BSc (Hons) Computing

Course Overview

What makes this course different to others? Our BSc (Hons) Computing course covers in-demand skills including data analysis, cloud-based technologies, object oriented programming (Java), and website coding and authoring (HTML, CSS). Additionally, the course offers you two career pathways to choose from. Students who want to focus on technical employment opportunities have the chance gain in-depth understanding of data mining/analysis and programming skills. Or, if you decide to opt for a management career in IT, you can study subjects that will give you combined skills in technical know-how and management strategy. 

Additionally we’ve structured your learning activities so that you’ll have a foundation for ongoing skills development throughout your career, such as understanding programming and coding in a way that will allow you to pick up future developments in technical areas like they’re second nature. This means, whichever path you choose, you’ll graduate with life-long, specialised skills and knowledge that employers in the computing industry value the most. 

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 degree, we need to see that you have:

  • Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent; or
  • If you don’t currently hold the above qualifications, we also offer this course with an additional foundation year, which is designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course.

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

Course fee

BlendedFee
Fee Per Year£ 9,250
Distance LearningFee
Fee Per Year£ 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 60-78; or equivalent
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English; a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted

We will consider alternative qualifications to evidence the maths component, as this qualification includes research methods which involve statistics. 

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 experiences.

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.

Course details and modules

Our degree course in computing has been designed to give you the skills you need to start your career on the right footing. Your course modules have been freshly updated by our computing faculty members – ensuring that you gain the specialised knowledge employers need right now. 

How do we assess you?

Our assessment methods have been designed to allow you to demonstrate your strengths in a number of ways. Throughout your studies, we’ll keep track of your progress through the following:

  • Assignment
  • Essays
  • Presentations
  • Exams
  • Dissertation

Modules

Over the course of 3 years you’ll study a total of 360 credit hours over seventeen modules. In years 2 and 3, you’ll study the required ‘core’ modules and choose 2 ‘elective’ modules from a choice of 4 options. This allows you to select specialised modules which cover topics that you want to learn about the most. 

Year 1

  • Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional Development (Core)
  • Introduction to Computer Systems and Security (Core)
  • Introduction to Databases (Core)
  • Introduction to Programming (Core)
  • Introduction to Web Authoring (Core)
  • Productivity and Collaboration Tools for Learning and Work (Core)​​​​​​

Year 2

  • Human Computer Interaction (Core)
  • Data Analytics and Visualisation (Core)
  • IT Project Management (Core)
  • Systems Analysis and Design (Core
  • Then choose 2 from:
  • Advanced Databases (Elective)
  • Digital Business (Elective)
  • Object Oriented Programming (Elective)
  • Ethics, Quality and Sustainability in Technological Environments (Elective)

Year 3

  • 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, data mining, cloud computing, and programming skills are in high demand all over the world. That’s why developing the skills that employers want is at the forefront of this computing degree course. Arden’s academics have close ties to the computing industry, which means our course content is regularly reviewed to ensure that your learning experience is up-to-date and reflects the latest developments in the real world. 

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 some of the professions that previous Arden graduates have gone on to explore:

  • Software development
  • Software engineering
  • Programming/ coding
  • IT security management
  • Teaching and lecturing

What will I gain from this degree?

On our BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation degree you’ll develop your computing knowledge alongside a wider range of workplace skills that employers are looking for, such as effective communication and problem-solving. This means you’ll be ready to take on your first role with confidence. Whilst studying this course, you will:

  • Demonstrate you can apply your knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems
  • Develop confident communication skills and be ready to use these in a business setting
  • Gain deep knowledge in your chosen specialist area – whether that’s data mining or cloud computing
  • Collaborate with others nationally and even globally to work on projects and share ideas
  • Understand the latest developments in computing and how these can benefit businesses 
  • Develop the study habits and practices to become a lifelong learner

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s  Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or  evenings .

  • Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
  • Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With  Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

  • September
  • November
  • February
  • April
  • June

 How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year 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 does not 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 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 are currently learning. 

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.