Computer Science & Technology

Many of our courses are accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). We have partnerships with world-leading companies and offer you exceptional facilities and outstanding teaching.

Careers

Computer systems, software engineering and construction are highly interdisciplinary areas, with qualified individuals in continual demand. By studying at Bedfordshire, you can benefit from teaching that is underpinned by fundamental technological innovation and sound engineering practice, and most importantly, by real-world application.

Q&A

Dr Paul Sant

Head of Computer Science & Technology

What does Bedfordshire offer its students?

Studying at Bedfordshire offers a wealth of opportunities including studying in our state-of-the-art STEM building, and the option to spend a year working in industry as part of your degree. Our degrees have recently been updated and reflect the skills and knowledge that are needed for a career in IT, engineering, and construction. As well as developing these fundamental skills, you will also be able to participate in field visits, hackathons and industry talks. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage with future IT specialists, engineers, and construction professionals by participating in our STEM outreach activities.

Did you know?

Our new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building is home to a wide range of new computing and science courses, including Mechanical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Automotive Engineering and many more. The building, which opened in 2019, houses specialist computing environments and robotic equipment including humanoid robots, robotic arms, and wheeled robotic platforms.

Courses

Artificial Intelligence & Robotics BSc (Hons) Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons) Building Technology FdSc Business Information Systems BSc (Hons) Computer Animation & Visual Effects BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development BSc (Hons) Computer Networking BSc (Hons) Computer Science BSc (Hons) Construction Management FdSc Construction Management (top-up) BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity BSc (Hons) Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) Information Technology BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) Product Design BSc (Hons) Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Related foundation degrees: Have You Also Considered...?

Animation BA (Hons) 70

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For more information on any of the courses visit: beds.ac.uk/courses For up-to-date information on part-time study options see: beds.ac.uk/parttime

Computer Science & Technology

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: GH76 With Professional Practice Year: GH78 With Foundation Year: 14FY  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

Combining robotic systems with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce a new generation of workers and companions is no longer the stuff of science fiction – it is science reality. This course brings together these two areas, and offers conceptual grounding in intelligent systems, and the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. With access to humanoid robots, robotic arms, wheeled platforms and other hi-tech robotic equipment, you will develop the skills demanded by employers in this fast-growing area.

Key features

• Develops technical skills required to control machines with software • Involvement in the latest developments in AI and robotics • This course is accredited by British Computer Society (BCS) and the Chartered Institute for IT

Career opportunities

Career opportunities exist in software and hardware industries, research and development; industrial production; computing; electronics and academia.

Areas of study may include:

• Object-oriented programming • Software modelling • Concepts and technologies of AI • Mechatronic systems for robotics • Robot modelling and control • Advanced AI technologies • Robotic navigation and path planning • Social and professional project management • Computer security • Emerging systems

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: H330 With Professional Practice Year: H332 With Foundation Year: H331  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (U K/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. A level in mathematics – see website for more information

Offering in-depth technical training, this course provides the professional accreditation you will need to begin your career as a practising automotive engineer. You will work closely with local automotive and motorsport companies, gaining experience of working on real-world solutions throughout. You will begin by gaining the underpinning skills and knowledge needed to pursue specialisms later on, along with theoretical subjects like mathematics and engineering science. Your technical and practical skills will be honed through the study of engineering design and application, vehicle development history and study of new products and technologies will give you a thorough grounding before you move on to specialise in year two. As you move through the course, you will benefit from practical sessions and have the opportunity to take part in the prestigious Formula Student Racing Car project or Shell Economic Car competition project.

Key features

• Learn about the latest technologies of various vehicles and their sub-systems including electric vehicle powertrain and autonomous driving • Develop comprehensive skills for vehicle design, validation and optimisation by using excellent industry-standard facilities including mechanical system test rigs, vehicle testing workspaces, computer modelling workstations for

CAD and CAE etc.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities can include automotive industry for development and manufacture of automotive components, systems and whole vehicles, motorsport sector, engineering consultant companies for vehicle testing and relevant technology development.

