Course modules
Year 1 (national level 4):
Software Engineering (20 credits)
Explore a wide range of software engineering techniques and industry practices, designed to promote the production of high-quality, efficient, reliable, and secure software. Examine how software is created and the various stages of the software development lifecycle, together with consideration of social, ethical, professional, and legal issues. Evaluate software products to ensure that they are functioning correctly, and conclude their strengths and weaknesses.
Computer Systems, Architectures and Networks (20 credits)
Gain an overview of how a computer works, from the moment it is switched on. Explore what happens inside the machine, including how computers process input, generate output and store data. Install and configure a modern operating system, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems using real equipment and simulations.
Introduction to Programming (20 credits)
Learn about the fundamental programming concepts, including how to write computer programs using a high-level programming language such as Python or C#. Develop an understanding of debugging techniques to find and resolve defects. Select and implement appropriate structures for file handling, data manipulation, and error handling within a program.
Full Stack Development (20 credits)
Explore both front-end and back-end web development, and use frameworks to create a fully dynamic web application. Consider the development of the modern web and review the underlying technologies and standards. Create programs that run on a live web server and use a modern programming language.
Specialist Project (20 credits)
Explore and develop an individual project based around your preferred area of study. Work directly with subject specialists in workshop-style sessions to explore your specialism. Appreciate the social, ethical, professional, and legal issues as they apply to computer-based systems.
Game Development (20 credits)
Gain hands-on experience using an industry-standard game engine. Plan and design a game using relevant principles and techniques, and incorporate the fundamentals of level design. Apply game programming techniques using an established set of relevant game-related technologies.
Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.