Computer Science - 2012 entry
BSc (Hons)
- single
BA (Hons)
/
BSc (Hons)
- combined (see 'Combine with...' tab for available combinations)
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
Joanne Garvey talks about studying Computer Science at Oxford Brookes
This course is run by the Department of Computing and Communication Technologies
Computing is a dynamic and fast-moving subject that underpins most areas of modern life. Studying computer science opens up this world of opportunity.
Our very broad computer science course gives you the opportunity to decide the focus of your studies once you get to your second and final years. There is a core of compulsory modules to ensure you get the fundamental skills required but beyond these, a very wide choice of modules allows you to tailor your degree to your interests. Whether you are interested in focusing on, for example, strong software development skills, computer networks, the world wide web, games or mobile programming, Computer Science at Oxford Brookes has the modules to allow you to pursue that interest.
Between your second and final year, there is the possibility of spending a year working in industry on placement. Not everyone takes this option but it is something we recommend, both to further improve your employability and to give you the chance to get practical experience of using the skills that we have taught you in your second year before going on to refine and extend them in your final year.
Why Brookes?
There are many good reasons to study technology subjects here:
- Oxford Brookes is consistently ranked as the best New University
- we have a friendly, close-knit community of staff and students on the Wheatley Campus
- our environment combines technical expertise with creativity and imagination
- we have modern, state-of-the-art workshops, laboratories, computer facilities, and media studios
- our courses have been developed in response to the needs of the real world, but are also underpinned by a strong research activity. Several of our research groups have high international and national reputations and close contacts with major companies.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching methods include lectures, practical activities, problem-solving classes and tutorial support.
Assessment methods are varied and reflect the development of academic content as the course progresses, from the practical emphasis of some of the early modules to the more conceptual content that you will encounter later in your programme. The modules covering core material are mostly assessed on a combination of coursework and examination.
Learning outcomes
When you have successfully completed your course, you will have:
- knowledge of the foundations, techniques, limitations, trends and applications of computing
- experience and skills in computer software development using appropriate methods, techniques and tools
- an ability to interact effectively within and across discipline boundaries
- a range of transferable skills in problem solving, logical thinking, writing user documentation, and research/report writing.
In detail
RELATED COURSES:
Course content
In the first year of the course, just over half of the modules are compulsory and give you the core skills that you will build on in future years. You will study programming, information systems, computer systems and mathematics. Beyond these you can widen your skill set into such areas as computer networks, multimedia or further programming languages, or take modules from the other subject areas in the university, such as business or modern languages, if you prefer.
In years two and three, the majority of your modules are optional. Compulsory topics include programming, software development, security, databases, human-computer interaction and the social, ethical and legal issues associated with computer science. Beyond these, you can choose from groups of modules in areas such as:
- Computer Systems
- Multimedia Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Games
- Software Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Theoretical Computer Science
Whether you decide to focus on specific areas and go as far as you can in a few of these, or choose a broader set of modules allowing you to experience a wider set of skills, is entirely up to you.
In your final year, you also take a dissertation where you will carry out a project in an area of your choice supervised on a one-to-one basis by a member of staff.
From management information systems and industrial process control that allow business and industry to function, to the world wide web and games that keep us informed and entertained, and even the smart phones that many people have in their pocket, computer scientists are involved in shaping computing and, through it, the world we deal with.
As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here. Some modules will be compulsory.
Year 1
- Introduction to Information Systems
- Computer Systems
- Programming the Virtual World
- Programming with Objects
- Discrete Mathematics
- Study Methods using IT Skills
- Electronics for Media Applications
- The Human Dimension
- C and Unix
- Multimedia IT Skills
- Database IT Skills
- Electronic Product Design
Year 2 and final year
Year 2
- Requirements Specification
- Professional Issues and Skills
- Programming with Data Structures
- The Human Computer Interface
- Database Design
- Introduction to Security
- Computer Networks
- Theory of Computation
- Multimedia Applications Design
- Web Design
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Object oriented Software Development
- Scripting for Applications
- Graphics and Animation
- Introduction to Operating Systems
- Game Technology
- Graph Theory
- Further Discrete Mathematics
- Controlling Sound and Light
- Computer Systems Design
- Mobile Software
Year 3
- BSc Computing Project
- Enterprise Systems
- Network Construction and Administration
- Formal Specification
- Computer Graphics
- Information Systems Design
- Safety-Critical Systems
- Advanced Object-Oriented Programming
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Game Development
- Algorithms and Advanced Data Structures
- Declarative Programming
- Advanced Operating Systems
- Machine Vision
- Software Project Management
- Internet Commerce Technology
- Image Technology
- Mobile Computing Devices
- Advanced Security
- Embedded Systems Development
- Advanced Computer Systems Design
Work placements
We encourage you to take a supervised work placement in the computer industry for 12 months between Year 2 and your final year. More and more students are finding that a placement benefits their final-year studies and career prospects. Possible placement organisations include IBM, Microsoft and PepsiCo.
On returning to university for your final year, the experience you have gained invariably improves your academic performance. In addition, we have an excellent record of students gaining full-time employment on graduation, often with their industrial placement company or organisation.
It is possible to change your programme of study to include or exclude the work placement option up to the end of your second year.
Study abroad
Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes, is available here.
Departmental research highlights
The department is engaged in some exciting research initiatives in computer science. Around 30 research workers - academic staff, research associates, and PhD students - are involved, within five main areas of computer science:
- Computer Vision
- Natural Computation
- Web Technologies
- Reliable Computer Systems
- Applied Formal Methods.
