MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a highly specialised undergraduate degree designed to equip students with the essential skills to create intuitive, effective, and enjoyable digital products and services. This hands-on program provides a strong foundation in core computer science principles while deeply exploring crucial User Experience (UX) topics such as user research and analysis, user interface (UI) design, and advanced UX design methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through diverse assessments including UX projects, portfolios, user interaction case studies, and group design projects, moving beyond traditional written exams. This approach ensures graduates are well-versed in the intersection of technology and human behaviour, prepared to lead in the rapidly evolving digital design landscape. An optional industrial placement year is also available to further enhance practical experience and employability.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience) is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of both computer science fundamentals and specialised UX principles. The first year establishes foundational computing skills with modules including Computer Systems and Networks, Mathematics for Computer Science, Programming Principles and Techniques, Database Systems, Object-Oriented Programming, 1 and Web Design and Development. As students advance, the second year introduces core UX and related computer science concepts through modules such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, User Research and Analysis, Data Visualisation, User Interface Design, and a crucial Team Project where students apply their skills to real-world client briefs. The final year culminates in a significant Individual Project, allowing for specialised UX research or development, complemented by advanced modules including Software Testing and Quality Assurance, Usability Testing and Evaluation, Advanced Topics in Computer Science, and Advanced User Experience Design, ensuring students are equipped with cutting-edge UX knowledge and its practical applications.
Research Focus: While the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience) is primarily a practical undergraduate program, its curriculum at St. Mary's University is continuously informed by current research and ongoing developments within the fields of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX) design, and broader computer science. The academic staff, many of whom possess industry experience, actively integrate the latest insights in areas such as user-centred design methodologies, usability engineering, interaction design patterns, and emerging technologies for intuitive interfaces into their teaching. Students are consistently encouraged to develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and user research capabilities throughout the program, particularly through various UX projects, user interaction case studies, and their culminating final-year individual project. This project often involves designing and evaluating innovative user experiences or investigating new methods for enhancing usability, enabling students to engage in applied research and contribute to human-centred technology.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a fundamental aspect of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience) program at St. Mary's University, designed to ensure graduates are highly employable and possess relevant, real-world skills for the digital design and tech sectors. The university fosters strong connections with the industry through various initiatives. Students benefit from engaging lectures delivered by industry guest speakers from leading tech organisations, participate in hackathons, and attend industry conferences and tech meetups. There are also opportunities for field trips to prominent tech companies and industry partners. The curriculum includes a second-year team project where students often develop software or digital solutions for real clients, providing direct exposure to industry practices and client demands. Furthermore, students have the option to undertake industrial placements or internships within UX and computing roles, offering invaluable professional experience. The university's London location provides unparalleled access to networking opportunities and potential career pathways with diverse industry partners seeking UX talent.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience) program at St. Mary's University integrates a strong global perspective, preparing graduates for the increasingly interconnected and diverse landscape of digital product design. The curriculum explores universal UX principles, methodologies, and design thinking approaches that transcend geographical boundaries, such as international usability standards, cross-cultural design considerations, and the impact of technology on diverse global user bases. Students gain an understanding of designing for global markets, considering cultural nuances and accessibility requirements. The program's emphasis on practical, industry-aligned skills ensures that the expertise developed is highly relevant and transferable across international markets. Moreover, the optional industrial placement year can expose students to multinational corporations or global design teams, fostering an understanding of diverse working environments and cross-cultural collaboration in the global tech and design economy.
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 (User Experience) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, provides graduates with a unique combination of core computer science knowledge and highly sought-after expertise in user experience (UX) design. This program equips individuals to create intuitive, effective, and enjoyable digital products and services by understanding both the technical foundations of software and the intricacies of human-computer interaction. Graduates emerge with a comprehensive skill set in user research, interface design, usability testing, and computational problem-solving, making them exceptionally well-prepared for the rapidly expanding digital design and technology sectors.
UX Designer: This is the primary role, involving the entire process of making products and services useful, usable, and desirable for users. Graduates conduct user research, create user flows, wireframes, and prototypes, and test designs to ensure an optimal user experience for websites, mobile apps, and software.
UI Designer (User Interface Designer): Focusing on the visual and interactive elements of a digital product, UI designers work to ensure the interface is aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. Graduates apply principles of graphic design, typography, colour theory, and interaction design, often collaborating closely with UX designers.
UX Researcher: These professionals specialise in understanding user behaviours, needs, and motivations through various research methods such as interviews, surveys, usability testing, and ethnographic studies. Graduates analyse data to provide insights that inform design decisions, acting as the "voice of the user."
Interaction Designer: With a strong foundation in computer science, graduates can focus on designing the interactive behaviours of digital products. They map out user actions, system responses, and animations to create engaging and seamless user journeys.
Product Designer: A comprehensive role that often encompasses both UX and UI design, product designers are involved in the entire lifecycle of a digital product, from initial concept and strategy to development and post-launch iteration. Graduates leverage their technical understanding to create feasible and user-centred products.
Usability Analyst/Tester: These specialists focus on evaluating the ease of use and learnability of digital products. They conduct usability testing, identify areas of friction or confusion for users, and provide recommendations for improvement, directly applying the skills gained from the program's emphasis on usability testing and evaluation.
Information Architect: Graduates can specialise in organising and structuring content within websites, applications, and other digital products to ensure users can easily find and understand information. This involves creating sitemaps, navigation structures, and content hierarchies based on user mental models.
Front-End Developer (with UX/UI focus): While primarily a coding role, a graduate with a UX specialism can excel as a front-end developer by bringing a strong understanding of user needs and design principles to their code. They build the user-facing parts of websites and applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, ensuring the visual design and interactions are implemented effectively.
Accessibility Specialist: These professionals focus on ensuring digital products are usable by people with diverse abilities, adhering to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG). Graduates apply their understanding of human-computer interaction and inclusive design to make technology accessible to all.
Digital Designer: A broader role that allows graduates to apply their UX and design skills across various digital platforms, including websites, social media content, advertisements, and interactive campaigns. They combine creative design with an understanding of user engagement to produce impactful digital media.
