We develop cloud, mobile and desktop software for technology companies globally. We work across a range of technologies including Java, Kotlin, C#, React, TypeScript, AWS and Azure. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding.
Our apprentices get first hand experience being involved in the delivery of our solutions. We believe our employees are our most valuable asset and therefore strive to offer them a supportive and fun environment. We pride ourselves on our always delivering engineering excellence.
You have the opportunity to learn from our world class training team and develop your skills while getting paid, what more could you ask for?? What about 35 days holiday per annum, Mac Book, hardware budget, free tea, coffee and hot chocolate, a fully stocked kitchen, social committee and an all round great place to work.
Person Specification
Aside from the grades to get into the Computer Systems course with Ulster University, we are looking for people who share our passion for technology.
We want to help you evolve in your career and will give you the resource required to do so, all we ask is that you have a genuine love for technology and the ambition and motivation to succeed, we will help with the rest :)
Applicable courses
Whilst you are applying to an employer through Workplus you must apply directly to the training providers to secure your place on the apprenticeship course.
Computing SystemsUlster University
Description
Design your own degree pathway and progress part-time at a pace that best suits you, completing in 3, 4, 5 or 6 years.
Computing Systems develops skills in subjects that include programming, databases, networking, web development, human computer interaction, artificial intelligence and systems security alongside subjects that develop your software engineering skillset. When you finish, you will be ready for a professional career in computing, equipped with the technical and personal skills sought by industry, able to apply best practice in software engineering to develop wide ranging systems for any organisation.
Uniquely, BSc Computing Systems is designed using the Variable Rate Progression (VRP) model. VRP empowers you to design your own personal pathway through the modules of the course, something that is not possible in traditional courses. The precise pathway, its duration and specific modules, are determined by you. Many potential pathways exist. A pathway 'Simulator' for experimenting and planning your route through the course is available on our VRP website at: http://www.vrpassistant.com.
Using VRP, the programme may be completed part-time in 3, 4, 5 or 6 years, dependent upon the precise pathway you derive over the course of your studies. Note that should you choose to enter the course in February, rather than September, the minimum duration of the course will be four years.
Ulster University is a recognised Training Provider for the DfE Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) scheme. BSc (Hons) Computing Systems operates a successful HLA programme, working with participating companies that include Kainos, AllState, Deloitte, LibertyIT, Neueda, Etain and GCD Technologies. Applicants interested in HLA opportunities in the subject of Computing, should contact participating companies directly. Companies interested in offering computing related HLA opportunities should contact the Computing Systems Course Director for further information.
Attendance
Computing Systems is usually delivered on a Monday afternoon and evening during Semesters 1 and 2 (September-May). There are also 6 days of block training per selected module during Semester 3 (schedule for the end of June and beginning of August). Typical weekly timetabled hours involve 3.5 hours per selected module, scheduled for delivery between 1.15PM and 9.15PM. This contact time accounts for around 1/4 of the expected self-directed study time for each module.
The duration of the degree is dependent on the number of modules you study and successfully completed each year. There are six modules at each of three levels in the course. Each year, you can choose undertake a minimum of three modules and a maximum of six modules. This choice aim to enhance flexibility and empowers you to complete the course in as little as three years or to choose a slower track lasting four, five or even six years. You will have an annual opportunity to review and adjust your rate of progress.
Modules
Year one
Mathematics for Computer Scientists
Year: 1
This module provides an introduction to core areas of mathematics that are commonly used by computer scientists. The relationship between set theory and propositional logic is explained, with applications to digital circuits. Mathematics for decision making is introduced, including their practical application. Probability, descriptive statistics and matrices are introduced, and their application to simple linear regression is used to motivate their use within data science.
Database Systems
Year: 1
This module introduces the database technologies that support the storage, update and retrieval of large quantities on information in computer systems. We examine the need for structured storage and discuss modelling, representation and retrieval techniques to avoid data redundancy while ensuring consistency and integrity. In this module students will study the design, construction and use of such databases, as well as the understanding of need for other types of the databases and their roles in supporting big data platform.
Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
Year: 1
This module is designed to provide students with the core knowledge, understanding and practical skills to solve design problems and develop an effective user experience.
Problem Solving for Computing
Year: 1
Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming via Python that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module.
Systems Architecture
Year: 1
Differences in the internal structure and organisation of a computer lead to significant differences in performance and functionality, giving rise to an extraordinary range of computing devices, from hand-held computers to large-scale, high-performance machines. This module addresses the various options involved in designing a computer system, the range of design considerations, and the trade-offs involved in the design process.
