Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
Gain an insight into computers, operating systems and networks. You'll discover how they work internally and with each other to provide the common computing experience with which we are all familiar.
Develop your core understanding of many aspects of computer science. This will include software engineering, computer networking, digital media, AI, cloud computing, sustainable computing and big data.
You'll be introduced to the fundamentals of computer programming. This will include variables and data types, understanding sequence, selection and iteration, basic algorithms, and structured programming and reuse.
Discover the stages involved in the development of database systems and acquire database modelling and implementation skills. You'll also examine the ethical and professional issues associated with the database development process.
Extend the basic knowledge of programming you have gained on the fundamentals module. You'll focus on the concept of object-oriented programming and its associated design techniques.
Examine the principles involved in making information sharing possible, efficient and secure. You'll gain an understanding of the techniques that networking protocols use to achieve successful communication, including error detection and recovery, multiplexing and security protection.
What you'll learn
Focus on advanced programming concepts and their underlying principles. You'll also study professional techniques used during development of good quality commercial strength software products.
Develop your knowledge of operating systems to a level that will enable you to support, administrate and even develop small parts of a live operating system.
Explore the basics of local area networks (LANs) and wireless LANs. You'll develop an understand of the operations and key components of LANs and WLANs.
Gain a solid understanding of advanced machine learning techniques and its applications. You'll implement the different advanced algorithms using your programming language of choice.
Further your professional and entrepreneurial skills by working within a small group to design, develop and present a solution to a real or case-study based problem.
Option modules may include
Building on your understanding of digital security, this module will examine various security mechanisms, both physical and policy based, and give you practical experience of hacking and prevention.
Explore the design and development of dynamic websites. You'll examine the design process alongside an introduction to server-side web development, enabling you to build a well-designed, interactive site.
Build on your experience of designing and implementing databases. You'll apply your database application development and programming skills to build robust applications.
What you'll learn
Extend your programming skills and knowledge to a more advanced level. You'll develop your transferable programming and design abilities which will permit you to work confidently within industry.
Enhance your professional and entrepreneurial skills. You'll work in a small development team to identify, research, plan, design, develop, evaluate and present a software-based solution to a real problem.
Option modules may include
Examine how to build cloud services and explore the technologies required to provide these to client-side systems. You'll study the established protocols that are used to communicate with server-side software and consider aspects such as security and n-tier systems.
Focus on current developments, standards, tools and technologies within the area of internet application systems. You'll learn to build professional web-based systems using a variety of current techniques.
Take a practical perspective on the domain of data and database development and management. You'll seek to justify and implement appropriate modelling, design and programming strategies that satisfy the requirements associated with a range of modern data/database applications.
Investigate the architectures, platforms and techniques available to build applications for mobile devices.
Study advanced concepts in networking technologies including quality of service in converged Networks. You'll study concepts of software defined networks (SDN) and network function virtualisation (NVF).
What you'll learn
Enhance your understanding of the tools and techniques used by modern network managers. You'll learn to collect management data, look for faults on the network and identify diagnostic procedures that are on par with industry standards.
The module will focus on the principles and the techniques in developing systems for 'Internet of Things'. You'll understand the application of intelligent systems in everyday life and how to automate complex scenarios. You'll look at prototyping smart systems and the tools and techniques used to develop them for a connected world. We'll explore how to program automation features in devices such as wearable technologies, and home-automation technologies. You'll develop a critical understanding of the components and principles that form an IoT system and how to critically analyse a problem, build a prototype and deploy a smart system using appropriate tools and techniques.
Develop an awareness of the methods and skills required to carry out master's-level research successfully. You'll reflect critically on your own development in the context of your chosen programme of study. Your final product or dissertation must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of your field of study and a critical awareness of issues at the forefront of our discipline. It should build on your existing skillset and demonstrate a degree of originality in the application of your knowledge.
Engage in research or advanced scholarship in a subject area that is of particular interest to you. You'll carry out an in-depth research project, which will be discussed in a formal dissertation.
Option modules may include
Learn about fundamental principles and approaches to intelligent systems, autonomous behaviour, sensing and control. You'll use practical examples of simulated robotic systems, open-source robot/A.I. systems and software to drive your learning. You'll also be expected to develop or modify software for simulating simple behavioural and reaction patterns of robotic and other intelligent agents/systems using tools such as ROS, MATLAB, and Simulink.
This module will provide you with an understanding of the new model of service computing. It covers a unique set of principles that are used to create software and designed as units of services.
Study the techniques involved in assembly language programming. You'll look into the various approaches of design and programming modern day computer systems at a very intricate level.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.