MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a Placement Year)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate degree designed to equip students with highly sought-after industry skills and a strong theoretical foundation in computing. This program stands out due to its compulsory year-long industrial placement, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years, which provides invaluable professional experience and cultivates essential commercial awareness. The curriculum is built around practical application and aligns closely with real-world industry practices, featuring hands-on assessments over traditional written exams through projects, portfolios, presentations, and computer-based tests. Students develop expertise in critical areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analysis, software development, cybersecurity, and user experience (UX), preparing them for diverse and impactful roles in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a Placement Year) is structured to offer a progressive and in-depth learning experience, culminating in a specialist skillset. The first year establishes a robust foundation with core modules such as Computer Systems and Networks, Mathematics for Computer Science, Programming Principles and Techniques, Database Systems, Object-Oriented Programming, 1 and Web Design and Development. In the second year, students delve into more advanced topics, including Data Structures and Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Network Security and Cryptography, Data Analysis, Web Application Development, User Research and Analysis, 2 and a crucial Team Project where students develop software solutions for real clients. The third year is dedicated to the compulsory industrial placement, providing a crucial opportunity to apply learned skills in a professional environment. The final year includes an Individual Project, alongside modules such as Software Testing and Quality Assurance, Deep Learning, Cybercrime and Digital Forensics, Big Data Analytics, Usability Testing and Evaluation, Advanced Topics in Computer Science, 3 and the Internet of Things, with opportunities to specialise further through chosen pathways.
Research Focus: While primarily an undergraduate program with a strong practical orientation, the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University is constantly adapted to integrate current research and cutting-edge innovations from the computing and technology sectors. The academic staff, many of whom possess extensive industry experience, ensure that the curriculum is informed by the latest advancements in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Students are actively encouraged to develop robust analytical, problem-solving, and research skills throughout their studies, particularly through practical projects, hackathons, and their significant final-year individual project, which often involves developing solutions with real-world impact. The university fosters an environment where academic pursuits are closely linked to significant practical and applied research, enhancing the relevance and depth of student learning.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a central pillar of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University, ensuring that graduates are highly career-ready. The compulsory year-long industrial placement is a key feature, providing students with unparalleled professional experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge directly in a workplace setting, build commercial awareness, and develop essential professional skills. Beyond the placement, the program facilitates extensive real-world exposure through various initiatives, including guest lectures from leading industry professionals, workshops, hackathons, job fairs, and tech meet-ups. A second-year team project involves developing software solutions for real clients, and a final-year 'Advanced Topics in Computer Science' module features direct talks from industry experts. The university's location in London, a major European tech hub, provides valuable opportunities for networking and potential career pathways with big tech companies and innovative startups.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University is designed with a strong global perspective, preparing graduates to thrive in the interconnected international technology landscape. The curriculum covers universal computing principles and explores emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, which are relevant to global challenges and opportunities. The program's emphasis on industry-integrated learning and the acquisition of "future-ready expertise" ensures that the skills developed are highly relevant and transferable across international markets. Furthermore, the compulsory industrial placement and the university's vibrant London location provide students with exposure to diverse working environments and extensive networking opportunities with professionals from around the world, positioning them as highly competitive candidates for global careers in technology.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, provides graduates with a comprehensive education in core computing principles, enhanced by a full year of invaluable industry experience. This practical, career-focused degree, with its emphasis on specialisms like AI, data analysis, software development, cybersecurity, and user experience (UX), equips students with the in-demand skills and professional maturity highly valued by employers across the technology sector. The integrated placement year significantly boosts employability, allowing graduates to seamlessly transition into impactful roles.
Software Engineer/Developer: Graduates are highly proficient in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications across various platforms (web, mobile, desktop). Their robust programming skills, understanding of software engineering principles from the curriculum, and practical experience gained during the placement year make them exceptionally prepared for development roles in diverse industries.
Cybersecurity Analyst/Consultant: Equipped with knowledge of network security, cryptography, and digital forensics, graduates can work to protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats, conduct vulnerability assessments, and respond to security incidents. The placement year often provides exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges and solutions.
Data Scientist/Analyst: Leveraging their skills in data analysis, mathematics for computer science, and potentially AI and big data analytics, graduates can collect, process, and interpret large datasets to uncover insights that drive strategic business decisions in various sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology.
AI/Machine Learning Engineer: These specialists design, build, and implement intelligent systems and algorithms that can learn from data and automate complex tasks. The program's focus on Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning modules, complemented by practical project experience from the placement, directly prepares students for careers in this cutting-edge field.
User Experience (UX) Designer/Developer: With a pathway option in UX, graduates can focus on enhancing the usability, accessibility, and overall satisfaction users experience with digital products and systems. Their knowledge of user research, interface design principles, and usability testing, often applied during placement, is crucial for creating intuitive digital experiences.
Cloud Engineer: As organisations increasingly move to cloud-based infrastructures, graduates with knowledge of computer systems, networks, and potentially DevOps practices from their placement year can design, deploy, and maintain cloud computing environments for businesses.
IT Consultant: Leveraging their broad technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and commercial awareness gained during their placement, graduates can advise businesses on technology solutions to improve efficiency, optimise operations, and achieve strategic objectives.
Games Developer/Designer: For those with a passion for interactive entertainment, graduates can contribute to the design, programming, and testing of video games. The program's modules on programming and algorithms, along with any specialist game development pathways and practical experience, provide relevant skills for this creative industry.
Database Administrator (DBA): These professionals design, implement, and manage databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and efficient access for organisations. The program's strong foundation in database systems, reinforced by practical application in a workplace setting during the placement year, is highly valuable.
DevOps Engineer: Combining software development and IT operations, DevOps engineers aim to shorten the systems development life cycle and provide continuous delivery with high software quality. Graduates with practical experience in software engineering, testing, and systems management from their degree and placement year are well-suited to this role.
