BSc Computing

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a flexible and industry-focused BSc (Hons) Computing degree, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of IT systems and prepare them for a wide range of careers in the fast-paced tech industry. This program distinguishes itself by equipping graduates with essential technical skills in areas such as networking, computer science, databases, and cybersecurity, alongside crucial professional skills in business improvement, e-business, and usability. Emphasizing hands-on learning and group projects inspired by real-world challenges, CCCU utilizes the pioneering CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) education model. This approach ensures that students cover every stage of a computing project, from initial concept to final review, fostering an agile, problem-solving mindset crucial for creating innovative computing solutions.

Curriculum: The BSc Computing curriculum at CCCU is structured to deliver a broad overview of IT systems, from design and maintenance to user support. In the initial year, students typically engage with fundamental modules such as "Application Development in C#," "Computer Forensics and Cybersecurity," "Ethics, Professionalism and Employability in Computing," "Fundamentals of Computer Systems," and "Introduction to C#." The program continues to develop expertise in key areas including networking, system administration, databases, and cybersecurity. Beyond technical skills, the curriculum integrates professional skills in business improvement, e-business, and usability, which are vital for success in the tech world. The learning experience is a blend of lectures, seminars, and practical labs, often emphasizing small group work to facilitate discussion and practical application of theory.

Research Focus: The Computing program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by academics who are actively engaged in research within the field. The School of Engineering, Technology and Design, under which the program falls, promotes a research-informed teaching environment. While specific individual research specialisms are not always explicitly detailed, the broader research interests within the school often encompass areas such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, and advanced manufacturing and simulation. This ensures that the curriculum remains current, exposing students to cutting-edge developments and encouraging them to apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary challenges in computing.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant strength of the BSc Computing program at CCCU, designed to enhance student employability directly. The university emphasizes working with industry-standard tools, including common hardware and both open-source and commercial software, ensuring the skills developed are directly applicable in the workplace. Students gain practical experience through hands-on learning and group projects that are inspired by real-world challenges. CCCU actively supports students who wish to gain work experience, including providing advice and networking opportunities for those opting for a "Year in Industry" (which extends the degree to four years) or seeking other forms of work experience. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Verena Holmes building with its high-tech computer labs, further support this practical, industry-relevant approach.

Global Perspective: The BSc Computing program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing the universal and interconnected nature of the IT industry and its challenges. The curriculum covers key areas like networking, cybersecurity, and databases, which operate on a global scale, making the skills learned widely applicable internationally. Discussions often include global trends in technology, the impact of computing on international business, and the cross-border implications of cybersecurity threats and data management. This broad perspective prepares graduates to work effectively in a globalized digital economy, whether for multinational corporations or within international projects that transcend geographical boundaries.