Long gone are the days when computing professionals were solely writing programs to satisfy their appreciative business users. Clients now have higher expectations and rightly want a greater degree of involvement throughout the development process. This partnership approach has been found to substantially increase the chances of creating successful systems. Nowadays developers must be able to communicate with users at all levels of an organisation and to do that they need to know something about the businesses in which they work. The Computing for Business degree is specifically designed to integrate both the exciting subject areas of Business and Computing. It provides a thorough understanding of systems development while at the same time providing a sound knowledge of modern business operations. Studying on the Computing for Business degree will also develop important transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, organisation and time keeping.
The Computing for Business degree is excellent for students wanting to pursue a career in a commercial computing environment. Students will acquire a wide range of techniques and tools for use in the construction of sophisticated information systems with particular emphasis on software within business. You can also apply to a 4 year course, Computing for Business with a Year in Industry (G511), in which the third year is spent on a relevant work placement.
The degree is delivered using modules from both the School of Computing Sciences and the Norwich Business School. Both of these Schools have close contacts with industry, for example, through research funding, knowledge transfer programmes, external advisory panels, and consultancy. The School of Computing Sciences also has its own consulting company called SYSCO. Guest professionals are frequently invited to give talks and meet with students. These links with business and industry are exploited in the degree by setting real world problems and using real data in practical projects and coursework. A significant proportion of the assessment is made up of such projects - both individually and in groups.
The course has a compulsory first year that develops your skills in computing and introduces you to business. In the second and third years you study further commercially oriented computing modules and learn about the workings of organisations. You are free to choose further computing and business modules that suit your interests and your career aspirations. You will complete a substantial individually supervised project in your final year.
This programme has full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation as well as leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status from the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT)
Contact time
Students have on average 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars, though this may vary depending on module choices. Additionally, students should allocate at least 25 hours per week for study, coursework assignments and projects.
Career Opportunities
Computing graduates who also have some understanding of business, its organisation, its motivations and its priorities, are highly sought after. The majority of our students gain employment in UK industry. Frequently occurring job titles are software developer, systems analyst, software engineer, database designer, programmer, web developer, IT consultant, management consultant, and usability consultant. Some graduates choose to go on to postgraduate studies and a few move into the teaching profession.
The School of Computing Sciences (CMP) has an excellent reputation in teaching. 90% Satisfied with teaching in Guardian University Guide 2013.
The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in Computing Science and subject areas allied to it that include computer graphics, computer systems engineering, actuarial sciences, business information systems and computational biology.
All of our degree courses are designed to give you a flexible structure that enables you to choose subjects that interest you and that are aligned with your career aspirations.
You will be taught by academics at the cutting edge of their respective fields. In the last research assessment exercise 95% of our research was regarded as world-leading or as internationally excellent or recognised.
The School of Computing Sciences has an excellent reputation in teaching having been awarded the top grade of ‘commendable’ in all categories from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
Our undergraduate computing degrees have full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation (many of the Masters programmes also have the Further Learning Element status)as well as leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status from the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT).
Much of our work is concerned with real-world problems and applications and we have excellent links with industry both for our teaching and research.
The facilities and student experience in the school are excellent. We have a range of different laboratories for students that cater for the different disciplines taught in the school. We also have a Help Desk that provides support for our students, as well as a student common room and a Staff Student Liaison Committee.
Our teaching is delivered in a variety of ways including lectures, laboratory classes, seminars and group projects. Our laboratory class and seminars are run with a 1-to-16 staff to student ratio ensuring you can obtain good support.
The School of Computing Sciences leads the university in utilizing its internationally recognized research commercially, through SYS Consulting, its Consulting company and through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
The module is designed to introduce students to some of the principal technologies of contemporary computing systems and to software development in a web context. More...
The module is designed to provide students with: an overview of the organisational, cultural and technical context of current software development, experience of developing software in a web context, and an introduction to the principal architectures of contemporary computing systems. More...
This module offers an introduction to business and its environment, providing the necessary background for subsequent honours modules in the business arena. It may also be taken as a stand-alone module by students seeking a general insight into the world of business. It considers a broad range of management disciplines and seeks to introduce skills necessary for future management career pathways.
