For admission to this course the following qualifications are accepted:

• An Ulster University or Queen’s University Belfast Foundation Degree (or other relevant Level 5 qualification such as a Higher National Diploma) in a related discipline, qualifications deemed equivalent.  
• GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above. (or equivalent, - for example, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy Essential Skills qualifications are also accepted)
• Applicants must also have reached the age of 18 years on admission.

To be eligible to commence study on the HLA pathway, applicants must have secured full-time paid employment in a computing-related position.

Entry Requirements for International Students:

Part-time programme: Please note that international students are not eligible to apply for entry to the part-time programme.

English Language Requirements:

Any applicant whose first language is not English should demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English. Usually, the minimum English language entry requirement is IELTS (academic) of 6.0 (with no band score of less than 5.5 in all four elements of the test).

We accept a wide range of alternative English language examinations and tests so please contact us for an updated list of other accepted tests.

Learning outcomes will be achieved through a variety of assessment methods designed to enrich and reinforce the student experience. Core modules will typically be assessed by a combination of coursework assignments, practical exercises, project-based scenarios, in class tests.

Successful graduates of the BSc (Hons) Computing (Top Up) HLA programme may be eligible to progress master degree courses in computing-related disciplines, subject to individual course requirements. Also, graduates may pursue employment opportunities within the computing industry upon completion of the programme.

Teaching Delivery Statement

The teaching and learning strategy within this programme makes use of a range of delivery methods including face to face, online and blended. All delivery methods are implemented with the full agreement of students, external examiners and awarding body partners.

Modules are delivered primarily face to face, with some supplementary blended material.

The 20 credit modules require 200 effort hours. This is usually split between lectures, tutorial, practicals and independent study.

The Advanced Research Project will require a higher level of independent study.

Detailed information can be found in the module specifications.

Other Fees Associated with the Course

During your course you may be required to purchase course text books or specific software and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £100 or more per year.

Students are required to:

• Comply with College policies and procedures, rules and regulations (available in your Higher Education Student Handbook, on-line via the College website: Policies, Reports and Strategies | South West College and on the College Virtual Learning Environment - VLE).

• Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates. Coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted.

• The minimum overall pass mark of 40% is required to be achieved in all modules.