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School of Computing
“The emphasis on practical assessments using tools and techniques used in industry is a great way to set students up for future success. The lecturers are approachable and want to see students succeed, and the lab facilities are excellent. You also gain transferable skills throughout your course that help you to succeed in industry.”
Jessica McGowan BSc (Hons) Computing - Application Software Development Graduate
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We are shaping the future industry-sought skills in computer science, digital media, computer networks, cyber security and intelligent information systems. Our courses are innovative, practical and designed to meet current and future industry needs. We will equip you with business-sought skills required for a successful career.
Watch our School film to get a feel for our environment: www.rgu.ac.uk/compfilm
www.rgu.ac.uk/computing computingrgu computingrgu
The computing and digital media industries have always been rapidly changing environments. In recent years, the rise of artificial intelligence, data analytics and processing technologies has only increased the rate of change. These established growth areas have introduced new development practices and approaches that require graduates to be more resilient and adaptable to disruptive changes in the industry, which are emphasised in our range of demand driven courses.
Your university experience is hugely important to us and you are allocated a personal tutor to help support and guide you throughout all years of study. Our open-door policy provides a real sense of community in our School, where we invest time in you. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we ran virtual drop-in sessions for our students so they don’t miss out on the invaluable one-to-one contact with our teaching team. Students who join us in Year 1 will take part in a multidisciplinary Foundation Year to understand the breath of subjects offered by the School. This will form a community of practice beyond your course, and to be equipped with the right technical knowledge for the more advanced years of your degree. You will also have the opportunity to enhance your employability, as all our courses incorporate an optional year-long placement. These placements are often a paid opportunity for you to gain relevant industry-standard technical and professional skills, putting you one step ahead when applying for jobs. All of our courses are accredited by the British Computer Society for CITP or CEng, so as a graduate you can apply for membership of the Society, gaining valuable additional professional recognition. You will gain access to all the resources the institute can offer, and network with others with the same academic interests.
We take a lead in technologyenhanced learning through a combination of interactive lectures, group project work and practical exercises in state-of-the-art computer labs. We host around 360 high specification PCs running the latest industry-standard software. There are specialised facilities for supporting graphics and interactive digital media development, a large-scale render farm, a Mac Lab and a Green Screen Suite, as well as two Cyber Security and Networking Labs. The School offers a wide range of projects and competitions that you can take part in. These will enable you to put your learning to the test and gain skills in problemsolving, time management, communication and teamwork. These projects include our annual and industry-sponsored Hackathon, Hackdays and Code Challenges.
www.rgu.ac.uk/msci-computing
MSci | UCAS Code: G402 | 5 Years including placement
The digital revolution is influencing almost every aspect of modern life, from how we live, learn and work. This 5-year course leads to a Master’s level qualification, providing you with the knowledge and skills to create solutions to real-world problems.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS * SQA Higher: ABBB (English & Maths at National 5 C if not held at Higher)
SQA Advanced Higher Year 2
Entry: BB (to include Computer Science or Maths. English at National 5 C if not held at Higher) GCE A Level: BBC (Computer Science or Maths plus an additional numerate subject. English at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level) GCE A Level Year 2 Entry: ABB (Computer Science & Maths. English at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
H2H2H2H3 (English & Maths at grade O3 if not held at Higher) IB Diploma: 29 (Standard Level English & Maths at grade 4 if not held at Higher) IB Diploma Year 2 Entry: 32 (Maths & another numerate subject at a Higher Level pass. Standard Level English at grade 4 if not held at Higher Level) *Applicants whose first language is not English should check the relevant course page on our website for entry requirements. WHY STUDY THIS COURSE AT RGU?