The purpose of the module is to give the student a solid grounding in the essential features of object-oriented computer programming using the Java programming language. The module is designed to meet the needs of a student who has not previously studied programming, although it is recognised that many will in fact have done so in some measure. On completing this module the student should be capable of developing, testing and documenting simple but non-trivial object-oriented programs, and of using the appropriate technical terminology in discussing these programs. More...
The module is designed to provide students with an overview of the history of computing, and an insight to likely developments. Report writing and team skills are developed. More...
Compulsory Study (80 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 80 credits:
This module covers most aspects of databases, database manipulation and database management systems. The module is mainly based on the relational model, although other models are also discussed. The students will explore the tools and methods for database design as well as the programming of database applications. Part of the practical experience gained will be acquired using a modern commercial relational database management system. Students will also gain programming experience using SQL, and using the Java JDBC interface. A high level language programming module is a pre-requisite. More...
The overall aim of this module is for students to develop an understanding of the structure, functioning, and performance of organisations with particular reference to the behaviour of the individuals and groups who work within them. Specifically, the module aims are to: ��� Develop an appreciation of the nature and historical development of organisational behaviour ��� Introduce key concepts, theories, and methodologies in organisational behaviour ��� Develop an understanding of the linkages between OB research, theory, and practice ��� Develop analytical and academic writing skills
Software Engineering is one of the most essential skills for work in the software development industry. Students will gain an understanding of the issues involvedin designing and creating software systems from an industry perspective. They will be taught state of the art in phased software development methodology, with a special focus on the activities required to go from initial class model design to actual running software systems. These activities are complemented with an introduction into software project management and development facilitation. More...
This module considers various activities associated with the development of all types of computer based information systems including project management, feasibility, investigation, analysis, logical and physical design, and the links to file design, software design, and user interface design. It makes use of a number of analysis and design tools and techniques in order to produce readable system specifications. Students are introduced to a number of development methods including structured, object oriented, soft systems, participative, iterative and rapid approaches. More...
Option A Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
This is a module designed to give students the opportunity to apply statistical methods in realistic situations. While no advanced knowledge of probability and statistics is required, we expect students to have some background in probability and statistics before taking this module. The aim is to cover 4 topics from a list including: Estimating population abundance, Extremes and quartiles, Linear models, Bootstrap methods and their application, Sample surveys, Simulations, Subjective statistics, Forecasting and Clustering methods. The topics on offer may vary to cover the interests of those in the class. More...
This module studies the organization of both the system software and the underlying hardware architecture in modern computer systems. The role of concurrent operation of both hardware and software components is emphasized throughout, and the central concepts of the module are reinforced by practical work involving Lego robots and Java programming exercises. More...
This module aims to introduce concepts of classical Artificial Intelligence. Topics include an introduction to a logic programming language, knowledge representation, expert systems, case base reasoning, problem solving paradigms and game playing. More...
This is a compulsory module for all computing students and provides the necessary foundation in data and storage structures for all computing streams. In addition, the module emphasises systematic algorithm design and discusses algorithm analysis. At the same time, the module provides the student with the opportunity to reinforce and enhance the programming skills developed in the first year. More...
This module is for those students who have passed CMPC1F3Y in their first year and would like to study further theory that is a pre-requisite for several other 2nd and 3rd level modules in CMP. For such students it provides an introduction to the mathematics of counting and arrangements, a further development of the theory and practice of calculus, an introduction to linear algebra and its computing applications and a further development of the principles and computing applications of probability theory. 3D Vectors and complex numbers are also studied. More...
This module covers the basics of computer graphics for all computer scientists and concentrates on two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics fundamentals. It puts an emphasis on 2D graphics, algorithms, interaction and OpenGL. Other topics covered include fonts, algorithms for line drawing, curves, clipping and colour. Ability to program is a pre-requisite. An introduction to C++ will be presented as part of the module. More...
This is a compulsory module for all computing students and is a continuation of 1M0Y/1X04. It contains greater breadth and depth and provides students with the range of skills needed for many of their subsequent modules. We recap Java and deepen your understanding of the language by teaching topics such as nested classes, generics, swing and threaded programming. We will also broaden your programming knowledge by giving you a basic grounding in Matlab and C++. More...