Areas of study may include:

• Design, manufacture, materials and structure • Fluid dynamics, thermo fluids and heat transfer • Automotive electronics and control • Vehicle dynamics and chassis • Vehicle powertrain • Automobile design

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: K211  September  Luton campus  2 years full-time (options available: part-time)  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 48-56 points – see website for more information

The UK’s construction industry contributes approximately 10% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, and the techniques and technologies used in the industry are becoming increasingly sophisticated. You will learn about the latest developments in the construction of sustainable and high-tech buildings and develop a wide range of management skills. This course will also help you understand the complexities of government policies and regulations, and how these affect the industry. We use a number of different teaching methods, including work-based learning, and this will enable you to gain experience and develop a portfolio. You will also have the chance to visit exhibitions and seminars led by experts.

Key features

• Gain the skills needed to conceptualise, develop and manage the construction processes from a design perspective • Study in our dedicated environment using the latest industry-standard techniques

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course typically follow careers in roles including junior building technologists, junior quantity surveyors, trainee site managers and CAD technicians.

Areas of study may include:

• Sustainability, environment and construction technology • PPAD (Polynomial Parity Argument on Directed Graphs) health and safety for construction • Surveying learning and practical skills for construction and building structures, services and control • Design principles and structural detailing • Building technology • Building services and smart homes • Construction contracts, measurements and processes • Personal development planning

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: GN51 With Professional Practice Year: GN58 With Foundation Year: I2FY  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points– see website for more information

IT has never been so important to the strategic, operational and tactical needs of international business. This course will help you take advantage of the entrepreneurial opportunities available in this area, and offers a thorough grounding in modern information tools, enhanced by the study of advanced management and engineering techniques. A significant element of the course focuses on the use of information systems for business analysis and intelligence.

Key features

• Focus on information systems engineering and application development for the modern business environment • Series of talks and guidance offered by speakers and experts in the industry • Study in our brand-new STEM building, complete with dedicated computing environments

Career opportunities

The course will prepare you to start your own business or manage the information assets of companies.

Areas of study may include:

• System analysis and design • Modern database practices • Business analysis • Decision support systems • Data mining techniques • Project management • Virtual management • Finance for business • Research methodologies • Emerging technologies • Mobile applications

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: G401  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

As the digital creative industries use more computer animation and visual effects in TV, film and design work the demand for people with both the creative and technical skills to support this has increased. This course will support these emerging roles in the digital creative industries through a combination of practical and theoretical teaching in the creative process from idea conception to production. You will produce digital content for entertainment, education and promotional purposes using industry standard tools developing your expertise in computing for the creative industries.

Key features

• This course takes its specialism from the various areas of computer animation and visual effects technologies, including aspects from both the creative and technical side of contemporary digital animation production • Computer Animation and Visual Effects is part of the creative technologies subject group of courses including Computer Games Development • This course enables students to develop creative skills by mastering digital media tools such as 3D modelling and digital compositing, and work on the more technical side of computer animation through key development practices such as scripting and real-time rendering

Career opportunities

Successful graduates may gain employment in the digital creative industries related to animation and visual effects, such as: 3D modeller or animator for computer graphics or games, VFX compositor and digital visualiser, creative technologist or technical developer for the animation or VFX industry.

Areas of study may include:

• Concepts and technologies of artificial intelligence • Mechatronics and robot modelling and control • Object oriented programming and software engineering • Compositing for visual effects • Programming for interactive media • Advanced animation and visualisation

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: G453 With Professional Practice Year: I618 With Foundation Year: I6FY  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

The creation and production of computer games has grown to become a huge industry, but they also play an important role in the development of new technology, software applications and digital distribution. This course will provide you with the skills to write code from scratch, modify existing code and apply and integrate different types of technology. You will be involved in a significant amount of practical work using industry standard high-tech tools, and explore the latest developments in mobile, tablet, web and social media gaming.