■ The course allows you to combine undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single 5-year programme, where you will graduate with a Master’s degree ■ This course teaches a wide range of languages across multiple target platforms, right at the cutting-edge of modern computing. This gives you the confidence to adapt to the technology of a rapidly changing world ■ You will benefit from our exceptional teaching facilities including a range of dedicated computer labs with state-of-the-art hardware and software. The environment provides and promotes creativity, independence and flexibility ■ In Year 4, you will have the opportunity to complete either an industry, research or study abroad placement. This will allow you to gain invaluable experience, preparing you for a career after university ■ We have strong industry links and relationships that influence our courses, ensuring you remain up-to-date with the latest industry trends and equipping you with relevant skills demanded by industry ■ Our staff operate an open-door policy and are always on hand to provide you with support.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
YEAR 1 Introduction to Programming, Exploring Computing Devices, Problem-Solving and Modelling, and Software Design and Development, as well as a choice of electives from other courses in the multidisciplinary Foundation Year. YEAR 2 Advanced Software Design and Development, Database Systems, Real World Projects and Professional Skills, Ethical Hacking, Advanced Software Design and Development, Dynamic Web Development, Internet of Things. YEAR 3 Interdisciplinary Team Project, Research Methods, Mobile App Development, Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence for Problem-Solving, Computer Security and Cryptography, Web Security, Concurrent Programming. YEAR 4 Evidencing Employability and Choose 1 from the Following: Industrial Placement, Study Abroad or Research Placement. YEAR 5 Individual Project, Languages and Compilers, Advanced Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualisation, Advanced Algorithms and Datasets, Computing Science Research, Network Security.
CAREER PROSPECTS You will have a range of career opportunities available across industries, in a role that is not only creative but also highly valued. Skilled computer scientists are in high demand and this course will equip you with the problem-solving and creative skills that employers want.
www.rgu.ac.uk/computer-science
BSc (Hons) | UCAS Code: G400 | 4 Years / 5 Years with placement
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE AT RGU?
■ This course teaches a wide range of languages across multiple target platforms, right at the cutting edge of modern computing. This gives you the confidence to adapt to the technology of a rapidly changing world ■ You will benefit from our exceptional teaching facilities including a range of dedicated computer labs. The environment provides and promotes creativity, independence and flexibility ■ Uniquely, you will have the opportunity to complete an optional placement in industry for a full year, usually taken in Year 3. This will increase the course duration to 5 years. You can also do a placement during the summer months between Years 2 and 3 and/or Years 3 and 4. This will allow you to gain invaluable work experience, enhancing your employability ■ As an alternative to placement, you can study abroad at one of our partner institutions during the summer months between Years 2 and 3 and/or Years 3 and 4 ■ Our staff operate an open-door policy and are always on hand to provide you with support.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
YEAR 1 Introduction to Programming, Exploring Computing Devices, Problem-Solving and Modelling, and Software Design and Development, as well as a choice of electives from other courses in the multidisciplinary Foundation Year. YEAR 2 Advanced Software Design and Development, Database Systems, Real World Projects and Professional Skills, Ethical Hacking, Advanced Software Design and Development, Dynamic Web Development, Internet of Things. YEAR 3 Interdisciplinary Team Project, Research Methods, Mobile App Development, Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence for Problem-Solving, Computer Security and Cryptography, Web Security, Concurrent Programming. You can choose to do an optional Year-Long Industrial Work Placement or Study Abroad, which will increase the course duration to 5 Years. YEAR 4 Honours Individual Project, Languages and Compilers, Advanced Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise Web Systems, Honours Individual Project, Human Computer Interaction.
Computer science is an exciting, challenging and growing field that is part of almost everything we do. Computer scientists are in high demand across a wide range of industries. Are you ready to push boundaries and change the world?
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS * SQA Higher: BBBC (English & Maths at National 5 C if not held at Higher)
SQA Advanced Higher Year 2
Entry: BB (Computing & another numerate subject. English & Maths at National 5 C if not held at Higher) GCE A Level: BCC (English & Maths at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level) GCE A Level Year 2 Entry: BBB (Maths & another numerate subject. English at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
H2H3H3H3 (English & Maths at grade O3 if not held at Higher) IB Diploma: 27 (Standard Level English & Maths at grade 4 if not held at Higher) IB Diploma Year 2 Entry: 30 (Maths & another numerate subject at a Higher Level pass. Standard Level English at grade 4 if not held at Higher Level) *Applicants whose first language is not English should check the relevant course page on our website for entry requirements.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The computing industry is constantly evolving and growing; therefore, you will be highly sought after by a wide range of employers including software houses, web development companies, application developers, service providers for business and industry, and start-up companies.