Research from all these areas was entered into the Research Assessment Exercise 2008, and was very positively reviewed. All the research was at least nationally recognised, half was judged internationally excellent, and of this, 15% was judged to be world-leading.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
RELATED COURSES:
Department
Department of Computing and Communication Technologies
Course length
Full-time: 3 years or 4 years if work placement is chosen
Part-time: up to 8 years
Teaching location
Wheatley Campus
Start date
September
2012
January
2013
UCAS code
G403 BSc/SQ
Combine with...
RELATED COURSES:
This course can be combined with one of the following subjects:
Business Management
NG24 Mod/SDDP
Japanese Studies
TG2K Mod/SDJB
Mathematics
GG41 Mod/SDMA
Music
GW4H Mod/SDMS
Statistics
GG4H BSc/SDST
Fees / funding
RELATED COURSES:
Tuition fees
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
Placement year: £2,000. This is the fee for students taking their placement in 2012, and will increase annually with inflation.
Tuition fees
International students
Full-time: £11,750
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
RELATED COURSES:
Typical offers
A-level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 30 points, preferably including science
Advanced Diploma: grade B, including A-level grade at C, preferably in a science subject and excluding General Studies
BTEC: National Diploma with a DDM profile, preferably in a science subject
We would prefer it if all the above qualifications include science subjects.
We are happy to consider all types of entry qualification, so if you donʼt have one of the ones mentioned above, do get in touch with us and we can discuss the possibilities. Applications from mature students with few academic qualifications, but who have a substantial history of relevant employment, are also welcome.
Do you accept applications for entry with credit?
Yes, we consider applications, from all parts of the world, for entry with credit for prior learning. Each application is individually assessed by our credit entry tutor. The minimum amount of time you need to study with us is one year. If you would like more information about whether you are eligible for the award of credit, for example from an HND, partly-completed degree, foundation degree, etc, please contact us.
What if I already have A-level Computing?
Our course covers many topics you will not have seen before, even if you have already taken A-level Computer Studies or a course such as a BTEC Level 3 qualification in a computing subject. Having a pre-university qualification will not be enough to exempt you from taking any first-year modules, because we want to make sure that we give you a quality introduction to all the relevant topics.
What can I do if I don’t have the required qualifications?
If you donʼt have the right qualifications to apply for a place on one of our degree courses, we may be able to consider you for our Computing Foundation course, which has UCAS Code G406. This course, which lasts one year, is an excellent preparation for any of our computing degree courses.
Passing the foundation course allows you to progress directly onto one of our degree courses the following year. The entry requirements for the foundation course are quite flexible, but as a guide we are looking for something like DD at A-Level or the equivalent in another qualification. Again we are happy to discuss individual cases and actively encourage mature students who have been out of the education system for some time.
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics at grade B minimum and English Language at grade C minimum
Do I need to know about computing before I come?
No, our first year modules will quickly get you up to speed. Any previous experience you happen to have might help you to get started more comfortably. But beware: even if you think you know a lot about computing already, there will still be many new things for you to learn.
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
International applications
We are keen to consider applications from all parts of the world. If your previous education was not in the UK, please contact us if you would like us to consider your entry qualification.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
RELATED COURSES:
Joanne Garvey
I don’t mind talking about Brookes. It is not anything that I am making up. I think it is a great place to be, and I am really enjoying my degree so I don’t mind telling people that.
See full profile »Why Oxford is a great place to study Computer Science
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which will provide you with a host of work placement and other learning opportunities.
One of the world's great academic cities, Oxford is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects. It is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for its large student population, from theatres and cinemas to museums, art galleries and music venues. A bustling and stunning cosmopolitan city, Oxford has excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.
Situated in the heart of rural England and home to around 150,000 people, Oxford offers students a clean and safe environment less than an hour from London and international airports.
Specialist facilities
The department’s facilities are located in modern buildings with 24-hour access to computer networks worldwide, and include state-of-the-art laboratories for electronics, software development, and media production such as a TV studio. You will benefit from excellent access to educational and professional software and from the experience of using the latest equipment.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
RELATED COURSES:
Career prospects
Career prospects in computing are excellent and expanding rapidly. Our computing graduates enjoy great success in finding employment in business, industry, research and education. Career opportunities include all aspects of software development, computer applications in organisations, and managing information technology.
Jobs in computer science are highly varied, and range from developing interactive TV, to network security testing, to games development, to risk management, and much more. Some roles are highly technical, and involve programming, or computer systems design, or mathematical methods. Other roles have a greater focus on business objectives, strategy, communication, people management, or finance.
Information technology related jobs can be found in virtually every type of organisation, both those that develop computer software, such as Microsoft, and those that involve complex IT infrastructures, such as BP, the NHS, and telecommunications companies.
Whatever career interests you, the Computer Science course at Brookes is designed to provide you with the foundations you need for a lifetime, as well as the specialist study for your particular interests at the moment.
Further study
World-class research and superb links with industry come together to make Oxford Brookes one of the best places in the UK to study technology at postgraduate level, whatever your subject interest.
Well over 200 students are studying technology master's courses this year. Our courses, taught by leading academics with active research programmes, are designed to meet the needs of modern industry. Our graduates tell us that the relevance of our courses and the skills they've learnt enable them to achieve their goals and build their careers. And our location in Oxford places us at the heart of one of Europe's biggest concentrations of high-tech businesses.