There has recently been a huge growth in the power and sophistication of tools that enable people to manipulate images and sounds on computers, and the techniques underlying these tools are also key for the development of artificial intelligence. In this module, we study the nature of audio and video signals from devices such as cameras and microphones and how they are captured and represented on a computer. This includes the coverage of essential ideas of topics such as sampling, time, spatial and frequency domains, filtering, Fourier representation etc. and practical work (using MATLAB) on processing sounds and images to e.g. produce effects, extract information from, or recognize a sound or an image. More...
Option B Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
This introductory module for non-accounting specialists emphasises the use and interpretation of accounting data in a corporate environment. Concepts of cost, profit, cashflow and the time value of money will be introduced and their usefulness in the context of business decision making critically examined. The aim of this module is to present an introduction to financial and management accounting and the types of information which each provides (and does not provide). It introduces basic accounting concepts and procedures used in the preparation of accounting statements to enable the interpretation of the performance of the organisation. The module also aims to introduce some of the techniques used in management accounting so as to develop an appreciation of its role in organisational planning, control, decision making and performance evaluation. No prior knowledge of accounting is assumed. NOTE - THIS MODULE IS NOT NORMALLY AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY STUDIED EITHER NBS-1A1Y (Introduction to Financial Reporting), or NBS-1F1Y (Accounting for Management Decisions), or NBS-1A2Y (Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting).
As business assumes a position of unprecedented power and influence throughout the world, our understanding of its moral significance becomes ever more important. This module explores some of the ethical questions raised by modern business practice. Examples of such questions include: • Should business organisations be held morally responsible for the practical consequences of their actions? • To what extent, if any, is it right for the professions to be self-regulating where matters of ethics are concerned? • Are hostile takeovers morally acceptable? • Does business have a special obligation to preserve the natural environment? Such questions cover two kinds of problems: those specific to particular sectors or areas of commerce and, more broadly, those concerning the relationship between business and society at large. In tackling these two categories of issues, the module draws on philosophical methods and theories in general, as well as the work of particular thinkers such as Aristotle, Mill and Kant. However, no prior knowledge of philosophy is assumed.
This module provides a foundation in the theory and practice of accounting and an introduction to the role, context and language of financial reporting and management accounting. The module assumes no previous study of accounting. It may be taken as a stand alone course for those students following a more general management pathway or to provide a foundation to underpin subsequent specialist studies in accounting.
This module deals with the key operations strategy and operational management functions in a work setting. The core theme is the relevant knowledge and management skills necessary to effectively and efficiently develop strategies for the delivery of high quality services and/or goods in complex and dynamic environments. Students will examine the strategic importance of operations, the core input, transformation and output functions of any business and management situation, and the latest international strategic developments across numerous commercial sectors and organisations.
This module is concerned with the marketing function of an organisation. It seeks to develop awareness and understanding of marketing as an integrated business activity and focuses on the framework of theory which underpins an organisation's responses to market demand. In addition it considers examples of marketing programmes for a variety of organisational contexts. It is suitable for all UEA students and is a stand-alone module.
Compulsory Study (80 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 80 credits:
Available to any student registered in the School of Computing Sciences, the objective of this module is to enable students to gain experience of independent project work, both from a technical and an organisational standpoint. Each student will be allocated to a supervisor who will offer technical guidance and advise on presentation of reports. More...
Using data-centric software engineering principles, this module explores the development of distributed, industrial-strength information systems for Web-based implementations. Topics include dynamic object-oriented system design, the use of persistent objects with Relational databases, business models, business objects, and the practical design and implementation for an architecture n-tier, server-based, systems environment. The use of these techniques, for both e-Commerce and other systems, will be discussed. Coursework will concentrate on the practical use of Java Enterprise Edition version 5 (Java EE 5)-based techniques. Confidence in Java programming language skills and knowledge of Java SE 5 enhancements are pre-requisites. More...
