Applied Computing BSc (Hons)

Master key technical and practical skills in a wide range of computing specialisms, including computer technology, database design and development, internet technology, programming, systems requirement development and agile project management.

Entry Criteria
Structure and assessment
Facilities and features
Opportunities and careers
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Overview

Please note: this course was previous titled 'Computing BSc (Hons)'

The modules on this course have been carefully designed to provide a fully integrated programme of study. Applied Computing BSc (Hons) is a practical, vocationally oriented course providing students with knowledge and skills for the modern, computer-driven workplace. The course is a contemporary mix of traditional computing subjects with professional and work-related skills.

The core modules include Introduction to Computing, Computer Ethics, Data Analytics, Information and Database Design, Programming in Python, Project Management, Human Computer Interaction, Programming with APIs and Frameworks, Mobile Application Design and Development and Artificial Intelligence. In addition to the core modules, there are a number of optional modules for students to choose from including Information and Communication Technologies for Development, Information Security Management and Governance, Internet of Things and Advanced Database Management and Programming, so you can tailor your learning to your areas of interest.

In your final year, you will select from a range of specialist options and also complete a computing project.

Key features

We have more than 50 years of computing experience that you can learn from. This long-standing history allows you to draw on a wealth of research and academic expertise to inform your studies. Computer science and informatics research at DMU was ranked third for its research power among modern UK universities in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2014), which is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
Enhance your employability and gain industry experience by undertaking an optional work placement. Previous students have carried out placements at organisations including IBM, Vauxhall, Microsoft, General Electric, Siemens, GCHQ, Caterpillar and Hewlett-Packard.
Develop your practical skills in our specialist facilities. You’ll have access to 100 computer workstations which are divided into five interconnected laboratories, each with 20 high-specification PCs running Windows/Linux.
Enjoy an international experience with DMU Global, which can enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons. Previous DMU Global trips have included New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Russia and Italy to name a few.

Computing has given me fundamental knowledge in different areas. The course has taught me programming skills that are attractive to employers, such as visual web development, HTML5, C# programming, database management and reporting.

Egle Sciglinskaite, Computing BSc (Hons)

Hear more from Egle Sciglinskaite about her experience studying on the Computing BSc (Hons)

Graduate success and news

DMU Computing student gets in deep at work placement

DMU's Journalism, Film and Computing students among the most satisfied in the UK

DMU's 48-hour Hackathon in Brazil leads to winning app

UK
EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: I100

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: I100

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics, plus one of the following:
Normally 104 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM or
Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE course. English and Maths GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or
International Baccalaureate: 24+ points
Foundation Year in Computing: Pass Foundation, and progression is at the discretion of the programme leader. Refer to the Foundation team for further guidance.

Portfolio Required : No

Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

English language

If English is not your first language then an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

First year

Introduction to Computing and its applications
Computer Ethics
Data Analytics and Statistics 1
Information Systems Analysis
Information and Database Design
Foundations of programming in Python
Programming in Python 2
Data Analytics and Statistics 2

Second year

Information and Database Development
Project Management
Human Computer Interaction
Integrated Project
Programming with APIs and Frameworks
Mobile Application Design and Development
Analytics and Business Modelling
Introduction to Information Security

Third year

Project
Application Architecture
Artificial Intelligence
Business Systems Solutions

Optional modules (choose 3):

Information and Communication Technologies for Development
Professional and Academic Research Development
Information Security Management and Governance
Internet of Things
Advanced Database Management and Programming

See more detailed module information.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

This course uses a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, computer lab sessions, collaborative learning and self-directed study. A number of modules are assessed by coursework only and involve group work.

Assessment in each module is designed to meet its specified learning outcomes. Methods of assessment will include time constrained phase tests, portfolios of work, laboratory exercises, exams, reports and presentations.

You will normally attend around 12-16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 14-16 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Facilities and features

Computer Science Laboratories

The Computer Science laboratories in Gateway House provide 100 computer workstations for students to use. The space is divided into four interconnected laboratories each with 20 machines.

There are printing facilities available, internal network access and digital projectors to aid in teaching. All the machines are connected via the Faculty of Technology network to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work. Many of the software packages are open source which means students can download and run software at home.

The Computer Science laboratories include a study space area, in which students can work individually or in groups.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Graduate Careers

Don't give up' – DMU grad's message to women in tech

Studying at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has helped Selina Hayat land a job with an international provider of technology products and services.

Since graduating with a Computing BSc (Hons) in January, Selina has been working as a junior IT analyst at CDW, an American company with clients ranging business, government and education.

Based at its branch in her hometown of Peterborough, she supports customers with IT solutions by troubleshooting and suggesting appropriate hardware and software.

The 22-year-old said: “I’ve learned so much already and there are lots of exciting progression routes within the company, which is a great start to my career.

Choosing to study a male-dominated subject was a daunting decision for Selina at first, even though she has been ‘technically-minded’ since she was a child.

“One piece of advice I would give to any woman pursuing this path is ‘don’t give up’. Each and every course out there is for everyone. There is no label attached saying ‘this is for men’ or ‘this is for women’ and young girls should be encouraged from earlier on to study STEM subjects.

DMU Global

Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.

Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

Previous DMU Global trips have seen Computing and Computer Science students explore the Silicon Docks in Dublin and be inspired by the educational and networking opportunities at the SAS Global Forum in Dallas.

Placements (paid placement year)

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.

Previous students have taken up placements in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including some international posts, with leading companies such as ONVU Retail, TNT, Ashton Court and Taylor Hobson.

Our careers programme DMU Works can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

Applied Computing BSc (Hons)