Computers play a major role in our everyday lives and their systems need to be designed and created by someone.
This course is top-up degree by distance learning. If you want to build a career in computing, information systems, ecommerce or networks, but think full-time study may clash with other commitments, then this distance learning course could be the right option for you.
On this course you can:
Our main emphasis is on ensuring that you become a competent computing professional ready to participate productively in the modern IT/business world. On completion of this course, you’ll be all set to start your career as an IT practitioner and you are likely to enjoy a choice of exciting career paths across a broad employment spectrum.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
My degree has helped me immensely with a job opportunity, new skills, interests and knowledge, and also much needed experience in a real-world IT environment.
Daniel Evans, computing student 2012
Course:
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
In the first year we aim to supply you with the central skills and knowledge that you will need as a computing professional.
Core units in this year include:
In your final year you will produce your own engineering project. It will focus on the creation of an artefact, such as a piece of software or working system, supported by both theoretical literature and your own research.
We use the best and most current research and professional practice, alongside feedback from our students, to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional units may not run every year. If a unit doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative unit.
Despite its distance learning mode, this course is still extremely student focused. You will be given resources, materials, help and guidance to complete your studies to your full ability. Bulletin boards for topic and general discussion, as well as real-time text based 'chat sessions' with lecturers will ensure you receive all the support you need.
We assess you in a way that encourages a deeper understanding and allows you to develop your skills. Here’s how:
Although you may not be campus based, you will still benefit from web, email or phone access to many of our facilities and services. Our student website, LookUP, will be your one-stop shop for all news, information and links to other services, and 24/7 online access to the University Library’s vast electronic book, journal and database collections will help you find the right resources for your research.
A one-stop academic help and support resource for all School of Computing students. Need help understanding your assessments? Want to talk to someone about your project or about that programming problem? This is the place to go.
Drop in any time and get one-to-one help with that tricky maths or stats problem. With handouts on key topics to take away and computer aided learning packages, we can get the problem solved and help you improve your numeracy skills.
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
There are extra costs associated with studying, which you will need to consider when planning your expenditure.
Recommended texts:
If you wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow from the University Library, the average price is £50-£60. You may be studying up to 6 units a year, each with a standard recommended text.
General costs:
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for costs of photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
Final year project:
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose to develop.
On graduating from this degree your computing expertise will be useful in a range of areas including systems design and analysis, computer service consultancy, ebusiness operations or other related computer work.
Alternatively, you may choose to continue your study to either MSc or PhD level, perhaps specialising in areas such as health informatics, forensic IT and networking.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Apply direct using our online form
Your application will be received by the University Admissions Centre for consideration.
Come to an Open Day and explore our course facilities, tour the campus and have a look around our halls of residence.
Staff from our international Office regularly attend overseas exhibitions. To find out more about these and our visits to your region see our International Office exhibitions page.
Find out more about fees and funding available to you at Portsmouth.
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to our terms and conditions as well as the University’s policies, rules and regulations. You should read and consider these before you apply.
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP
T: +44 (0)23 9284 8484
E: myport@port.ac.uk