Key features

• This course takes its strengths from the various areas of games development arranged in three pathways – games programming, games design, and graphics technologies • It is part of the Creative Technologies subject group and therefore shares some units with Computer Animation and Visual Effects • The course is linked to the game’s community through local networks: Game

Anglia, national projects: Transfuzer Local Hub and the School is a member of TIGA, the trade association for games

Career opportunities

Successful graduates may gain employment within the game’s development industry, as well as entertainment and media technology, e-sports, or extended reality (XR) applications (VR, AR, MR). Employment options related to each respective specialism may include: games programmer or game engine software engineer, games designer or user experience designer for games and applications, 2D or 3D graphics specialist or technical artist for the games industry.

Areas of study may include:

• App development for mobile • Object-oriented programming with C++ • 2D and 3D computer games programming and graphics • Character modelling and animation • Game development using Unity and C# scripting

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: G420 With Professional Practice Year: G428 With Foundation Year: I1FY  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

From the office and the high street to your home and the car you drive, computer networks are everywhere, helping us live more productive lives. They are at the heart of information systems and as they proliferate, there is a growing need for people with an understanding of their benefits and how they work. This course focuses on the technical aspects of network design, installation, configuration, maintenance and management, and the application of contemporary technologies.

Key features

• Use commercial hardware and software systems in a dedicated test network laboratory • Study in our brand-new STEM building, complete with dedicated computing environments • This course is accredited by British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT

Career opportunities

You will find employment with computer help desks and in network support, network security, network and systems engineering, internet and network administration, network and information systems management, project management and other computing-related positions.

Areas of study may include:

• Programming, modelling and systems structure • Computer communications and systems architecture • Networking protocols, services and technologies • Modelling and simulation • Computer security and counter measures • Cisco CCNA • CompTIA Network+ and Security+

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: G400 With Professional Practice Year: I108 With Foundation Year: I7FY  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

Computer Science is a complex and wide-ranging subject, and includes the study of computation theory, the design of systems and artificial intelligence. This course shares its first year with our other related BSc degrees to give you a foundation in the subject while providing a platform for specialist study in the second and third stages. You will concentrate on essential areas such as systems architecture and security and acquire practical programming, modelling and software development skills before focusing on a chosen specialist area for your final stage project.

Key features

• Specialised equipment in biometrics, robotics and computer graphics • Study in our brand-new STEM building, complete with dedicated computing environments • This course is accredited by British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT

Career opportunities

Our graduates find work in the computer industry, leading to long-term and specialised positions in fields that include software and systems development, customer services and IT management.

Areas of study may include:

• Object-oriented modelling and program development • Social and professional issues in computing • Data communications • Software engineering • Security • Client and server architectures • Project management • Artificial intelligence • Comparative studies of software architecture • Distributed systems

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: K220  September  Luton campus  2 years full-time (options available: part-time)  UK/EU students  UCAS Tariff 48-56 points – see website for more information

The construction industry is one of the UK’s main economic drivers and contributes around 10% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This course will help you develop the high-level management skills that are in demand by the industry and give you the opportunity to learn about the latest techniques, materials and supply chain processes. You will also study the government policies and regulations that relate to the industry, and receive a thorough grounding in contract, procurement and risk management. We offer a range of teaching and learning methods, including work-based learning projects which will enable you to gain the experience required for employment and develop a portfolio of work.

Key features

• Study in our dedicated environment using the latest industry standard techniques • Attend site visits, exhibitions and seminars arranged and presented by experts

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course have gone on to a range of professions including junior facilities management, junior quantity surveyors, trainee site managers and estimators.

