How To Apply
UCP BSc (Hons) Computer Science

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

GGCS
P56
TBC
The Open University
course overview

This new degree includes developments such as embedding Cisco CCNA networking qualifications into the course through specialist industry related modules.

It will introduce a new Cloud Computing module where students will learn how to set up and manage Amazon AWS Cloud services. There are cyber security options, such as Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensics plus the software development provision meets the demands of employers by creating employer ready graduates.

This course offers flexibility with 20 optional modules to choose from. It is ideal if you are looking for a wide range of computing skills from web development with JavaScript, React and PHP, Python and C# programming and mobile app development with Kotlin. You will develop cyber security and database management skills and have the option to study specialised subjects such as Cisco network engineering, AI with Machine Learning and Big Data Mining.

Students undertaking the Networking options will have free access to NetAcad, which is Cisco’s VLE, and will be eligible to receive 50% discount vouchers to optionally undertake the official Cisco examinations.

The course is designed with modules to promote your professional growth and personal development. You will be encouraged to acquire key practical skills to help you build a broad base and deep knowledge of computing. This will allow you to make informed choices when developing specialist in-depth knowledge in your preferred areas.

Employability is a key focus with guest speakers, case studies, vocational assignment scenarios and modules which have been developed alongside employers.

Students will be able to take part in events such as the Global Day of Code and Agile Peterborough meet-ups, along with regular sessions for meeting professionals and build working relationships.

The Undergraduate Research Project is your chance to develop expertise in a subject of your choice, which can form the centre-piece for your portfolio ready for future interviews and will be demonstrated to industry professionals at our annual exhibition. Previous projects include AI driven computer vision apps, VR computer games, drone applications and Raspberry Pi based systems such as digital weather stations.

The courses at University Centre Peterborough are studied in smaller class sizes compared with other universities, a typical class size is under 30 students.

This qualification is awarded by The Open University and delivered by University Centre Peterborough.

Download Course Specification

If you are applying to start in September 2023, you must meet the following entry requirements:

5 GCSE grades C/4 or above, including English, Maths and Science and 88 UCAS points, which should be from a related subject in one of the following:

  • A Levels
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
  • IB Diploma
  • Access to HE
  • Related work experience
  • Overseas qualifications are judged to be equivalent to the above

Students who do not qualify by any o these qualifications may be offered an interview to discuss equivelant qualifications and previous experience.
We accept A Level General Studies and AS levels when combined with other full qualifications.
If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS score of 6.0 or above or an equivalent English Language qualification.

If you have completed the FdSc Computer Science at UCP or HND Computing at Stamford you can start Level 6 of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree to obtain a full honours degree.

Mature students or students who do not have the above qualifications can contact our admissions team on 01733 214466 or admissions@ucp.ac.uk to discuss equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

EU STUDENTS AND OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS

We can accept a wide range of overseas qualifications and use UK NARIC to compare qualifications. For advice about overseas qualification conversion call the Admissions Office on 01733 214466 or email admissions@ucp.ac.uk.

UCAS TARIFF

To find out more about UCAS tariff points and how they work, visit ucas.com/tariff-calculator.

We accept a wide range of qualifications such as A-levels (you must have grades for at least two A-levels), BTEC, Cambridge Technicals, International Baccalaureate (IB), NVQ Level 3, Access to Higher Education and Scottish Advanced Highers.

The tariff points for qualifications can be added and combined together (e.g. A-levels plus BTECs).

The UCAS points for A-level General Studies, AS-levels and the EQP (Extended Project Qualification) are accepted when combined with other full qualifications.

ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR CERTIFICATED LEARNING (APCL) FOR ENTRY

APCL relates to learning completed through an earlier course of study. If you have previously completed a course which is relevant to your proposed course you should make this clear when you apply. For this to be eligible for consideration you must be able to provide certification, which shows your success in a final assessment for that course. Learning must be completed in the last five years or further evidence of updating will be required. Simple participation in a course or an attendance certificate is not sufficient.

EXEMPTIONS BASED ON ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR LEARNING (APL)

We offer students flexibility in their studies, by recognising learning they may have completed elsewhere before they apply. The Accreditation of Prior Learning process ensures that we can take this into account when determining the modules you must study. It is important that you identify any relevant prior learning when you apply. If your previous study specifically relates to modules on the course you wish to undertake we may approve a reduced programme of study, thus shortening the time it takes to obtain your award. Where this relates to learning completed through an earlier course of study, this is called Prior Certificated Learning, and where learning has been achieved through relevant work or experience, this is referred to as Prior Experiential Learning. Claims must be approved before you commence a course.

EXEMPTIONS BASED ON ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR EXPERIENTIAL CERTIFICATED LEARNING (APEL)

It is important to understand that the APEL process does not award academic credit for experience alone, but for learning which can be shown to have been achieved through that experience. Students are required to prepare an individual case for the credit arising from their learning experiences. This normally means that a student receives support in the preparation of a portfolio, which evidences their claimed exemptions for entry. This portfolio of evidence is then submitted for assessment and the possible award of academic credit. Alternative methods of assessment of evidence may be available but needs to be discussed with the Admissions team or Course Leader.

