Programme Aims

The aim of our honours degree programmes is to develop computer professionals who are highly employable. They will be knowledge and well versed in the technical, graduate and transferable skills that are needed by business and the community.

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Programme Structure

Each programme comprises a number of Core Themes, carefully chosen as preparation for employment in a particular area of the industry, without being over-specialised.

An honours programme comprises 3 levels of study (numbered 4, 5 and 6) and attainment. At each level, you must gain 120 credits - that is 360 credits in total for the degree.

The degree programme comprises a number of modules. Most modules are rated at 20 credits, which corresponds to about 200 hours of study.

A full-time student normally progresses through these levels over a period of 3 years. A part-time student may take longer, depending on the number of modules studied in any one semester.

Single Honours Degree

Each level of the course involves you studying up to 6 modules if you are full-time.

Level 4 (Year1)	Level 5 (Year 2)	Level 6 (Year 3)
Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6	Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 WBL	Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Dissertation

**Click the hyperlinks to find out more about the modules available at each level.

For part-time students at Warrington, module delivery will be through a combination of methods - attendance in the evening and weekends and through e-learning.

A distinctive feature of degree programmes at the University of Chester is the Work-Based Learning (WBL) module in level 5, when you undertake a project in the workplace.

At level 6, you produce a Dissertation (40 credits) based on research, practical activity and reflection.

Combined Honours Degree

Level 4 (Level 1)	Level 5 (Level 2)	Level 6 (Level 3)
3 CSIS modules Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6	2 or 3 CSIS modules Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 WBL	CSIS Dissertation plus 2 CSIS modules Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Dissertation

Joint in CSIS	Alternative Joint in CSIS	Minor in CSIS
CSIS Dissertation plus 1 CSIS module Dissertation (double module) Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4	3 CSIS modules Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Dissertation (double module) Module 4	2 CSIS modules Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6

At level 4 you study 3 CSIS modules and 3 modules in your other subject.

At level 5 you study either:

• 3 CSIS modules, or
• 2 CSIS modules and CSIS-related WBL

At level 6 you:

• Major in CSIS by studying 2 CSIS modules and undertaking a CSIS-based Dissertation
• Get Joint Honours by studying 1 CSIS modules and undertaking a CSIS-based Dissertation or by taking 3 CSIS modules
• Minor in CSIS by studying 2 CSIS modules

At level 6 you:

• Major in CSIS by studying 2 CSIS modules and undertaking a CSIS-based Dissertation
• Get Joint Honours by studying 1 CSIS modules and undertaking a CSIS-based Dissertation or by taking 3 CSIS modules
• Minor in CSIS by studying 2 CSIS modules

The Computer Science and Information Systems Department

The Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Department was set up in 1985 and has grown considerably over the years, responding to industry's need for qualified experts in various computing professions. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the staff and students within the Department create a stimulating learning and working environment. The Department has close links with industry and major computer software companies.

The CSIS Department

The Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Department was set up in 1985 and has grown considerably over the years, responding to industry's need for qualified experts in various computing professions. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the staff and students within the Department create a stimulating learning and working environment. The Department has close links with industry and major computer software companies.

The attractive Chester Campus is close to the centre of the safe and historic City of Chester.

The Warrington Campus is set in parkland, a short way from the Warrington town centre. It benefits from being close to major electronics and logistics companies and has easy access from major transport routes.

At Chester and Warrington, the University of Chester has excellent student accommodation, sports and recreation facilities on or very close to the campus.

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Resources

The CSIS Department has well-equipped teaching laboratories in modern, purpose-designed buildings and there are extensive open-access areas. The resources are available for student use in the evenings and at weekends.

A wide range of application software is available on all the workstations and there are many specialist computers for multimedia authoring, CD creation, web and media production and virtual reality. The Department has agreements with Microsoft and other software houses so that students can acquire free and/or substantially discounted software.

IBIS (the university's Intranet-based virtual learning environment) is used as a repository for learning materials, as an access point to library and external information sources, and for communication by email and electronic discussion boards. Registered students with an Internet connection can access all the facilities of IBIS from off-campus.

A CSIS Department network supplements the university provision, giving registered computing students access to subject-specific software, personal and shared file and web space, and Departmental information.

Students have access to the university's excellent library, well stocked with books and journals. There is ample study space and facilities for video film-making and other media activities.

