Course overview

The course enables you to ‘top-up’ your existing qualifications – an undergraduate level certificate, diploma or equivalent in computing or related fields – to the internationally recognised ‘honours degree’ classification.

Study the most recent developments in today’s web-intensive environment, such as cloud computing, rapid application development and cybersecurity.
Gain an understanding of the social, legal and ethical aspects of the modern computing environment.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

The course has been updated for 2022-23 entry to address the most recent development in today’s information-intensive environment.
You will be provided with opportunities to become competent working in a multicultural environment with interdisciplinary teams.
Optional modules allow you to specialise in areas such as cyber security, AI, open-Source web development and software quality- management.

What you'll study

The course consists of three compulsory modules and a further three optional modules.

Modules

Individual Project (Informatics) - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity to research, design, implement and critically evaluate a functional or simulated system, object or concept and to acquire further knowledge of a specialist technical area that could be one of the following domains: AI/Big Data, Cyber Security or Apps development.

Compulsory
Project Management – 20 credits

This module aims to provide you with a good understanding of key principles, concepts and theories in the field of Project Management. You will learn about key project management methodologies, practices and techniques and gain a good understanding of how they might be applied in real Information Technology and Business contexts.

Compulsory
Mobile Application Development – 20 credits

During this module you will use development kits to build applications for mobile platforms. The practical issues of programming for such devices will be taught alongside software design for portable devices, investigation of the interface components and user interaction possibilities of smartphones. The module will also cover how mobile devices can be integrated with the data businesses need to operate.

Compulsory
Optional modules (3 of the following)

Web API Development – 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to create your own API for use in web applications using the latest technologies and featuring an interactive web client. You will make use of technologies whose selection will be driven by current industry trends. The module has a strong hands-on element and you should gain a solid grounding in the knowledge, tools and techniques required to build robust solutions, including versioning and testing, security and authentication.

Machine Learning and Related Applications – 20 credits

This module represents an introduction to the wide field of machine learning. It will present fundamental concepts related to supervised and unsupervised learning methods, for example linear regression, support vector machines, radial basis function, decision trees and random forests, clustering techniques and naïve Bayes classification models.

Security and Compliance in the Cloud – 20 credits

This module practically examines and investigates the ‘cloud’ and shows how cloud systems are designed, configured, secured and updated to effectively support modern business practices. The module assumes limited prior knowledge of both networks and operating systems. The module has a practical focus, and you will build and test real or virtual examples of cloud systems.

Management Information Systems – 20 credits

The aim of this module is to give you the knowledge and skills to be able to review and understand the organisational and technical aspects of information systems. The module will also cover the role of information systems in managing organisational knowledge and enhance market decision making for the digital firms.

Exploit Development – 20 credits

In this module you will examine how vulnerabilities in software can be exploited to compromise a system or network. You will examine how "off the shelf" exploit code can be detected by security mechanisms, and how common protection techniques such as Antivirus and firewalls can be bypassed. Additionally, you will examine how exploit code is developed on common operating systems.

Artificial Neural Networks – 20 credits

Artificial neural networks represent an important and popular machine learning approach that attempts to model how the human brain works. Neural networks have been successfully used in a wide range of applications including image processing, speech and natural language processing, medical diagnosis, bioinformatics and computational biology, emotion recognition and robotics control. This module looks into the concepts used in neural networks and their application to solving real-world problems.

Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

You should typically have around 12-15 hours of contact time per week. Your contact time will vary depending on your background knowledge (at the start of the module) and learning style and the requirements of the module. As you work through the modules, it will be explained that some modules allow you to spend more time working through your coursework and will reflect the support and guidance you will be given towards this.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 16-20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Coursework
Exams

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

This course is suitable for students of computing or software studies who have successfully completed at least two years (four academic semesters) in a relevant subject at an appropriate academic level.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 Tuition fees

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	£9,250 per year	Not available
International	£19,850 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building⁴ and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building house an impressive range of industry standard equipment.

Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Laboratory

Contains 84 workstations, equipped with full licenses for Forensic Toolkit 7.1 and open source security suites, in addition to a variety of software commonly used by many businesses around the world.

Virtual Laboratory

Provide a cutting edge virtualisation environment that can be used to create entire virtual networks, complete with services, users and even attackers. Students can access this environment from anywhere on or off campus.

Sigma Centre

An award-winning Mathematics Support Centre which provides a wide range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main areas of the Information Technology Curricula.
Critically analyse and apply essential concepts, principles and practices of the subject in the context of loosely defined scenarios, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of related development tools and techniques.
Produce work involving problem identification, the analysis, the design or the development of a system, with appropriate documentation.
Demonstrate professional skills with an ability to show organised work both as an individual and as a team member and with minimum guidance.
Be creative and innovative in your application of the principles covered in the curriculum.
Apply appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework and identify mechanisms for continuing professional development and lifelong learning.
Contribute significantly to the analysis, design or the development of systems that are complex and secure, recognising the important relationships between these.
Exercise critical evaluation and review of both your own work and the work of others.

Career destinations for successful graduates include Cyber Security, Data Science and Mobile application development, or continued study at postgraduate level.

Further study

Alternatively, you may decide to pursue postgraduate study opportunities by studying courses such as Computer Science MSc, Data Science MSc or Data Science and Computational Intelligence MSc which could further enhance your employability. 

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 can apply for this course through UCAS from September 6 2022.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.
International students

International codes:
EECU179

Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university.
Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to apply
For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International Guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Informatics BSc (Hons) top-up

Course overview