BSc (Hons) Computing (Top-Up)

Course Overview

Designed to launch your career in computing, this top-up degree will teach you the skills you need to demonstrate your value to employers. If you’re ready to support real business changes, develop your knowledge of IT security, and explore technology trends from all over the world, then this is the right course for you.

Developing your professional level business skills and an understanding of computing, this course will fulfil your career aspirations in the world of computing and business – whatever your goals are. Designed to bring out your best potential, your top-up degree cover all aspects and key disciplines of computing, leaving you to decide where you want to go on your future career path.

The perfect choice for anyone who’s already completed a HND in computing (or equivalent), this fast-track route to a full degree is the equivalent of the final year of undergraduate study, quickly accelerating you to graduate status.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

To be eligible to study this BSc Computing top-up degree, we need to see that you have:

A relevant HND or equivalent where the module content covers Web Design, Databases, Programming and Computer Systems & Networking

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£5500

UK Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English Proficiency

IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent

We also offer an internal English test for applicants. More information on this can be found here.

We are happy to consider an application from you if you can show us you have the motivation to study this computing top-up degree.

We’ll ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your ability to study the course. We may also want references and evidence of relevant experience.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

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Course details and modules

On our computing top-up course, you’ll be keeping your finger on the pulse of current developments in an exciting field. You’ll also have the opportunity discover, analyse, and evaluate the principles and theories used in system design and web-based solutions. These skills are designed to set you up for a successful future as a confident professional.

How do we assess you?

Career focussed assessments

Authentic assessments that relate to potential careers. Our assessments are based on the skills needed by employers in the real world – we don’t have any exams because you won’t be sitting exams in the field. On our computing course assessments are designed to prepare you for the world of work, focusing on practical application of knowledge through the creation of artefacts, presentations, case studies and reports.

The way we assess our students offers you regular opportunities to demonstrate your strengths and knowledge in a variety of ways. That’s why we choose a range of different methods to assess and track your progress. These methods include:

Assignments
Portfolios of work
Complete design documentation
Computer-based activities
Software development and project work

Modules

Data Mining (Core)
Managing Innovation and Change (Core)
Computing Project (Core)

Choose 2 from:

Information Security Management (Elective)
Technology Entrepreneurship (Elective)
Distributed and Cloud Computing (Elective)
Web Application Development (Elective)

Career prospects

It’s your graduate status that employers will be interested in, along with the transferable skills you have gained during your degree. These include analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, strong interpersonal and communication skills and an appreciation of organisational behaviour and structures. These skills show strong potential for future development in multiple areas, leaving your career options wide open.

What can I do after Arden University?

Graduates of this computing top-up degree have a much wider range of options available to them than just the subject matter of their course. So the possibilities are endless! Some of the typical job roles you might want to explore include:

Software Engineer
Application Programmer
Systems Analysts & Designers
IT Solutions Specialist
Web Developer

What can a top-up degree in computing do for me?

By developing a wide range of transferable skills throughout your studies, you’ll graduate with an exciting variety of employment opportunities. Once you’ve completed your degree, you’ll have:

A specialist understanding of system design and development and web-based solutions
The ability to learn and solve problems in multiple areas of computing and business
An in-depth knowledge of computing and the ever-changing trends surrounding it
A demonstrated ability to learn and solve problems
A variety of transferable business and management skills

Blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose our blended learning study mode, each week you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden study centre of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of our UK study centres.

If you’re a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of our UK study centres) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying this course online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Tuition Fee loan to pay for their course. If you cannot attend your course in person because of a disability, you may also be entitled to a Maintenance Loan to cover living expenses. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.