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.

Advanced computing skills are in high demand in today’s global job market, providing you with ample opportunities to fill industry gaps, specialise, and progress your career.

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.

What you’ll learn

AU BSc (Hons) Computing (Top-Up) offers in-demand skills sought after in today’s tech industry. Arden’s modules cover areas of Computing such as Programming, Web Development, Databases, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security and Data Analysis, utilising a range of tools and programming languages such as Python, PHP, MySQL, HTML and CSS.

Learn by doing

Many of AU course modules are ‘hands-on’ and designed to equip you with the practical skills you need for your career. Unlike many computing courses that lack real-world preparation, Arden’s programme focuses on practical, authentic assessments. As such, you’ll engage in coding, database creation, web document development, data analysis and working with cloud services before engaging in assessments that allow you to demonstrate these skills.

Course details and modules

Arden’s award-winning curriculum has been designed to give you the modern skill set needed to start your career on the right footing.

Your modules take a hands-on approach to provide you with transferable real-world skills for your future. You’ll have the opportunity to master coding, database and web document creation, data analysis, cloud computing, IT project management, systems analysis soft skills, and more.

Just some of the fascinating modules available on this course include:

Data Mining

In the modern workplace and wider society, data reigns supreme. Learn how to manipulate and visualise data to make informed business decisions across various sectors. Develop skills in Python, one of the most popular programming languages in data science.

Web Application Development

Today, applications are as likely to run in a web browser as on a desktop. You will learn how to create dynamic and interactive web-based systems that connect to a database backend, utilising languages such as PHP, MySQL and HTML/CSS.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

You have between 1 to 3 years to complete this course. Most of Arden’s students, however, aim to complete their studies within 1 to 2 years.

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)

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at Arden’s campuses in London Ealing, London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Manchester, and Birmingham.

The course is also available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere in the UK or worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

Blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose Arden’s 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, Arden 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 Arden’s 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 Arden’s UK study centres.

If you’re a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of Arden 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.

Arden’s 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 AU 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 Arden’s 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 Arden’s Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have 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.

Entry requirements

Arden University considers applications on a case-by-case basis. Candidates with significant work experience, qualifications gained elsewhere, or degrees or qualifications that don’t provide a clear pathway to this degree are encouraged to discuss their application.

Eligibility

To be eligible to study this BSc Computing top-up degree, candidates must demonstrate that they have:

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

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 (Arden recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course fee

This course is eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses. Please submit an enquiry to find out more.

In a UK campus	Fee
Fee per year:	£9,250

Studying Online	Fee
Total fee:	£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

An internal English test is also available for applicants, with more information provided here.

Applications are welcome from candidates who can demonstrate the motivation to study this computing top-up degree.

A personal statement showcasing the ability to undertake the course will be required, along with potential references and evidence of relevant experience.

Apply for the Course

Enquire Now

Career prospects

The ever-evolving nature of technology ensures a continuous demand for skilled computing professionals, offering Arden’s graduates a wide range of fulfilling and lucrative career paths to choose from.

Average Salary for a Web Developer in the UK is £42,666
Average Salary for a Data Analyst in the UK is £43,569
Average Salary for a Cloud Engineer in the UK is £65,603 (sourced from Reed Salary Tracker on 3rd April 2024)

What can I do after Arden University?

Your computing degree with Arden University sets you up for any number of possible career paths after graduation. Here are just some of the professions you could go on to explore:

Programming/Coding
Software Development/Engineering
Web Design
Data Analysis
Database Administration
Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Product Management
IT Management
Web Analytics
Consultancy
Technical Recruitment
IT Support Specialisms

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

IT, data mining, cloud computing, and programming skills are in high demand all over the world. CompTIA’s “State of the Tech Workforce U.K.” reports that organisations are projected to employ approximately 2.06 million tech workers in 2023.
You will gain:

In-demand skills that make you ‘work ready’ and more employable
A range of soft skills including problem solving, critical thinking and presenting which will contribute towards your future career
A portfolio allowing you to showcase your work to employers
Experience across a range of modern Computing areas from Arden’s carefully selected modules

Industry skills

Career development resources
Once you’ve enrolled with Arden, then Arden’s careers centre is easily accessible directly from inside Arden’s online platform, ilearn. The careers centre is here to help you discover the areas of your academic and professional life that you find most meaningful and rewarding, and then apply this to your career pathway.
Just a few of the career tools you’ll find in the careers centre include:

CV360, which analyses your CV and provides instant feedback for improvement
Interview360, helping you practise your interview technique in a stress-free environment and tackle some of the most common interview questions – as many times as you need to
Aptitude tests to help your improve your critical thinking, numeric, and logical reasoning skills
100s of interactive courses focused on giving you the skills and confidence you need to excel in your professional life.
My Jobs, where you can search employment vacancies, browse employer profiles by location and, or connect with other employees on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with Arden’s curriculum and your career goals.
Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

To help support your academic journey, Arden University pays for your student membership in the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The IET is recognised globally as a hallmark of quality and professionalism and can help boost your prospects with tips, tools and techniques you’ll use for life. It is home to more than 154,000 engineering and technology professionals in 148 countries.

As a student member of the IET, you’ll have access to the student hub, which includes a digital library (IET’s research and intelligence resources), virtual library (thousands of online eBooks, eJournals, magazines, and reports), IET.tv, and valuable mentoring opportunities.