Information Systems and Computing (BSc) - 2012/2013 entry

This programme enables students who have completed the Foundation Degree in Information Technology, or equivalent, to develop to BSc honours level by studying higher-level modules and carrying out a complex real-world computing project. The societal and organisational impacts of information technology are also covered.

Modern computing and information systems skills often become obsolete as new technology is developed. Therefore the programme strikes a balance between learning current skills, which are important in the marketplace, and emphasising the underlying theories, which last longer and which provide a sound basis for developing new skills, techniques and technologies.

• Develop knowledge, technical skills and self-directed learning skills in the rapidly changing area of information technology.
• Allows graduates of our Foundation Degree in Information Technology, or an equivalent programme,to gain a BSc through two years' further study.
• Emphasises technical computing and project management skills.
• Gain a BSc to further your career.

Compulsory modules:

• Database Management
• Social and Organisational Issues in Computing
• Final-Year Project.

Option modules taught by the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems:

• Artificial Intelligence with Web Applications;
• Computer Networking
• Information Security
• Middleware
• Software and Programming II
• Strategic Information Systems.

Option modules taught by the Department of Management:

• Employment Relations and Human Resources Management
• Marketing Principles and Practices
• Marketing Strategy
• Operations Management
• Organisational Behaviour
• Strategic Management.

Other information systems modules:

• Environmental Management and Business Strategy

• Principles of Geographical Information Systems Proof

We offer a range of Master's programmes in computer science and information systems.

Download our Learning Pathways in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems chart to see what study options are available to you (pdf document – requires Acrobat Reader).

Graduates go on to careers in software engineering, information systems management, consultancy and research.

We regularly publish career-related information on our website.

IT facilities

We have three modern computing laboratories in the department, with a total of one hundred workstations. The two largest labs, seating fifty and thirty respectively have projection facilities and are air-conditioned. Software, which runs on a range of platforms including Unix, Windows and Linux includes:

• programming languages/environments: C++, Java (J2SE, J2EE), ANSI-C, ANSI-C++, AspectJ, Jakarta Tomcat, Glider, Eclipse, Poseidon, BlueJ, WebMatrix, Netbeans, Python,
• software design/development: IBM Rational Rose (C++, Java, Visual Studio), VS.NET
• modelling environments: Matlab, Image Precessing Toolbox, Fuzzy Logic Toolbox, StarLogo, Protege,
• database management systems: Oracle, SQLserver, MySQL, DB2, Postgres, SQLplus
• data mining: SPSS Clementine, SQLserver
• web content development: Macromedia Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Perl, PHP, GIMP
• XML development: XMLSpy, xt, xmlgrep, oxygen
• X/Unix: Hummingbird, Cygwin bash, Putty, Hummingbird Secure Shell
• office tools: Microsoft Office, Open Office, Visio, LaTeX (MikTeX), TextPad, GhostScript/GSview
• virtual learning environment: Blackboard, Moodle, WebCT
• browsers: Firefox, Firefox svg, Opera, IE, Chrome
• email: Thunderbird, OutlookExpress, webmail
• logic circuit design: Digital Works

The department's one hundred seat, art-deco lecture theatre has been extensively refurbished. The new wider seats, worktops and ventillation system provide a spacious and comfortable environment for learning and the banked seating and audio-visual facilities, including a 3m x 2.5m projection screen, give an excellent view. We also have our own teaching room accommodating forty people and a conference room for groups of upto twenty-five. All rooms have computer projection facilities. We also have access to the College lecture theatres and rooms situated in close proximity to the department.

The local area network is a switched gigabit/10gigabit ethernet. The department and college computers are connected to the SuperJANET academic network via the London Metropolitan Network. Departmental computer services and networks are managed and supported by the department's Systems Group.

• Applications January–September; we advise you to apply early.
• Late applications are subject to availability of places.