You must take modules worth 120 credits at each level of the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits.

Year one for full-time students (Level 4)

  • Systems Design and Development (30 credits)
  • Programming Concepts (15 credits)
  • Network Essentials (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Cloud Computing (15 credits)
  • Web Design and Development (15 credits)
  • Developing Professional Skills (15 credits)

PLUS CHOOSE 15 CREDITS OF OPTIONAL MODULES:

  • User Experience and Interaction Design (15 credits)
  • Games Design (15 credits)
  • Managing a Successful Computing Project (15 credits)

Year two for full-time students (Level 5)

  • Advanced Database Design (15 credits)
  • Developing Interactive Web (15 credits)
  • Computing Research Project (30 credits)
  • Principles of Digital Security (15 credits)

PLUS CHOOSE 45 CREDITS OF OPTIONAL MODULES:

  • Advanced Network Switching and Routing (15 credits)
  • Wireless Networking and IOT (15 credits)
  • Object Oriented Programme (15 credits)
  • Database Driven Websites (15 credits)
  • Advanced Programming Techniques and Patterns (15 credits)
  • E-Commerce and E-Crime (15 credits)
  • Management of Information Technology (15 credits)
  • Business Intelligence (15 credits)
  • Emerging Technology (15 credits)
  • Games Development (15 Credits)

Final year for full-time students (Level 6)

  • Undergraduate Research Project (30 credits)
  • Professional and Ethical Issues (15 credits)
  • Agile Team Development (15 credits)
  • Big Data and Data Mining (15 credits)

PLUS CHOOSE 45 CREDITS OF OPTIONAL MODULES:

  • Artificial Intelligence Programming (15 credits)
  • Enterprise Networking (30 credits)
  • Mobile Application Development (15 credits)
  • Full Stack Application Development (15 credits)
  • Ethical Hacking (15 credits)
  • Cryptography (15 credits)
  • Digital Forensics (15 credits)

A Student Handbook will be provided during enrolment and available on the student VLE.

If it is unviable to run an optional module due to student demand, an alternative module will be offered.

A typical 15 credit module is 150 hours which includes 36 hours of tutor led delivery and 114 hours of recommended independent study. A typical 30 credit module is 300 hours which includes 72 hours of tutor led delivery and 228 hours of recommended independent study. A full-time student should expect to undertake 30 additional hours per week during term-time.

When studying this course at University Centre Peterborough, we will timetable your lectures as two full days a week over two semesters per year (part-time will be one to two full days a week over two semesters per year).

We are able to offer this convenient timetabling to our students as we are a smaller institution so we can timetable our staff and resources more efficiently.

Over the duration of your course, teaching will be delivered by the following methods:

Year one for full-time students (Level 4)

35% Lectures
20% Seminars
45% Workshops

Year two for full-time students (Level 5)

35% Lectures
30% Seminars
35% Workshops
Final year for full-time students (Level 6)

20% Lectures
40% Seminars
40% Workshops
There are two semesters per year and each semester is up to 15 weeks which includes up to 12 teaching weeks and 3 assessment weeks.

If studying full-time you will be in classes, seminars and tutorials for approximately 15 hours per week and will spend the rest of your time in independent study and extra-curricular activities including work placement if not embedded in your course. We recommend that full-time students allow an additional 30 hours per week for additional study.

The campus is open Monday to Friday throughout the year and you will also have 24/7 access to a virtual learning environment (VLE) with e-books, journals and abstracts plus teaching resources and interactive tools.

Timetables are available at least 6 weeks before registration and you can refer to the academic calendar for examination weeks and resit periods.

The days of the week you study may change each year and in some circumstances one of the full days might have to be split into two half days, but we aim to keep these as full days where possible.

Throughout the duration of your course you will be assessed by the following methods:

Year one for full-time students (Level 4)

  • 90% Coursework and Demonstrations
  • 10% Online Exams

Year two for full-time students (Level 5)

  • 85% Coursework, Portfolios, Group work and Demonstrations
  • 15% Online Exams

Final year for full-time students (Level 6)

  • 85% Coursework, Portfolios, Seminars and Demonstrations
  • 15% Online Exams

We will provide, by the beginning of the first week of each semester, a current module guide with all the information you need for each module, including details of assessment tasks, the deadlines for these tasks, the required format and any relevant guidance.

Formative assessment opportunities are written into all module plans to provide students with on-going feedback. End of semester assessments will have formative opportunities in weeks 9 or 10 of the semester. In addition revision sessions will be held in week 12.

Your final degree classification is calculated as an average of your highest 60 credits at Level 5 and all credits at Level 6.

70%+ First
60-69% 2:1
50-59% 2:2
40-49% Third

Visit our published documents and policies page for The Open University regulations.

As the course is timetabled as full days during the week when studied full-time, this also gives you the flexibility to find a work placement, internship or volunteering opportunity which will improve your employability after you graduate. All students are encouraged to identify work experience to aid their career development.