As well as physical resources, the Library provides assistance with various study skills, information retrieval and technical support.

All the rooms used for teaching have data projection facilities and interactive whiteboards. Practical classes take place in well-equipped computer workshops.

Multimedia Studio

For dedicated multimedia work, our well-equipped recording suite enables students to work with high end digital audio hardware, state-of-the-art video production tools and the latest in software applications.

Our studio houses the latest Apple Mac Quad Core systems alongside powerful Windows machines to cater for both leading system preferences. We encourage all students to utilise these resources, which is why you'll often find our creative ones filming, DJ-ing, acting and jamming throughout the day! All as part of their assignments, of course...

Outside formal classes, computing students primarily need access to hardware, software, library resources and the Internet.

There are ample open-access facilities in the Department and elsewhere on the campuses. High speed connection to the Internet is freely available to registered students.

In practice, however, students study mainly in their own accommodation (i.e. halls of residence, student flats, at home).

Apart from books, which students need to physically borrow and return, most learning resources are accessible remotely by Internet technology. Email and on-line discussion boards allow you to keep in touch with each other and with your tutors.

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The Undergraduate Student Experience

What will I learn?

Most students are enthusiastic about the 'hands on' aspect of computing. However, employers expect graduates to have more than just practical skills and technical knowledge. Thus the honours degree programmes build up the 'thinking skills' needed for analysis, evaluation, design and innovation, and develop so-called 'key skills' that will make you a good employee - motivated, and capable of working individually or in a team, with minimum supervision and with respect for others.

Each programme has a different blend of knowledge and technical, academic and key skills, chosen to match the needs of your most likely careers.

How will I learn?

Several methods of teaching and learning are used:

• Formal Lectures and Briefings
• Practical and Workshop sessions
• Individual and Group Tutorials
• Work-focused activity, including projects, problem solving and case study analysis
• Student-centred research, sometimes involving contact with employers and appropriate agencies
• Student-led Presentations, Seminars, and Group Discussion
• Work Based Learning Projects
• Directed and Independent Study

You are encouraged to take progressively more responsibility for your own learning as the course progresses.

Thus, at level 4 most of the learning experience is tutor directed but you are expected to work independently for a substantial part of the time.

At level 5 the proportion of student directed activity is greater. The work-based learning/experiential learning element at level 2 reinforces this with the student becoming the driving force behind the activities within these modules.

By level 6, you will become even more involved in planning the learning process, notably in the Dissertation. In other level 3 modules, although lectures are still a focal point, there is a requirement for you to undertake a considerable amount of additional reading and research.

What attendance is required?

Each 20-credit module has an allocation of 200 notional learning hours and will be delivered within the recommended guidelines for contact time, which are:

• Level 4 and 5: 48 hours per module
• Levels 6: 32 hours per module

Contact time represents a relatively small proportion of your study time; the balance comprises directed and independent study. For example, if a module has 48 hours of scheduled contact time, you should undertake about 152 hours of directed and independent study on this module.

The weekly contact hours are scheduled according to the requirments of each module, but most commonly comprises a lecture (1 hour), and practical workshop or group tutorial (1 or 2 hours).

You are expected to attend every scheduled session. Non-attendance and failure to fully participate in group work can have serious consequences. Part of your skills' development is to ensure that you recognise and fulfil responsibilities for your own learning and these include attendance. Where you have to be absent, on grounds of sickness, work commitments or other extenuating circumstances, you must advise the tutor in advance.

Increasingly, Internet technology is used to support learning. Web-based learning materials, email and on-line discussion boards mean that directed and independent study can be done anytime and anywhere that you have access to the Internet, and you can communicate easily with tutors and fellow students.

How am I assessed?

Assessment employs a combination of assignments, examinations, and individual and group projects

Each module uses the most appropriate type of assessment, generally utilising case studies or scenarios so that you have to apply principles and techniques to the kind of situations that you would encounter in a work role.

Keeping In Touch

It's important that you are up-to-date with what is happening in relation to your modules, your programme and the CSIS Department. You will also want to keep in touch with your fellow students, some of whom may be in different sets or studying different modules.

This can be done easily using emails and on-line discussion boards that are provided through IBIS. You are advised to check these at least once each day..

Student Support

What If I Need Support and Guidance?

