BSc, 4 years, UCAS: G402
Typical A level offer: CCC

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Subject overview

Why computing?

Computing is an essential part of 21st-century life, and is an exceptionally fast-moving subject that gives rise to a range of interesting and challenging problems. The complexity of today’s computing systems requires the skills of knowledgeable and versatile scientists who have a firm grasp of the fundamental concepts as well as in-depth knowledge of specific areas. These range from digital media, distributed systems, networks, web services and the internet – each with their individual technologies – to business models and problem-solving inspired by natural systems.

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Why computing at Sussex?

We are a leading centre for teaching and research in many aspects of computing, including computer science, digital media, human-computer interaction, AI and cognitive science.

Computing at Sussex has excellent teaching and facilities and was ranked 21st in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2014, 22nd in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2013 and 30th in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014.

Our degrees are based on a common first year, offering you the flexibility to change course if you wish. They provide a firm foundation in the core topics and, in addition, allow you to take options that reflect your particular interests (for example, computer graphics and animation, intelligent systems, robotics, or web technologies).

We offer cutting-edge modules informed by our internationally recognised research – computing at Sussex was rated in the top 15 of UK universities for the quality and volume of our research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 95 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, with 70 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher, and one-fifth rated as world leading.

We teach core technical skills such as Java programming, software design and relational database management, while also covering professional issues with a focus on employability.

We offer attractive, well-equipped computer laboratories with modern high-spec PCs, a state-of-the-art media technology laboratory, two special-purpose broadcast studios with digital video-editing facilities, and laboratories with PA and recording equipment for sound-based modules.

Our BSc courses in Computer Science, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Computing for Business and Management, Computing for Digital Media are accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute of IT, as contributing to the requirements for professional registration.

We have strong links with industry, including a groundbreaking partnership with one of the world’s leading financial services companies, and an advisory board that assists in shaping course content to ensure our graduates are highly employable.

For information about industrial placement opportunities during your studies, refer to Department of Informatics: Placements year and internships and Professional placements.

Also refer to Department of Informatics: Which degree is right for me?

Dan's faculty perspective

‘My research centres on the technology that enables computing, whether that be mobile phones, smart environments or the internet, to blend into our lives. The sheer number of devices and the complexity of their interconnection alone raise challenges but to blend effectively, computing must reflect our social relations: what is acceptable, who we present ourselves as in different situations and the trust reflected from evolving relationships between people.

‘To study these issues often requires collaboration with other branches of computer science, sociologists, artists and companies. We explore possibilities by developing prototypes, simulating behaviour and deploying real systems.

‘My research is very strongly reflected in my teaching, where mobile phone programming, developing large web-based systems and analysing social networks all feature as topics. And the connection between research and teaching is two way: often students undertaking final-year projects and internships suggest new approaches and challenges as they become technically creative and expert in their own right.’

Dr Dan Chalmers
Senior Lecturer in Informatics,
University of Sussex

Programme content

The foundation year is taught at Central Sussex College, Crawley (refer to the College's Foundation Year Student Handbook [PDF 430KB]). There is a separate international foundation year for overseas students (refer to International Foundation Year and International Year One).

This course leads on to one of the following computing degrees offered within the Department of Informatics at the University of Sussex:

This route to a Sussex degree provides modules on topics such as object-oriented programming, computer systems and web design, mathematics for computing and artificial intelligence, as well as study skills. On satisfactory completion of the foundation year, you transfer to one of the courses listed above.

The course is particularly suitable for mature candidates with appropriate experience or evidence of personal development and an interest in the field of study, but who lack the formal qualifications for entry directly into Year 1.

The foundation year can also be used as an alternative to A level retakes for recent school-leavers who have underperformed. However, to be successful, school-leavers will still need to demonstrate evidence of academic ability and the potential to succeed and we would normally expect A level grades from these students of at least CCC standard.

The nature of the foundation year does attract applicants with a wide range of backgrounds whose educational qualifications do not automatically qualify them for Year 1 entry, and this variety is welcomed. Regardless of background, all successful applicants will need to demonstrate competence in computing and evidence of mathematical ability (at least GCSE, grade B standard).

Computing
2012 modules

We continue to develop and update our modules for 2014 entry to ensure you have the best student experience. In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.

Core content

Our courses offer breadth and flexibility and are designed around module themes, including:

Computer Systems focuses on the inner workings of the main subsystems supporting computing, operating systems and networks

Computing Foundations lays the basis for an understanding of the logical and mathematical principles underlying computing

Graphics and Animation focuses on image modelling and rendering, and bringing computer-generated images to life either programmatically or using industry-standard software tools

Intelligent Systems examines the design and implementation of intelligent computer systems that reason and learn from data

Management covers the uses of information technology in business, with more specialised topics including financial planning and marketing

Music and Audio explores the application of computers in music creation and analysis, such as automatic composition and programmatic control of audio from within software applications

Professional Issues helps you develop your communication skills, deepen your understanding of your role in society as a scientist and manage your professional development

Programming equips you with the skills necessary to create computer programs, starting with object-orientation and progressing to the study of other programming paradigms

Robotics and Adaptive Systems focuses on autonomous systems that modify their behaviour according to their environment, also exploring relationships with neuroscience, psychology and biology

Software Engineering covers the theory and practice of building large computer applications, from analysis of required functionalities to deployment

Video Production gives practical experience of both the technical and creative issues in producing live video

Visual Effects covers the techniques for generating synthetic productions that look real, including 2D and 3D graphics, camera tracking and compositing

Web Computing introduces the technologies underlying the internet, including web architectures, web services, and distributed computing

How will I learn?

We teach by a combination of lectures, seminars, exercise classes, individual and small-group supervision and computer-based practical work. Some teaching is by means of group projects, linked to particular modules, while studio work provides a team-based environment for technical development and implementation.

We also run a peer-assisted learning scheme, which has non-compulsory additional classes to provide extra support for particular modules. These classes are run by students who have already taken the module.

Assessment is by a combination of exams, coursework (such as software exercises, reports, oral presentations and essays), group projects and a large-scale individual project.

For more information, visit Studying at Sussex.

Also refer to Department of Informatics: Final-year projects.

What will I achieve?

You can expect to develop a firm foundation in your chosen area that will provide a solid basis for your future career development. Our degrees also provide a range of invaluable transferable skills, including those of presentation, organisation, communication, problem-solving, time-management and teamworking.

You learn to apply appropriate theories and techniques to the design and development of computing systems, and to use the correct criteria and tools for the planning, development, documentation, testing and evaluation of software systems.

You also learn to manage your personal professional development in preparation for further study or the world of work, and beyond.

In the computer science modules, you gain an understanding of the hardware and software that support computer systems and the internet, and the fundamental principles underlying computing, independent of their current technological manifestation.

In the artificial intelligence (AI) modules, you discover how AI supports the design of intelligent computer systems, and study adaptive behaviour, reasoning, creativity and learning in both humans and machines.

In the business and management modules, you gain an understanding of the uses of information technology in business, and you also learn about financial planning, marketing and strategic management.

In the digital media modules, you gain practical experience in using computers to create and communicate digital content, including video, 3D graphics, audio and web-based multimedia.

Please note that these are the modules running in 2012.

Year 0

Core modules

Database & Application Development
Discrete Systems
Foundation Programming
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Introduction to Interactive Web Design
Mathematics for Computing
Personal and Communication Skills
Program Development
Symbolic Reasoning
Systems Analysis & Software Design

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