Areas of study may include:

• Sustainability, environment and construction technology • Polynomial parity arguments on directed graphs (PPAD) and health and safety for construction • Work-based learning, construction management and surveying for construction • Managing people and projects • Project development and building control, quality and inspection • Building services and project management • Personal development planning • Construction contracts, measurements and processes

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: K221  September  Luton campus  1 year full-time (options available: part-time)  UK/EU/International students  Relevant Foundation degree or HND – see website for more information

The construction industry is one of the UK’s most important economic drivers, and this course will equip you with the skills you need to build a successful career in the industry. A number of different teaching and learning methods are used, and you will need to complete an Honours project.

Key features

• Learn about new technologies, techniques and materials for sustainable buildings • Active links with construction companies contributing to the development of units • Gain a deep in sight of policies and regulations that will enable you to effectively manage construction projects in the future

Career opportunities

Completion of the course opens up a variety of opportunities in the construction industry and academia. In particular, you can work or pursue further study in areas such as site supervision and management, project management, maintenance management, and estates and facilities management, as well as postgraduate study in a relevant discipline.

Areas of study may include:

• Construction economics • Contract, procurement and risk management • Construction project management • Emerging technologies and policy development in construction

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: I190 With Professional Practice Year: I192 With Foundation Year: I19F  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

There is an increasing need for cybersecurity professionals and graduates in related areas, with a growing shortage of suitably qualified applicants. The cyber security landscape is constantly evolving, and careers in the industry offer huge potential for skilled graduates. This course uses cutting-edge teaching and training techniques to help you grasp the complexities and challenges associated with information security and post-incident analysis techniques. You will develop your understanding of security processes, methodologies and practices, with clear reference to the standards and legal requirements around information security domains. Work-based learning and placements will enable you to put the theory into practice, as you increase your ability to understand and analyse threat factors and multi-stage cyber-attacks and to put controls in place to mitigate risk and impact. The course is fully aligned to accrediting body requirements.

Key features

• Study in our brand-new STEM building, complete with dedicated computing environments • Apply technical cybersecurity skills using secure virtualised and containerised environments

Career opportunities

This course opens up a range of roles including information security specialists, network security officers/administrators/engineers, penetration testers, mobile security testers, cybersecurity operations centre specialists, incident responder, network administrators/engineers, system administrators/engineers.

Areas of study may include:

• Systems and network security • Cyber defence • Information governance risk and compliance • Incident response • Malware analysis • Software development

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: H610 With Professional Practice Year: H618 With Foundation Year: H6FY  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 112-120 points. 80 A level points from STEM subjects – see website for more information

Our recent investment in a new electronic engineering lab demonstrates our commitment to this discipline and means you will be able to use state-of-the-art equipment and enjoy top-tier teaching as you study. You will develop skills in a number of areas, including analogue and digital electronics, signal processing, sensors, digital communications, software engineering and embedded programming. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, you will quickly become adept at solving real-world engineering problems.

Key features

• Study and gain hands-on experience in all aspects of electronic engineering including digital signal processing, analogue electronics, sensors, and wireless networks • Benefit from exposure to industry and research projects through field visits and seminar sessions • Graduates receive a partial CEng level accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) • Study in our brand-new STEM building with dedicated spaces for engineering students

Career opportunities

Completion of this course will open up a wide range of career opportunities as an engineer or researcher in electronics, as well as many other opportunities within the electronics and telecommunications industry.

Areas of study may include:

• Computer system architecture and hardware • Analogue and digital electronics • Signal processing and circuit analysis • Sensors, power and control • Digital communications and software engineering • Engineering maths

Ashley Garaiza

Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)

“The lecturers on my course are really supportive. You can email or book a one-to-one appointment with them if you need help or you’re struggling with anything, and they’ll always try to support you as much as they can.”

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: I200 With Professional Practice Year: I201 With Foundation Year: I30F  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

This course offers in-depth technical and professional training, including CompTia, Security+ and CCNA, which are required to practise as an information technologist. The course is run in collaboration with local companies, so you gain real world experience while studying. You will also learn about software applications and hardware installation, configuration and maintenance. This will include software such as Microsoft, Oracle and Java. Throughout the course you will benefit from work-based learning projects which will prepare you to graduate as a professional.

