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
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.
Summary
You may have been thinking about studying Computing for some time but haven’t found a course that fits with your other commitments. You may want to return to study to improve your career options or you may be a recent school leaver who wants to combine study with work.
Whatever the profile, BSc (Hons) Computing Systems empowers students to study at their own pace, part time. tailoring a personal pathway through the modules offered on this degree. This flexibility is a new approach to the study of Computing and is Ulster’s first course to offer ‘Variable Rate Progression’ (VRP). VRP helps students design a degree pathway around life’s ever-changing commitments towards completing the degree part-time in 3, 4, 5 or 6 years.
BSc Hons Computing Systems develops core skills in problem solving and computational thinking and exposes you to topics spanning programming, databases, networking, web development, data analytics and product and process management. Advanced topics include systems security, cloud computing, applied artificial intelligence, computer vision and edge & embedded computing. The course also develops innovative and creative thinking alongside a range of professional, ethical and sustainable skills that prepare you for a career in computing, equipped with the technical and personal skills sought by industry and ready 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, course duration and specific sequencing of modules are determined by you. Using VRP, the degree may be completed part-time in 3*, 4, 5 or 6 years. 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.
*Note that should you choose to enter the course in February, rather than September, the minimum duration of the course will be 4 years.
Ulster University is an approved Training Provider for the Department for the Economy's Higher Level Degree Apprenticeship** scheme. Students enrolled in the part-time BSc Hons Computing Systems program study alongside Degree Apprentices. Additionally, many scheduled lectures are shared with full-time Computing students. This blend of part-time students, degree apprentices, and full-time learners creates a vibrant and engaging learning environment, fostering opportunities for sharing experiences, collaboration, and building a lasting network of professional contacts.
The School of Computing at Ulster University holds Athena Swan Bronze Award since 2016 and is committed to promote and advance gender equality in Higher Education. We particularly welcome female applicants, as they are under-represented within the School.
Attendance
Computing Systems is usually delivered on a Monday morning from 10:15am 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.
Company Partnerships
As of October 2023, Ulster University's partnerships on the course now exceed 25 companies and have over 150 active apprentices on the course. New partnerships should reach out to the Course Director for an onboarding call to ensure that enrolments and paperwork are completed in sufficient time for course delivery. Please note that arrangements are provisional until the DfE confirm funding for the numbers we request.
Modules
Level 4 – studied in Year 1 or 2
Semester 1
Problem Solving for Computing
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.
Introduction to Databases
Database management is a fundamental skill expected of Computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of database design, implementation, querying and management of relational database systems.
Semester 2
Innovation and Society
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.
Mathematics for Computer Scientists
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.
Semester 3
Client Side Development
This module will assume no prior experience in creating web pages and will introduce the design principles, structural elements and technical concepts that underpin web authoring.
Application of the technical concepts will be facilitated through the use of web authoring tools in practical sessions to enhance the technical skills for the creation and styling of interactive Websites.
Introduction to Physical Computing
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the underlying systems that support the applications software. The theoretical concepts covered are illustrated by considering their practical application in modern real-world solutions.
Level 5 – studied in Year 2, 3 or 4
Semester 1
Programming in Practice
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.
Systems Security
This module introduces fundamental concepts related to computer system security. It presents a thorough discussion of the fundamental principles and technologies underpinning the field, covering concepts, terminology, cryptography, vulnerabilities, protocols and good security-oriented design.
The module provides an understanding of computing systems security concerns and how they can be addressed and mitigated so that security considerations are taken into account, and embedded in organisations and IT projects planning and management. This includes the communications within networked applications, security issues and cryptographic fundamentals
Semester 2
Software Product and Process Management
The Software Product and Process Management module provides the opportunity for students to gain a sound theoretical understanding of contemporary product and process management techniques. There is also the opportunity to apply learning from within the module and from modules undertaken thus far while working cohesively and professionally as part of a software team towards the successful management and planning of software product that meets business needs.
Data Analytics
In the present-day era of big data, this module will provide students with the theory and hands-on practical programming experience required for the undertaking of real-world data analytics tasks.
Semester 3
Computer Networking
Computer networks are at the core of relatively large and modern computing systems. This module aims to equip learners with the appropriate skills to appreciate, understand and employ the key technologies used by interconnected devices in any networks. The module introduces the students to the basics of the networking field including components, topologies, architectures, functions, services, protocols, and standardisation.