This module draws together a wide range of material and considers it in the context of developing modern large-scale computer systems. Topics such as Outsourcing, Process Improvement, System Failure, Project Management, Configuration Management, Maintainability, Legacy Systems and Re-engineering, Acceptance and Performance Testing, Metrics and Human Factors are covered in this module. The module is supported by a series of industrial case studies and includes speakers from industry. More...
Option A Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
This introductory module for non-accounting specialists emphasises the use and interpretation of accounting data in a corporate environment. Concepts of cost, profit, cashflow and the time value of money will be introduced and their usefulness in the context of business decision making critically examined. The aim of this module is to present an introduction to financial and management accounting and the types of information which each provides (and does not provide). It introduces basic accounting concepts and procedures used in the preparation of accounting statements to enable the interpretation of the performance of the organisation. The module also aims to introduce some of the techniques used in management accounting so as to develop an appreciation of its role in organisational planning, control, decision making and performance evaluation. No prior knowledge of accounting is assumed. NOTE - THIS MODULE IS NOT NORMALLY AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY STUDIED EITHER NBS-1A1Y (Introduction to Financial Reporting), or NBS-1F1Y (Accounting for Management Decisions), or NBS-1A2Y (Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting).
This module studies the organization of both the system software and the underlying hardware architecture in modern computer systems. The role of concurrent operation of both hardware and software components is emphasized throughout, and the central concepts of the module are reinforced by practical work involving Lego robots and Java programming exercises. More...
This module aims to introduce concepts of classical Artificial Intelligence. Topics include an introduction to a logic programming language, knowledge representation, expert systems, case base reasoning, problem solving paradigms and game playing. More...
This module builds upon the Principles of Marketing module taken in Year 2. It introduces the student to the field of consumer behaviour, a major sub-discipline within marketing that is concerned with understanding what meanings products, brands and possessions have in consumers’ lives and identity projects. Thus, the module’s overall aim is for the student to develop a detailed knowledge and deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and main theories behind the two dominant paradigms of “Buying Decision-Making Theory” (BDT) and “Consumer Culture Theory” (CCT). Further attention is paid to how the application of such knowledge and insights would benefit the development of suitable marketing strategies. It thereby aims to demonstrate that a customer focus within the organisation is not only the key to any successful marketing strategy, but is also highly dependent on a thorough in-depth understanding of both BDT and CCT. The lectures will be supported by a series of seminar sessions, whose aim is the practical application of the module syllabus.
As business assumes a position of unprecedented power and influence throughout the world, our understanding of its moral significance becomes ever more important. This module explores some of the ethical questions raised by modern business practice. Examples of such questions include: • Should business organisations be held morally responsible for the practical consequences of their actions? • To what extent, if any, is it right for the professions to be self-regulating where matters of ethics are concerned? • Are hostile takeovers morally acceptable? • Does business have a special obligation to preserve the natural environment? Such questions cover two kinds of problems: those specific to particular sectors or areas of commerce and, more broadly, those concerning the relationship between business and society at large. In tackling these two categories of issues, the module draws on philosophical methods and theories in general, as well as the work of particular thinkers such as Aristotle, Mill and Kant. However, no prior knowledge of philosophy is assumed.
This module aims to provide students with knowledge of the significance of entrepreneurship and the small business sector within the economy, and research-led understanding of the factors that affect the small business birth, growth, success & failure
The general aim of the module is to study the theory and practice of financial accounting and reporting. This includes an examination of current and legal professional requirements as they relate to limited liability companies in the UK. Some international issues, for example in relation to the US and the European Union, are also considered.
This module covers the basics of computer graphics for all computer scientists and concentrates on two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics fundamentals. It puts an emphasis on 2D graphics, algorithms, interaction and OpenGL. Other topics covered include fonts, algorithms for line drawing, curves, clipping and colour. Ability to program is a pre-requisite. An introduction to C++ will be presented as part of the module. More...
The module explores the development of Information Retrieval technologies, which have been driven by large increases in on-line documents and the Internet search engines. The main topics covered include information retrieval models and architecture, Web-based retrieval, multimedia retrieval, common NLP techniques and their role in IR. Previous experience of a high level programming language is required, and either CMPS2B23 or CMPS2B26 are desirable pre-requisites. More...