Key features

• Study in our brand-new STEM building, complete with dedicated computing environments • Benefit from work-based projects that will prepare you for the world of work

Career opportunities

Completion of this course will open up a wide range of career opportunities in the IT industry. Our graduates find work in the computer industry, leading to long-term and specialised positions in fields that include programming, systems development, customer services and IT management.

Areas of study may include:

• Computer systems structure • Fundamentals of computer studies • Introduction to software development • Principles of programming • Human computer interaction (HCI) • Information technologies industries project

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: H300 With Professional Practice Year: H302 With Foundation Year: H301  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. Must include an A Level or equivalent in mathematics – see website for more information

This course offers you the in-depth technical training and the education you will need to begin your career as a practising mechanical engineer. You will practice in our on-campus labs as well as in labs belonging to our local industry partners, giving you the opportunity to develop or contribute to real-world solutions around transportation, energy, power generation and manufacturing.

Key features

• Learn about the latest technologies of various mechanical systems including sustainable energy systems, vehicle systems, aeronautical systems, etc. • Develop comprehensive skills for mechanical system design, validation and optimisation by using excellent industry-standard facilities including thermal system test rigs, renewable energy and vehicle testing workspaces, computer modelling workstations for CAD and CAE etc. • Participate in practical projects of mechanical systems developments, including UAV payload competition project, Formula Student Racing Car project, etc. • Benefit from local industry’s involvement for practical sessions and placements in future employers

Career opportunities

You will gain the skills for a career in engineering, and benefit from our industry links with local and national companies. Career opportunities can include sectors of energy, manufacturing, automotive and aerospace.

Areas of study may include:

• Design, manufacture, materials and structural • Fluid dynamics, thermo fluids and heat transfer • Dynamic system and control • Thermal systems and applications • Power cycles and power generation • Sustainable energy technologies

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: W240 With Professional Practice Year: W241  September  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU)  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

The UK is at the fore front of product design, but for the country to maintain this position, it needs new talent; people with the imagination and drive to create the next generation of industrial and consumer products. This course will allow you to become an industry-ready specialist who can design, prototype, test and improve products. You will study using a mix of traditional learning and the very latest techniques, including cutting-edge software programmes and 3D printing, meaning you will graduate with a fully developed portfolio of work.

Key features

• Develop your understanding of engineering and fluid mechanics • Benefit from a university location that is close to some of the biggest employers of product designers in the UK

Career opportunities

You will develop a sound training in design, materials and manufacturing, as well as the skills required by professionals in this field, such as project management and communication. The course will focus on the application of smart technologies and modern production techniques, whilst not ignoring the cost and end-of-life impact.

Areas of study may include:

• Design and development of briefs • Materials strength and failure • Graphical processes used in design and presentation • Developing of design and prototyping • Manufacturing processes • Professional practice in design • Biotechnology and environment

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: G600 With Professional Practice Year: I338 With Foundation Year: I12F  September, February  Luton campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

Software engineering is central to the success of many of today’s businesses. This vocational course shares a first year with a number of other relevant BSc degrees. It then offers the opportunity for specialist study in the second and third years, during which you will learn the principles of the subject. A final year project will allow you to work with greater focus, leading to the possibility of future research. You will also gain management skills and knowledge of organisational contexts and develop into a reflective practitioner.

Key features

• Focus on large scale software design, development and deployment • Study of agile methods • Study in our brand-new STEM building, complete with dedicated computing environments

Career opportunities

Career opportunities include software engineering or trainee positions in project management, safety-critical systems or software development, as well as further research or postgraduate study.

Areas of study may include:

• Organisational contexts (large-scale projects) • Software engineering management • System methodologies • Risk management and quality issues • Development skills using a variety of tools • Testing • Requirements engineering • Security, trust, stress and client acceptance testing • Human factors • Modelling trust requirements across the software development life cycle