Computing - Interactive Computing
The BSc Hons Interactive Computing course will provide you with a strong underpinning knowledge in programming, with an emphasis on the design and development of highly interactive computing systems, using advanced technologies to enhance the user experience.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Ulster University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Ulster University |
Duration
Attendance
This course lasts four years and includes a Professional Practice year or study abroad option.
New students are expected to attend a pre-semester induction. The course is delivered over two semesters (September to May) with a supplementary assessment period in August.
The taught element of the course is typically 22-24 hours per week (Monday to Friday) and timetabled sessions are supplemented by directed independent study and may require access to additional online tutorial and study material.
You undertake six modules in Year 1 covering subjects such as Problem Solving for computing, Human Computer Interaction, Database Systems, Client Side Development and Still and Moving Images. You will also attend extended induction designed to ease your transition into the course.
In Year 2, additional core modules extend your skills in Programming, Web Development and software product management and introduce topics relevant to User Experience Design and Management of Web Platforms. You will also attend extended induction that is designed to support and prepare you for the placement year.
In Year 3, you are expected to undertake a year’s work placement in the UK, Ireland, Europe or the USA.
After your placement year, you return to the University for a final year of academic study which consists of two compulsory modules that reflect the core theme of the course at an advanced level as well as some optional modules. You also undertake a major project which involves the analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation of the solution to a substantial software-related problem.
Entry Requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Careers / Further progression
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course are now working for:
• Blue Cubes Web Design
• Citi Bank
• Eyesparks
• Kainos
• Liberty IT
• Rumble Labs
• Sugar Rush Creative
Job roles
With this degree you could become:
• Designed and Developer
• Full Stack Developer
• Media Developer
• Software Developer
• UX UI Designer and Developer
• Web Designer and Developer
Career options
As a graduate with skills in the development of highly interactive systems, you will have many career opportunities available in a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations developing new software for the Web, as project managers or information management. This can be in the local industry or across the world.
Average salaries are often higher than those of other graduates and there are also opportunities for postgraduate study in computing, software development, artificial intelligence, IoT or a related area.
Further information
Start date: September 2024
Deadlines for on-time applications
2024 entry application deadlines
For courses starting in 2024 (and for deferred applications), your application should be with us at UCAS by one of these dates – depending on what courses you apply for. If your completed application – including all your personal details and your academic reference – is submitted by the deadline, it is guaranteed to be considered.
16 October 2023 for 2024 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry. You can add choices with a different deadline later, but don’t forget you can only have five choices in total.
31 January 2024 for 2024 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – for the majority of courses.
Some course providers require additional admissions tests to be taken alongside the UCAS application, and these may have a deadline. Find out more about these tests at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/admissions-tests
Check course information in the search tool to see which deadline applies to you at the application weblink below.
Apply as soon as possible: Student funding arrangements mean that as offers are made and places fill up, some courses may only have vacancies for students from certain locations. It’s therefore really important that you apply for your chosen courses by the appropriate deadlines mentioned above, as not all courses will have places for all students.
All applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing - find out more about Clearing at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day/what-clearing
Overview
Computing@Ulster - empowering the graduates of tomorrow through excellence in teaching, research and technology transfer.
Summary
The BSc Hons Interactive Computing course will provide you with a strong underpinning knowledge in programming, with an emphasis on the design and development of highly interactive computing systems, using advanced technologies to enhance the user experience.
You will learn skills that enable you to design, produce and maintain complex interactive systems in a range of commercial, creative, social and educational context.
During the course, you will develop a high level of practical, conceptual and aesthetic skills as well as the critical means to integrate them to solve real-world problems.
You will explore areas such as programming in Python and JavaScript, Database Design and Development, Professional Skills, Web Development, UX Engineering and Interactive Media & Platrforms. You will also be able to select modules which align with state-of-the-art research such as Visual Analytics, Natural and Intelligent User Interfaces and Interactive Computer Graphics.
Given the variety of applications of computing with a focus on user interaction and experience, there are jobs available in numerous fields for example software development, UX/UI design, software testing and web design and development.
About
If you want to become a professional with expertise to build engaging and effective front-end applications utilising contemporary technologies running on a range of workstation, tablet and mobile computing devices, then you should consider this course.
A graduate would be equipped with skills for the design and production of complex interactive systems in a range of commercial, creative, social and educational contexts.
Computing systems and the Web pervades every aspect of our day-to-day lives from the gadgets in our pockets to how we interact with others. Industry needs dynamic, enthusiastic graduates with interests across the full stack for web development.
Do I need to have studied Computing or Digital Technology at school or college?
A discipline with such diversity requires students with a variety of interests and backgrounds, therefore, you do not need to have studied Computing or Digital Technology, however, we will look for evidence of a passion and enthusiasm for this dynamic, fast-moving discipline.
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year 1
Introduction to Databases
Client Side Development
Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
Problem Solving for Computing
Still and Moving Images
Innovation and Society
Year 2
Human Computer Interaction
Computer Networks
Professional Development
Systems Security
Programming in Practice
Server Side Development
Software Product and Process Management
Year 3
International Academic Studies - Optional
Professional Practice - Computing - Optional
Year 4
Non Relational Database Development
Full-Stack Strategies and Development
Computing Project
Interactive Computer Graphics - Optional
Visual Analytics - Optional
Post Production - Optional
Natural and Intelligent User Interfaces - Optional
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
Associate awards
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Professional recognition
BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Work placement / study abroad
In Year 3 you undertake a year's work experience, in the UK, Ireland or Europe. You can also study in the USA. This leads to either the Diploma in Professional Practice for a placement year based in UK or Ireland; Diploma in Professional Practice (International) for a placement year based outside the UK or Ireland; or the Diploma in International Academic Studies if Year 3 is spent in study abroad such as in the USA.
Ulster University,
2-24 York Street,
Belfast
BT15 1AP
T: 02870 123 456