Computer Science with Industrial Placement

This programme offers an education in Computer Science that is both broad and deep. As well as covering basic elements such as computer fundamentals, programming, information systems, enterprise computing, social and professional issues, and the world-wide web, it also has a distinctive flavour from: first, its emphasis on applied computing (drawing on inter-disciplinary research and computing across the Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences); second, through its engagement with the research interests of the Computer Science group within the Faculty, notably Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition, and Knowledge Representation; and third, through the provision of extensive practical work experience in a business or commercial setting, contributing the students’ development as experienced computer scientists.

Through this programme we aim to:

• Provide you with knowledge and understanding of how computer systems are organised and how they work
• Give you a thorough grounding in computer programming techniques and skills, including both procedural programming and object-oriented programming
• Give you practical experience and understanding of a range of techniques for developing and maintaining software
• Give you experience of applying computer science techniques to a range of problems in science and business
• Provide you with the mathematical and logical techniques underpinning computation
• Introduce you to some current research topics in computer science
• Engage you in extended project work both as an individual and as a member of a team
• Provide you with the opportunity to experience the industrial practice of Computer Science in a supportive environment
• Foster an awareness of the social, legal, and ethical dimensions to the work of computer professionals
• Help you to attain the necessary speaking, writing, and presentation skills to communicate your ideas effectively.

The BSc in Computer Science with Industrial Placement is a four-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

If you do not pass the Industrial Placement or are not able to secure a placement you will be required to transfer to the BSc Computer Science Programme.

Interim Awards

If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved 120 credits, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at NQF Level 5 or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Computer Science.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Facultyweb site https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/

You may take Option Modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows, and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the Faculty web site https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/

You may take Elective Modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in the second and third stages of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.  

Credit

The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at NQF Level 4, and must take at least 90 credits at NQF Level 6.

The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40%.

Progression

You can progress to the next stage (or in the final year, to proceed to the award of an honours degree) once at least 90 credits have been passed in a stage, and provided that an average of at least 40% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessment for that stage.

Condonement

This programme is accredited by a PSRB under licence from the Engineering Council. Therefore, the latest Engineering Council regulations on condonement apply to this programme. Please find further details in the TQA Manual here: 

http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/specialprovisionsforprogrammeswithaccreditationlicencedbytheengineeringcouncil/

Assessment and Awards

Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2, 3 and 4 combined in the ratio 2:1:4 respectively.

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:

Class I    70% +                                                       

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                      

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                      

Class III  40-49%

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

It is the student’s responsibility to secure an industrial placement for Stage 3 of the programme, but the College will be responsible for ensuring that the placement is appropriate, and maintaining regular contact with the student over the duration of the placement.

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. In addition, entry to this programme will normally require a qualification equivalent to A-levels at grades AAB or higher, including A-level Mathematics.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed Faculty assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.