www.rgu.ac.uk/cyber-security
BSc (Hons) | UCAS Code: I100 | 4 Years / 5 Years with placement
Cyber security professionals are in high demand across the globe, and this course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience to prevent, protect and minimise cyber security threats and incidents.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS * SQA Higher: BBBC (English & Maths at National 5 C if not held at Higher)
SQA Advanced Higher Year 2
Entry: BB (Computing & another numerate subject. English & Maths at National 5 C if not held at Higher) GCE A Level: BCC (English & Maths at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level) GCE A Level Year 2 Entry: BBB (Maths & another numerate subject. English at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
H2H3H3H3 (English & Maths at grade O3 if not held at Higher) IB Diploma: 27 (Standard Level English & Maths at grade 4 if not held at Higher) IB Diploma Year 2 Entry: 30 (Maths & another numerate subject at a Higher Level pass. Standard Level English at grade 4 if not held at Higher Level) *Applicants whose first language is not English should check the relevant course page on our website for entry requirements. WHY STUDY THIS COURSE AT RGU?
■ You will benefit from our exceptional teaching facilities including a
Cyber Security Lab and a Cisco Networking Lab. The environment provides and promotes creativity, independence and flexibility ■ Uniquely, you will have the opportunity to complete an optional placement in industry for a full year, usually taken in Year 3. This will increase the course duration to 5 years. You can also do a placement during the summer months between Years 2 and 3 and/or Years 3 and 4. This will allow you to gain invaluable work experience, enhancing your employability ■ As an alternative to placement, you can study abroad at one of our partner institutions during the summer months between Years 2 and 3 and/or
Years 3 and 4 ■ Our teaching is emphasised by practical, hands-on, problem-solving learning, built around real-world challenges ■ The School has accredited Cisco Instructors delivering the theoretical and practical aspects of the course. This allows you to learn from professionals, gaining industry-relevant knowledge and skills.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
YEAR 1 Introduction to Networking, Exploring Computing Devices, Problem-Solving and Modelling, and Software Design and Development, as well as a choice of electives from other courses in the multidisciplinary Foundation Year. YEAR 2 Advanced Software Design and Development, Database Systems, Real World Projects and Professional Skills, Ethical Hacking, Advanced Software Design and Development, Dynamic Web Development, Internet of Things. YEAR 3 Computer Ethics and Law, Computing Network Management, Interdisciplinary Team Project, Computer Security and Cryptography, Web Security, Database Security, Wireless Networks. You can choose to do an optional Year-Long Industrial Work Placement or Study Abroad, which will increase the course duration to 5 Years.
YEAR 4 Digital Forensics and Analysis, Connecting Networks, Virtual Systems Support, OT and ICS Security, Securing Networks, Honours Individual Project.
CAREER PROSPECTS This course will equip you with the relevant skills for a career as a professional Cyber Security Specialist, who can work effectively to protect critical systems from being compromised by internal and external threats, across a wide range of industries including healthcare, finance and commercial.
www.rgu.ac.uk/ccd
BSc (Hons) | UCAS Code: PI32 | 4 Years / 5 Years with placement
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE AT RGU?
■ Our teaching is emphasised by practical, hands-on, problem-solving learning, where you will explore 2D and 3D design solutions for various projects including games, VR/AR and much more ■ You will utilise a range of cutting-edge tools and techniques in our state-of-the-art labs. You will have access to a suite of technology peripherals to assist with your studies, including VR headsets, DSLR cameras, drawing tablets, iPads and more ■ Uniquely, you will have the opportunity to complete an optional placement in industry for a full year, usually taken in Year 3. This will increase the course duration to 5 years. You can also do a placement during the summer months between Years 2 and 3 and/or Years 3 and 4. This will allow you to gain invaluable work experience, enhancing your employability ■ As an alternative to placement, you can study abroad at one of our partner institutions during the summer months between Years 2 and 3 and/or Years 3 and 4 ■ Our teaching staff, who have industrial and/ or research experience in the field, operate an open-door policy and are always on hand to provide you with support.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
YEAR 1 Creative Design, Digital Graphics Techniques, Exploring Computing Devices, Problem-Solving and Modelling and Web Design Technologies, as well as a choice of electives from the other courses in a multidisciplinary Foundation Year. YEAR 2 Dynamic Web Development, Real World Projects & Professional Skills, 2D Animation, Interactive 2D Scripting, Database Systems, Design Principles & Context.
