing scenarios. You are initially required to manipulate and present data in spreadsheet based applications. Then, you are required to solve problems using a data modelling methodology (e.g. entity relationship models/normalisation), ultimately leading towards the construction of database based applications.
Fundamentals of Information Systems
20 credits
This module introduces you to the concepts of information systems. You will examine the various hardware and software components of information systems whilst developing skills in designing and building information systems. Furthermore, you will develop your understanding of the planning and management of information systems whilst exploring their uses and impact.
Problem Solving for Computing
20 credits
This module will develop your skills in computational thinking that can be used to develop programs to solve subject specific problems. Practical exercises and problem solving activities will be related such that they lead to the development of a larger software implementation.
Level 5
Core modules
Group Project
20 credits
The module has two main purposes. First, you will be equipped with adequate research skills and experience of working on subject-related research topics, to lead into your final year project. Second, this module works to enhance your professionalism, including teamworking, which boosts employability and your awareness of what is expected in an employment scenario.
Computer Networks
20 credits
This module builds on your fundamental knowledge of Computer Networks and Data Communications, and develops more in depth knowledge of related concepts which will be underpinned by practical Lab work.
Information Systems Development
20 credits
This module enables you to explore the theories and practical application of systems analysis and design techniques with particular emphasis on object-oriented analysis and design and its role in software development.
Advanced Web Development
20 credits
This module provides you with the concepts, methods, techniques and experience to analyse, design and develop media rich interactive multi-tier Web-based applications. You will learn to develop the concepts of multi-tier web application development, including: server-side programming, database connectivity, and media rich client-side interface development. You will also be introduced to wider concepts of web applications such as: legal issues, serve hardware, and system optimisation.
Data Analytics
20 credits
This module allows you to explore statistical techniques through practical, hands-on data analysis. You will develop a theoretical knowledge of statistical skills to solve data science problems and display solutions to data science problems by applying statistical theory using appropriate software applications.
Optional modules
Sandwich Year - Computing
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.
Study Year Abroad - Computing
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Level 6
Core modules
Project
40 credits
This module presents you with the opportunity to complete a substantial project in a chosen area relevant to your programme. The scope of what is an appropriate artefact varies between programmes and you will discuss this with your programme teams. This module will enable you to use rigorous development or scientific methods to produce an artefact, resulting in an oral and written report.
Advanced Information Systems
20 credits
This module provides you with an understanding of the underlying technologies and concepts relating to advanced information systems. Formal theory will be introduced via lectures and practical knowledge will be acquired via practical labs and coursework.
Optional modules
Business Intelligence
20 credits
This is a practical module that generates analytical modelling experience, developing hands-on experience of business intelligence applications. You will learn to critically evaluate the technological and statistical options available for solving business problems, and to identify and apply appropriate statistical techniques and machine learning approaches to business problems using a suitable software application.
User Experience Design
20 credits
The aim of this module is to enhance your technical knowledge of systems development with an appreciation of the social-technical aspects of design. It covers the evolving area of User Experience (UX) design. This involves you using UX methods to design and prototype an interactive system and then validate your design against user requirements using UX evaluation techniques.
E-Commerce Systems
20 credits
This module aims to extend your abilities beyond web development to website "management" by exploring the use of analytics. This is to monitor user interactions with websites to both improve traffic to the site and increase the conversion of such visitors to customers. The module will provide you with the concepts, methods, techniques and practical experience in developing and managing e-commerce websites by using analytical data.
Network Defence
20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of computer security and network defence. Through critically assessing a variety of security technologies for protection of computer networks, you will develop practical skills in the use of security countermeasure technologies and associated tools.
Advanced Networking
20 credits
This module will examine advanced topics in computer networking and use case studies to help you develop an understanding. The module aims to develop and extend your ability to critically analyse state-of-the-art developments in networking.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Students are taught using a combination of lectures, tutorials, online activities and labs. Typically, teaching is in 3 hour blocks and it include a 1 hour lecture followed by 2 hours of lab activities. Students at level 4 and level 5 typically undertake approx. 15 hours of contact teaching per week. Students in the final year (level 6) have less contact hours per week, but more independent study.
Work-related Learning
Placement year is undertaken at the end of the second year of study. The placement provides invaluable experience within the subject field. Students who do no secure a placement go through directly to the final year. All students graduate with the same degree, whether or not they complete a placement year.
Work related learning is woven into a number of modules on the course.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
All students are assigned a personal tutor at the start of the course. The personal tutor stays with the students as they progress through the different years of the course. Personal tutors can provide academic support as well as pastoral care and help with wellbeing.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Students are assessed predominantly through coursework, although there are several exams for the more technical subjects. The ratio of coursework to exams is approximately 75:25. Most modules typically have two assessment components, which are either two courseworks or one coursework and an exam. Very few modules are assessed solely through exam.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Denis Reilly
Denis Reilly
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus. Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 112
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: BBC
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
BTECs
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D* if studied on its own or to the total of 112 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM if studied on its own or to the total of 112 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications
Access awards
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: 112 UCAS tariff points required
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 112 UCAS tariff points required
OCR Cambridge Technical
- Technical Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Foundation Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Introductory Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Subsidiary Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 112 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
T levels
- T Level requirements: 112 UCAS tariff points from relevant subjects. Please contact the Faculty for further information.
Alternative qualifications considered
Please contact the University if you have any questions regarding the relevance of your qualifications.
Additional requirements
-
Interview required
No interview required (UCAS application form only)
International requirements
-
IELTS
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
Further information
-
Reduced offer scheme
As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold of up to 16/8 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has been in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach initiatives, e.g. Summer University. Please contact the admission office for further details.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
We are looking for students who are keen to learn new skills and develop those they already possess. We want students with the ability to: be creative with ideas and concepts, moderate their creativity with logic, be enthusiastic and thirsty for knowledge, communicate effectively and confidently and understand and adapt to a wide range of issues connected with the subject.
It is also important that students are able to manage time and tasks effectively as an individual and as part of a team, use appropriate sources to find and organise information and select and critically evaluate information in order to analyse problems.If you would like to develop these skills further, have a strong interest in this subject area and want to work effectively within it, then this is the course for you.
International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.