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Computing (Top-Up)
BSc (Hons)
Full time
1 year
Part time
1 year+
Location
Birmingham,
London,
Manchester
or Online
Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology
What makes Arden University special?
Education for everyone, everywhere
Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.
You decide how and where to study
We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.
Full support both online and on-site
We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.
Strong focus on employability
You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.
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
Our BSc (Hons) Computing (Top-Up) offers in-demand skills sought after in today’s tech industry. Our 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 our 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, our 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.
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Added industry skills
Add to your skills with access to certified courses from Salesforce, Cisco, and Amazon.
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Course details and modules
Our 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.
The course gave me the confidence and skills to go for senior jobs that I wouldn’t have previously. I have been promoted several times since.
Martin Scahill
BSc (Hons) Business & Computing (Top-Up)
"I was already in the working world and running two businesses. Not to mention I also have a young family, so the freedom online learning offered, and the cost effectiveness of the course, was a big draw for me."
Adrian Williams
BA Business (Human Resource Management)
Modules
You have between 1 to 3 years to complete this course. Most of our 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)
Free vendor resources
We align our resources with industry leaders like Oracle, Microsoft, Cisco, and Amazon, offering you the chance to pursue certifications and badges that enhance your employability. You will have access to a variety of curricula and resources offered by these vendors. While we don’t cover certification costs, our programme starts you on the journey to these exams, allowing you to pay for them when you are ready.
How do we assess you?
Real-world alignment: Our assessments mirror professional scenarios
The majority of our modules involve hands-on activities alongside the product of technical reports and analysis or real world case studies and scenarios.
You'll engage in creating databases, coding websites and web applications, writing programs, crafting project documents, analysing case studies and scenarios, and using tools for data visualisation and analysis, including working with large datasets. All of this will allow you to start building a professional portfolio of work to show to future employers.
Study options
This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at our 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.
I have learned a lot from the course program and it has given me a good foundation for me to expand my knowledge. The module structure is designed according to my knowledge requirements of my personal IT goals.
Janka Krsteva
BSc Computing Online
Blended learning
How does it work?
When you choose our blended learning study mode, each week you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden campus of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our 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 our 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 our UK campuses.
If you're a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of our UK campuses) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on our fees and funding page. 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.
Learn more about blended learning
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.
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 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 our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve 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. 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 about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.
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.
What you need to study with us
Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.
Find out more
Eligibility
To be eligible to study this BSc Computing top-up degree, we need to see that you have:
- A relevant HND or equivalent where the module content covers Web Design, Databases, Programming and Computer Systems & Networking
English Proficiency
- IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
We are happy to consider an application from you if you can show us you have the motivation to study this computing top-up degree.
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 experience.
Course fees and funding
Meet the faculty
Dr. Rehman began his career in media, graphic design, and desktop publishing before moving into IT administration and support in the publishing and education sectors. He then made the transition into academia, starting out in multimedia and computing and business before moving onto computing programme leadership. During his 20 years in Higher Education, Mohammed has developed and delivered courses across all study levels and worked on a variety of initiatives and projects related to technology and enhanced learning.
Dr. Mohammed Rehman
Head of School – STEM
Career prospects
The ever-evolving nature of technology ensures a continuous demand for skilled computing professionals, offering our 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 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 our carefully selected modules
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
Industry skills
Career development resources
Once you’ve enrolled with Arden, our careers centre is easily accessible directly from inside our 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.
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