Server Side Development
This module will expand on students' knowledge necessary for developing software systems to be deployed over the World Wide Web, with a specific focus on server-side technologies and techniques. Students will also be introduced to important design considerations for web applications currently in use in industry.
Level 6 – studied in Year 3, 4, 5 or 6
Semester 1
Full-Stack Strategies and Development
This module will introduce the key concepts of full-stack development and the tools used to implement a full-stack strategy. Students will be able to use what they learn from this module to develop robust software including APIs, database architectures and front-end applications according to industry standards.
Cloud Native Development
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.
Semester 2
Artificial Intelligence
This module is optional
The AI module is built on the foundations in mathematics, computing and programming. It covers logic based symbolic AI, knowledge representation and reasoning, introduction to machine learning paradigms and advanced learning methods of reinforcement and deep learning, and real-world applications in different human-AI interactions. The module will answer the following three questions: (1) how to formulate AI problems conceptually; (2) how to turn the conceptual formulations into algorithms; (3) how to develop AI-focused applications. The module will also consider societal and theoretical concerns raised while designing and deploying AI solutions regarding the ability of people to understand, interpret, control, and interact with AI-based systems.
Computer Vision
This module is optional
Computer Vision is an increasingly pervasive element of technology-based solutions in a range of applications, both standalone and distributed over the Internet, requiring an understanding of image and video processing fundamentals and how they are integrated with Machine Learning. This module seeks to develop the student's knowledge of Computer Vision by introducing techniques and tools that enable machines with a capacity to sense the world using visual data. The module also provides opportunities for the student to learn how to develop applications to solve Computer Vision tasks and to implement solutions using Computer Vision and Machine Learning software tools and libraries.
Semester 3
Edge and Embedded Intelligence
This module is optional
This module explores the intersection between machine learning and embedded systems. The aim of Edge and Embedded Intelligence is to make Artificial Intelligence available on low-powered and computationally constrained devices such as microcontrollers. This module provides a foundation for students to understand this emerging field.
Enterprise Networks
This module is optional
The module provides the student with a deep understanding of the underlying communication protocols of personal, local area networks, wide area networks and inter-networks. The emphasis is on network planning, design and management. Issues such as acceptable network performance, detection of faults, maintaining security and effective management are studied as these are key to the successful operation of businesses. The module will address state of the art protocols and network case studies and can provide (i) an up to date viewpoint of Enterprise Networks for business and (ii) an opportunity for fostering research ideas in this discipline.
Semester 1/2 ** or Semester 2/3
Computing Project)
** The Computing Systems project is typically undertaken during Semesters 2 and 3 of the final year of study. Students may elect to undertake the Computing Project during Semesters 1 and 2, provided they have no more than one new Semester 1 taught module remaining.
The Computing Project provides an opportunity to draw together learning from across the course, and to allow students to evidence their mastery of the academic content and of its application through professional practice. Through the opportunity to devise, manage and evaluate all aspects of work in addressing a significant challenge, students can gain independence and a deeper appreciation of their practice within the broader subject area and of its relationship to wider society.
Attendance
During Semesters 1 and 2 BSc Hons Computing Systems is delivered one day per week, typcially on a Monday. During Semester 3, students attend for 6 full days of intensive block training per module selected, normally scheduled across June and July. The timetabled contact hours for the course accounts for around 25% 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 to undertake a minimum of three modules and a maximum of six modules. This choice aims 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. Module optionality normally exists at Level 6.
Start dates
September 2025
February 2026
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The course is delivered using several teaching and learning methods including Lectures, Tutorials and Practical Laboratory Session.
Lectures are used to present and illustrate basic theory and fundamental principle, which are normally supplemented by tutorials which elaborate on lecture content and provide opportunities for the student to use their problem-solving skill and to examine problem solutions in greater detail.
Practical Laboratory Classes enable the practical application of theoretical concepts, facilitating a deeper understanding of key topics. In programming laboratories, there is an emphasis on small group tutoring and support.
Modules are assessed through a wide variety of methods including practical skills assessment, written reports, oral presentations, recorded video submissions, class tests, collaborative coursework assignments,and a final year cap-stone project.
Attendance and Independent Study
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
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).
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
View tariff point chart
Scottish Highers
Grades CCCCC. All subject areas considered.
Scottish Advanced Highers
Grades DDD. All subject areas considered.
International Baccalaureate
Overall profile of 24 points to include 12 at Higher Level to include 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 with 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 include 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
Friday 12 September 2025
End Date
Tuesday 27 June 2028
Progression Pathway
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