This module provides a foundation in the theory and practice of accounting and an introduction to the role, context and language of financial reporting and management accounting. The module assumes no previous study of accounting. It may be taken as a stand alone course for those students following a more general management pathway or to provide a foundation to underpin subsequent specialist studies in accounting.
The module aims to develop students’ understanding of the theory and practice of management accounting. The course develops some underpinning competencies in management accounting. It builds on topics introduced in the first year to extend comprehension of the role and system of management accounting for performance measurement, planning, decision making and control across a range of organisations. It also emphasises recent developments in management accounting practice, particularly those which underpin its growing strategic role.
This module is aimed at those students who are considering pursuing a career in personal/employee/management development and or management consulting. It introduces the conceptual frameworks associated with management consulting, and self, management and organisational development outlining their purposes and processes within a business context. Students within a framework of self-managed learning will be expected to map the context of their learning experiences, complete self-diagnostic work, agree a strategic learning contract, participate in group learning meetings and undertaken individual work using action research as a tool to inform reflective practice.
This module introduces the important concepts in data transmission and computer network design, implementation and management. Architectures and protocols for both local and wide-area networks are studied in detail with an emphasis on performance evaluation and real-time use. An emphasis is placed on issues concerned with real-time delivery of data and maintaining quality of service, for example through study of applications such as voice over IP. More...
This module deals with the key operations strategy and operational management functions in a work setting. The core theme is the relevant knowledge and management skills necessary to effectively and efficiently develop strategies for the delivery of high quality services and/or goods in complex and dynamic environments. Students will examine the strategic importance of operations, the core input, transformation and output functions of any business and management situation, and the latest international strategic developments across numerous commercial sectors and organisations.
The objective of this module is to explore some of the assumptions surrounding the use of information in contemporary organisations. These issues will be examined within a modern philosophical framework, giving rise to a critical reflection of methodology and organisational models that form the basis of organisational systems. Students with computing modules and/or organisational background may be considered for this module.
This module is concerned with the marketing function of an organisation. It seeks to develop awareness and understanding of marketing as an integrated business activity and focuses on the framework of theory which underpins an organisation's responses to market demand. In addition it considers examples of marketing programmes for a variety of organisational contexts. It is suitable for all UEA students and is a stand-alone module.
This is a compulsory module for all computing students and is a continuation of 1M0Y/1X04. It contains greater breadth and depth and provides students with the range of skills needed for many of their subsequent modules. We recap Java and deepen your understanding of the language by teaching topics such as nested classes, generics, swing and threaded programming. We will also broaden your programming knowledge by giving you a basic grounding in Matlab and C++. More...
Free Choice Study (20 credits)
Students will select modules worth 20 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Entry Requirements
Qualification:
BTEC National Diploma: DDM
A Level:
ABB
International Baccalaureate:
32 points overall inc. 3 HL subjects at Grade 6
Scottish Highers:
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers:
ABB
Irish Leaving Certificate:
AABBBB
Access Course:
See below
European Baccalaureate:
75% overall
Students for whom English is a Foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:
IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).
If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
Interviews
The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.
Gap Year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.
Special Entry Requirements
We ask our applicants to have at least one of the following A Levels (or equivalent): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Electronics, Economics or a Business related subject.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Intakes
The School's annual intake is in September of each year.
Alternative Qualifications
We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 Level 3 credits, including 12 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Science Business or Economics related subjects.
GCSE Offer
Students are required to have Mathematics and English Language at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.
Fees and Funding
Undergraduate University Fees
We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.
International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international
How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:
Long gone are the days when computing professionals were solely writing programs to satisfy their appreciative business users. Clients now have higher expectations and rightly want a greater degree of involvement throughout the development process. This partnership approach has been found to substantially increase the chances of creating successful systems. Nowadays developers must be able to communicate with users at all levels of an organisation and to do that they need to know something about the businesses in which they work. The Computing for Business degree is specifically designed to integrate both the exciting subject areas of Business and Computing. It provides a thorough understanding of systems development while at the same time providing a sound knowledge of modern business operations. Studying on the Computing for Business degree will also develop important transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, organisation and time keeping.