BSc Computing with Year in Industry

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a highly practical and career-enhancing BSc (Hons) Computing with Year in Industry degree. This four-year program is specifically designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of IT systems, spanning core areas like networking, computer science fundamentals, databases, and cybersecurity, while also cultivating crucial professional skills in business improvement, e-business, and usability. The defining feature is the integrated "Year in Industry," typically undertaken between the second and final academic years, providing students with invaluable, real-world work experience that significantly enhances their employability and professional networks. CCCU's teaching approach leverages the pioneering CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) education model, ensuring a hands-on, project-based learning experience that covers every stage of a computing project, fostering an agile, problem-solving mindset essential for creating innovative IT solutions.

Curriculum: The BSc Computing with Year in Industry curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide a robust foundation in computing principles before students specialize and gain professional experience. Initial modules often include core concepts 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 then delves into more advanced aspects of networking, system administration, databases, and cybersecurity. The third year is dedicated entirely to the "Year in Industry," where students apply their academic knowledge and practical skills in a professional work environment. The final year integrates this industry experience with advanced academic study, often culminating in a major individual project where students apply their accumulated knowledge to a complex computing problem. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, often through group projects inspired by real-world challenges, and the use of industry-standard tools and software.

Research Focus: The Computing program at Canterbury Christ Church University benefits from teaching delivered by academics who are actively engaged in research across various computing and related disciplines. The School of Engineering, Technology and Design, where this program is housed, emphasizes a research-informed teaching approach. While detailed individual research specialisms for every faculty member are not always extensively publicized, the broader research interests within the school often encompass cutting-edge areas such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (including sustainable AI and computational/mathematical applications in machine learning), Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, and advanced manufacturing and simulation (including immersive technologies like XR and VR). This active research environment ensures that the curriculum remains current, exposing students to the latest developments and fostering critical analysis and innovative problem-solving skills, which are highly beneficial for students embarking on industrial placements.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BSc Computing with Year in Industry program at CCCU, playing a crucial role in enhancing student employability. The most significant component is the mandatory "Year in Industry" professional placement, which provides students with invaluable practical experience. CCCU actively supports students in finding and securing these placements, offering guidance and tutorial support. Students have successfully secured placements at a diverse range of reputable organizations, including major companies such as Amazon, CGI, Fidelity International, Holiday Extras, and Mace, demonstrating the strong industry links and the quality of student preparation. This direct exposure to the professional world allows students to build practical skills highly desired by employers, enhance their CVs, and develop vital professional networks even before graduation.

Global Perspective: The BSc Computing with Year in Industry program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by acknowledging 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. The "Year in Industry" component can also offer opportunities for students to gain experience within multinational companies or, in some cases, pursue international placements, further broadening their understanding of global business practices and technological landscapes. This comprehensive global outlook prepares graduates to work effectively in an increasingly interconnected digital economy.