YEAR 3 3D Modelling, Multimedia Component Design, Design Principles in Composition, Interdisciplinary Team Project, User Centred Design, 3D Character Animation, Mobile Application Design & Development, Research Methods. You can choose to do an optional Year-Long Industrial Work Placement or Study Abroad, which will increase the course duration to 5 Years.
YEAR 4 Honours Individual Project, Audio and Visual Production, Games Development, Data Visualisation, Human Computer Interaction, Dynamic Media Development, Immersive Technology.
An introduction to BSc (Hons) Computing and Creative Design This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to meet the growing demand of qualified developers who can create inventive software solutions. Stand out from the crowd and study Computing and Creative Design at RGU, where you will be exposed to an exciting blend of technical and creative subjects to solve real-world problems.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS * SQA Higher: BBBC (English & Maths at National 5 C if not held at Higher)
SQA Advanced Higher Year 2
Entry: BB (Computing & another numerate subject. English & Maths at National 5 C if not held at Higher) GCE A Level: BCC (English & Maths at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level) GCE A Level Year 2 Entry: BBB (Maths & another numerate subject. English at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
H2H3H3H3 (English & Maths at grade O3 if not held at Higher) IB Diploma: 27 (Standard Level English and Maths at grade 4 if not held at Higher)
IB Diploma Year 2 Entry:
30 (Maths & another numerate subject at a Higher Level pass. Standard Level English at grade 4 if not held at Higher Level) *Applicants whose first language is not English should check the relevant course page on our website for entry requirements.
CAREER PROSPECTS This course will provide you with a range of technical, practical and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a variety of careers at the cutting edge of computing and creative design. You will be able to present a strong skill set in both creative design and development, allowing you access to opportunities across sectors including games, software, app and web; at all stages of the development life-cycle.
Hayden Smith, BSc (Hons) Digital Media Graduate
www.rgu.ac.uk/digital-media
BSc (Hons) | UCAS Code: PI31 | 2 Years / 3 Years with placement
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE AT RGU?
■ You will benefit from our exceptional teaching facilities and equipment including a Green Screen Suite, an Apple Mac
Teaching Lab, virtual reality headsets and graphic tablets.
The environment provides and promotes creativity, independence and flexibility ■ Uniquely, you will have the opportunity to complete an optional placement in industry for a full year, usually taken in Year 3.
This will increase the course duration to 3 years. You can also do a placement during the summer months between Years 3 and 4.
This will allow you to gain invaluable work experience which can strongly influence various aspects of your final year, including your Honours project ■ As an alternative to placement, you can study abroad at one of our partner institutions during the summer months between
Years 3 and 4 ■ Our teaching is emphasised by practical, hands-on, problem-solving learning, built around real-world challenges ■ This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, so as a graduate you can apply for membership to the Society, gaining valuable professional recognition.
There is a high demand for qualified designers and developers who can embrace new technologies and create exciting experiences for web, apps, games and emerging technologies. This course will prepare you with the skills needed to stand out in this highly competitive market.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS * HND: Relevant HND from a partner college considered for Year 3 entry *Applicants whose first language is not English should check the relevant course page on our website for entry requirements.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
YEAR 3 Dynamic Web Development, 3D Modelling, Interactive 2D Scripting, Interdisciplinary Team Project, User Centred Design, 3D Character Animation, Research Methods. You can choose to do an optional Year-Long Industrial Work Placement or Study Abroad, which will increase the course duration to 3 Years. YEAR 4 Honours Individual Project, Audio & Visual Production, Games Development, Data Visualisation, Human Computer Interactive, Dynamic Media Development, Immersive Technology.
WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY
Graduation Story: Fraser Dow
CAREER PROSPECTS
Upon graduating, you will be able to take your employer’s software development and digital media assets to the next level in exciting and rapidly evolving industries, including data visualisation, social media, app development, web development, games design and development, and the film industry.