Innovation and Society
Year: 1
This module is designed to make future computing professionals have the practical skills to cocreate innovative technological solutions to a problem using design thinking tools and processes and be aware of and take into consideration the nature of the legal, ethical, social and professional issues raised during any technological innovation.
Year two
Application Development for IS
Year: 2
In the context of Business Information Systems, this module will focus on the application development skills for building process and data driven apps to meet basic business process automation requirements, with a focus on work flow management, routine task automation, app integration and data file manipulation. It will enable students to appreciate the capability of modern frameworks for business system support.
Networks and Security
Year: 2
The principal aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the underlying systems which support networks. The theoretical concepts covered are illustrated by considering their practical applications in modern real-world solutions. The module also addresses such systems security concerns so that security considerations are embedded in organisations and IT projects planning and management.
Programming in Practice
Year: 2
The module builds upon the expertise acquired in Level 4 programming modules by expanding upon the students' understanding of data types and algorithms within the scope of object-oriented programming. The module focuses on providing students with practical skills for industry-focused software development.
Networks and Communications
Year: 2
An expositional module on the topics of Networks and Communications to educate Computing students on the fundamental principles, latest trends, and commercial needs in the sector. This module is essential to understand the current industrial needs and to hone the central insight required of graduates.
Dynamic Web Authoring
Year: 2
Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming relating to web authoring that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills and data analytics skills as an integral part of the module.
Artificial Intelligence
Year: 2
This module introduces students to key areas of AI including searching, knowledge and reasoning, uncertainty and decision making. It equips students with understanding of the mathematical foundations of these topics and the practical skills needed to apply them.
Year three
Web Applications Development
Year: 3
This module provides the opportunity for students to work in industry as a full stack developer through the addition of server side programming. The module puts into practice the client-server model to facilitate the design and development of a web based solution to meet a problem based scenario.
Computing Systems Project
Year: 3
Students are required to undertake a major project during the final year of the course. The project module allows a selected topic area to be investigated in depth and for a solution to be developed in response. Within the project, the student is expected to integrate and apply material from other modules in the course.
Project and Process Management
Year: 3
This module presents modern process and project management (that is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet process and project requirements) principles and techniques as a means to help deliver successful software development projects and process improvement.
Visual Analytics
Year: 3
This module provides students with the theory and the experience of designing affective data visualisations. These skills are important in many industries that relay on data driven decision making and data analysis.
Cloud Native Development
Year: 3
This module aims to explore a range of modern development and deployment concepts in the context of scalable and high performance computing services.
Within this module concepts such as cloud architectures, hosted technologies, scalable solutions and infrastructure will be explored. Additionally, advanced programming/development concepts facilitating high performance solution development will be examined.
A Levels with: BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Certificate; BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma; BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.
OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations A levels with OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals.
Irish Leaving Certificate
96 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 subject at Ordinary Level. The overall profile must also include English and Maths at Grade H6 or above (HL) or Grade O4 or above (OL).
Overall profile of 24 points to include 12 at Higher Level to inlcude grade 4 in Mathematics and Grade 4 in English Language.
Access to Higher Education (HE)
Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access) (NI Access Course) to include a pass in NICATS Maths (level 2) or GCSE Maths at Grade C or 4.
Overall profile of 45 Merits (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course) to include GCSE Maths at Grade C or 4.
GCSE
GCSE (or equivalent) profile to include minimum of Grade C or 4 or above in Mathematics and Grade C or 4 in English Language.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HNC Pass HNC with overall Merit in a relevant subject area for year 1 entry only to include distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits to include GCSE Maths at Grade C or 4.
HND Year 1 Pass HND in any subject area. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND Year 2 Pass HND rwith overall Merit in a relevant subject area. To include GCSE Maths at Grade C or 4. HND applications may be considered for year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of Ulster University full time year 1 course.
Ulster Foundation Degree Pass in Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 40% and minimum 40% in all taught level 5 modules. To inlcude GCSE Maths at Grade C or 4. Applicants will normally be considered for entry to an associated Honours degree (normally Year 2 entry if FD in a relevant subject area).
Exemptions and transferability
Transfers are processed in accordance with the Faculty Admissions Policy for dealing with transfer requests from existing students.
Duration
3
Start Date
Tuesday 12 September 2023
End Date
Saturday 27 June 2026
Progression Pathway
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