Jamie Myland

“I am the Course Leader for the FdSc and BSc (Hons) Computer Science degrees at University Centre Peterborough. I have been teaching computing related subjects since January 2007 and have been teaching at University Centre Peterborough since September 2009 on modules including Programming Concepts, Digital Asset Development and Developing Interactive Web Solutions.

I have held industry positions as a Software Developer producing bespoke systems for the supply chain industry, working to develop custom solutions for various departments. From 2003 to 2007, I worked as a Database Administrator which involved migrating legacy systems from Microsoft Access to an SQL Server platform and further developing the system as business needs changed.

I have also worked in the Canadian media industry as an Animator and Film Editor on various projects for television and independent films. During this period, I worked with NISH media to animate and combine live action footage with computer animations for children’s television shows. I also produced animated 3D models for complex movie previsualisations.

I am interested in Video Game Design and Development, having produced a number of independent games over that last 15 years and winning an award for Educational Video Game Design in 2010. More recently my focus has been on developing the Computing and Information Systems degree, working with the local computing industry to meet their needs and to modernise delivery with wider industry practices, ensuring graduates have the skills that are widely sought after.”

Qualifications

MSc Computer Science (currently studying)
BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Systems, Anglia Ruskin University
Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTTLS), City & Guilds

Just some of the future careers for graduates after completing the course include:

Software Engineer
Network Engineer
Web Developer
Cyber Security Specialist
IT Project Manager
Test Engineer
Service Desk Analyst
DevOps Engineer
Database Administrator
Data Analyst

Peterborough

Click here for directions

Full-time: 3 years (2-3 full days a week over two semesters per year)

Part-time: 4 years (1-2 full days a week over two semesters per year)

The tuition fees for full-time undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 will be £8,000 per year, which is lower compared with many other universities.

Fees for part-time study are pro-rata depending on the number of credits you are studying (i.e. 90 credits per year will be 75% of the tuition fee).

There may be additional costs for this course which are not covered by the tuition fee.

In this prospectus we will give you clear and accurate information so you can make the best choice for a successful future

Download Prospectus

Course Modules

You must take modules worth 120 credits at each level of the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits.

Year 1
Level 4
  • Systems Design and Development (30 credits)
  • Programming Concepts (15 credits)
  • Network Essentials (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Cloud Computing (15 credits)
  • Web Design and Development (15 credits)
  • Developing Professional Skills (15 credits)
Year 2
Level 5
  • Advanced Database Design (15 credits)
  • Developing Interactive Web (15 credits)
  • Computing Research Project (30 credits)
  • Principles of Digital Security (15 credits)
Year 3
Level 6
  • Undergraduate Research Project (30 credits)
  • Professional and Ethical Issues (15 credits)
  • Agile Team Development (15 credits)
  • Big Data and Data Mining (15 credits)
Choose 15 Credits
Optional Modules
  • User Experience and Interaction Design (15 credits)
  • Games Design (15 credits)
  • Managing a Successful Computing Project (15 credits)
Choose 45 Credits
Optional Modules
  • Advanced Network Switching and Routing (15 credits)
  • Wireless Networking and IOT (15 credits)
  • Object Oriented Programme (15 credits )
  • Database Driven Websites (15 credits)
  • Games Development (15 credits)
  • E-Commerce and E-Crime (15 credits)
  • Management of Information Technology (15 credits)
  • Business Intelligence (15 credits)
  • Emerging Technology (15 credits)
  • Advanced Programming Techniques and Patterns (15 credits)
Choose 45 Credits
Optional Modules
  • Artificial Intelligence Programming (15 credits)
  • Enterprise Networking (30 credits)
  • Mobile Application Development (15 credits)
  • Full Stack Application Development (15 credits)
  • Ethical Hacking (15 credits)
  • Cryptography (15 credits)
  • Digital Forensics (15 credits)
See What our Students Have to say
University Centre Peterborough Case Studies
.

HND Animal Management

I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in conservation and joined Stamford College to study Level 3 Animal Studies and then progressed to the HND Animal Management course at UCP.

Nathan Scott, Former student
.

BSc Crime Scene and Investigative Studies

I couldn’t have picked a better degree to prepare me for the role! University Centre Peterborough provided me with support during the application process, plus, the class sizes were small, so I got plenty of one-to-one support.

Bethany Reynolds, Former Student
.

BA (Hons) English Literature (Creative Writing)

Being Poet Laureate, for me, means a bigger platform and a louder voice to do the things I am passionate about.

Kat Beeton, Poet Laureate 2022
.

BA (Hons) Performing Arts

From the very beginning to the end of my degree I have learnt, experienced and gained so much knowledge, skill and passion for my subject.

Emily Stack-Humphrey, Former student
.

BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Systems

After I presented my final year project at the UCP Computing Conference, which is attended by employers from the IT industry, I was invited to an interview at HIVE Learning who were impressed with my work. That has now led to me getting my dream job in London working on the development of learning technologies.

Maciej Kazimierek, Former Student

University Centre Peterborough currently has around 700 students on over 30 different degree level programmes.

Address

Park Crescent, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 4DZ

© 2023.University Centre Peterborough. All rights reserved. Site by i3MEDIA