Your points of academic contact are the Module Tutors and Programme Leader. If you need technical support or have administative queries, you will find the CSIS Department's User Support Technician and Support Staff to be very helpful.

Each student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) to provide support and guidance for the duration of their time on the programme. You will meet your PAT regularly to discuss your progress and any issues.

Your academic achievements are automatically recorded in your computerised Progress File by central administration. You are invited to append your own information and comments and discuss the file with your PAT. The Progress File is the source of information from which your tutor prepares references for employment. The University of Chester has a particularly strong learning support infrastructure. During Induction to the course and university, you are introduced to some of the support functions, including the:

• Learning and Support Services
• Welfare and Finance Advisor
• Student Liaison Officers
• Creche
• Library facilities
• ICT facilities
• Review and Evaluation systems

Criminal Records Bureau Disclosures

The establishment of the Criminal Records Bureau has improved access, for recruiters, to information about people who will be working with children or vulnerable adults. CRB collates information from a number of sources such as the Police, the Department of Health and DfES, to provide institutions with information about the suitability of those seeking to train or work in positions of trust. Forms are available from the Institutional Compliance Officer; in most cases an application fee is charged, for which you are liable. A copy of the disclosure will be sent to the University and yourself. You will need to retain your copy to show your tutor or placement organiser if requested to do so.

Programmes and modules of Study

Certain programmes of study at University of Chester involve placements that necessitate your working with children or vulnerable people (e.g. the prison service, social services, patients in hospital, or schools). If you are registered on a programme of this type or you are required to undertake work with the vulnerable as part of your studies you must apply for an Enhanced Disclosure of criminal records. Some programmes do include elective modules that may involve working with vulnerable people. If you choose a module that is validated thus, you will need to undergo either a Standard or Enhanced Disclosure. Further details are available from your programme leader, module tutor or the Institutional Compliance Officer.

Experiential, Work Based Learning or Student Volunteering

If you undertake either Experiential or Work Based Learning or you wish to partake in a student-volunteering placement involving working with the vulnerable you will also be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure. The relevant department will inform you whether it is necessary for you to apply.

How Do I Apply for Disclosure

Further information on applying for a disclosure and the CRB and disclosure service is available on IBIS or from the Institutional Compliance Officer.

Institutional Compliance Officer: Rob Dawson r.dawson@chester.ac.uk

Admission

Widening Access

The University of Chester is committed to a policy of widening access and participation by groups currently under-represented in Higher Education. To this end, we will consider a diverse range of entry qualifications for full-time and part-time study. A full advisory service is available for those who are not sure about which programme is best for them, or who do not know whether their current qualifications are acceptable for entry onto the programme of their choice.

Normal Entry Requirements

For admission to a single subject degree programme:

• A minimum of 220 UCAS points, of which 200 points must be obtained from GCE and/or VCE A Levels (12 or 6 unit awards), including grades CC in two subjects. The remaining points may be achieved from GCE and/or VCE A/AS Levels, VCE double award, or from Level 3 Key Skills certification
  
• BTEC National Diploma: merit profile
  
• Irish Highers/Scottish Highers: C in 4 subjects
  
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points
  
• European Baccalaureate: a minimum of 70%

For admission to a combined subject degree programme:

• A minimum of 200 UCAS points, of which 180 points must be obtained from GCE and/or VCE A Levels (12 or 6 unit awards), including a grade C in one subject. The remaining points may be achieved from GCE and/or VCE A/AS Levels, VCE double award, or from Level 3 Key Skills certification
• BTEC National Diploma: merit profile
  
• Irish Highers/Scottish Highers: C in 4 subjects
  
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points
  
• European Baccalaureate: a minimum of 65%

We also accept relevant kitemarked Access courses, Open College Units and Open University Credits For both Combined and Single Honour Computer Science

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must have English proficiency certification before applying. Typically, this would be:

• TOEFL at 550 points or above
• ELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band

For entry advice or for further information please contact:

• Student Adviser
• Admissions
• Registry Services
• University of Chester
• Parkgate Road
• Chester
• CH1 4BJ

For further information, please ring the admissions office or the Computer Science Department on 01244 511 000. Alternatively, you can view our website at www.chester.ac.uk, e-mail enquiries@chester.ac.uk or write to us.