Computing - Application Software Development
www.rgu.ac.uk/application-software-development
BSc (Hons) | UCAS Code: I310 | 2 Years / 3 Years with placement
Society needs software that communicates effectively across a wide range of devices. This is a 2-year top-up course that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to analyse, design and develop software to improve and enhance tomorrow’s world. Are you ready to start in this exciting and everevolving profession?
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS * HND: Relevant HND from a partner college considered for Year 3 entry *Applicants whose first language is not English should check the relevant course page on our website for entry requirements. WHY STUDY THIS COURSE AT RGU?
■ The course is designed to let you build on what you have learnt at college.
You can choose different routes to suit your chosen career of interest, specialising in Web or Software Development ■ You will benefit from our exceptional teaching facilities including dedicated Software Development Labs. The environment provides and promotes creativity, independence and flexibility ■ Uniquely, you will have the opportunity to complete an optional placement in industry for a full year in Year 3. This will increase the course duration to 3 years. You can also do a placement during the summer months between Years 3 and 4. This will allow you to gain invaluable work experience ■ As an alternative to placement, you can study abroad at one of our partner institutions during the summer months between Years 3 and 4 ■ Our teaching is emphasised by practical, hands-on, problem-solving learning, built around real-world challenges.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
YEAR 3
Dynamic Web Development, Interdisciplinary Team Project, Computer Security & Cryptography, Research Methods, Mobile App Development. Software Development Route: Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence for Problem-Solving. Web Development Route: Multimedia Component Design, User Centred Design. Optional Placement Year: You can choose 1 optional module: Industrial Work Placement, Study Abroad Work Placement or Study Abroad. This will increase the course duration to 3 years. YEAR 4 Computer Ethics and Law, Honours Individual Project, Enterprise Web Systems, Human Computer Interaction, Data Visualisation, Web Security. Software Development Route: Advanced Artificial Intelligence. Web Development Route: Games Development.
WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY
Graduation Story: Craig Pirie
CAREER PROSPECTS You will be able to take advantage of recent advances in communication and information technologies. This includes building and servicing information-rich applications using interactive media for mobile devices, developing internet and intranet technologies to provide enterprise-wide services, and developing smart database and e-commerce systems.
Cyber Security and Network Management
www.rgu.ac.uk/csnm
BSc (Hons) | UCAS Code: H620 | 2 Years (including optional placement)
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE AT RGU?
■ You will benefit from our exceptional on campus teaching facilities including a Cyber Security Lab and a Cisco Networking Lab. The environment provides and promotes creativity, independence and flexibility ■ Uniquely, you will have the opportunity to complete a placement in industry during the second term of Year 3 and the first term of Year 4.
This will allow you to gain invaluable work experience ■ Our teaching is emphasised by practical, hands-on, problem-solving learning, built around real-world challenges ■ The School has accredited Cisco Instructors delivering the theoretical and practical aspects of the course. This allows you to learn from professionals, gaining industry relevant knowledge and skills ■ Our staff operate an open-door policy and are always on hand to provide you with support ■ This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, so as a graduate you can apply for membership to the Society, gaining valuable professional recognition.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
YEAR 3 Computer Ethics & Law, Computing Network Management, Ethical Hacking, Programming for System Administrators. Placement Route: Network Management Work Placement. Non-Placement Route: Computer Security & Cryptography, Wireless Networks, Managing a Network Group Project. YEAR 4 Securing Networks, Honours Individual Project. Placement Route: Industrial Placement, Professional Issues at Work Placement. Non-Placement Route: Computer Systems & Service Management, Computing Enterprise, Network Design, Virtual Systems Support.
Almost every aspect of modern life depends on the efficiency, reliability and security of computer networks, from how we communicate with family and friends, to the functionality of a business’s operations. This 2-year topup course will equip you with the skills for a career in an exciting and growing industry.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS * HND: Relevant HND from a partner college considered for Year 3 entry *Applicants whose first language is not English should check the relevant course page on our website for entry requirements.
CAREER PROSPECTS Most companies now have their own computer network systems that are vital to their operations. This applies across a wide range of industries including the health, energy industry and finance. These companies require specialist staff who can manage, develop and secure these networks. Some of our graduates have gone on to become Network Managers, Technical Consultants, Computer Security Specialists, System Administrators and IT Consultants.