Computing Undergraduate Brochure

SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS

The University for business and the professions

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Computing andInformation Technology

BSc Business Computing Systems

BSc Computer Science

BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence

BSc Computer Science with Games Technology

BSc Information Systems

BSc Software Engineering

Email enquiries:[email protected]

Phoneenquiries:+44 (0)20 7040 8406

Find out more at:www.city.ac.uk/informatics/undergraduate

City University LondonNorthampton SquareLondonEC1V 0HBUnited Kingdom

SCHool oF InFoRMATICS: Computing and information teChnology

Contents

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Welcome to the School of Informatics


Information Technology(IT) underpins almost everyorganisation and lies at the core of the growth ofbusiness in the UK andabroad – it is truly aninternational industry. The IT industry is diverseand is one of the mostrapidly changing, offeringenormous scope forrewarding jobs in roleswhich may be highlytechnical, business-relatedand focused or creative:indeed many represent acombination of all of these.As an industry, it has a keyrole to play to make the UK a more ‘connected’society: allowing IT toenhance people’s lives and opportunities and to compete betterinternationally. There isclearly a need for graduateswith a flexible and mobileset of skills to enter anindustry that makes amulti-billion poundcontribution to the UKeconomy – and willcontinue to do so for theforeseeable future. Over1.5 million people work in

a breadth of roles in theindustry in the UK aloneand almost half the IT jobs in the UK are based inLondon or the South East.Graduates have a key part to play in the future of theindustry undertaking a range of interesting and challenging jobs.

I am delighted that you are considering studyingcomputing and informationtechnology to becomeinvolved in one of the most dynamic, exciting,international and indeedpeople-focused professionstoday. A degree in thesesubjects from CityUniversity London willequip you for that role andto be a driver of futurechange in this century andallow you to make yourmark on a rapidly changingworld. That builds on ourlong and distinguishedtradition of training thebest graduates at CityUniversity London tochange the world – we areimmensely proud of theway that our graduates

have been at the forefrontof industry and academia in the UK and worldwideover many decades.

Graduates in computing and information technologytrained at City UniversityLondon inhabit the realworld which throws up arange of diverse challenges,both technical and human-focused across a broadfront of the disciplines theywill study. Building a broadunderstanding and seekingmastery of the field isessential and the training atCity is designed to be a pathto be a leader in tomorrow’scomplex world – a leader intechnical expertise, a leaderin strategic thinking, aleader in innovation and aleader in communication.Our role at City UniversityLondon is to develop andinstill those skills in ourgraduates and fit them forthat exciting opportunity.

I challenge you to come onthe journey that will takeyou to become a leader in a field that will continue to

change the world in the 21st Century – throughequipping yourself with the breadth of skills youwill need and that a CityUniversity London degreein informatics will give you. I challenge you to make themost of the opportunitiesthat this can offer and torecognise the crucial andtransformative role that such a step can be for your life and career.

I look forward to welcomingyou as a Computing andInformation Technologystudent in the School of Informatics at CityUniversity London.

Professor Kenneth Grattan FREng

Dean of the School of Informatics

A world without computers andinformation technology is simplyunimaginable, given the degree to whichthey pervade almost everything we do inour professional, social and cultural life.

City University London is offering Scholarships of up to £3,000 per year to UK and EU undergraduate students achieving AAB or above at A-level. Please refer to page 28 for more information.

Contents

WelcomeWhy study at City? A truly international outlookResearchTalking about researchEmployability through experienceWork placements: FAQsTalking about work placementsComputing and Information Technology at CityExamples of modules and electives

Courses:BSc Business Computing Systems BSc Computer Science BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc Computer Science with Games Technology BSc Information Systems BSc Software Engineering Student life at CityHow to applyScholarships: Rewarding ExcellenceMap and contacts

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Our international students bring with them a wide variety ofperspectives and help us appreciateglobalism as a key driver in IT. With over 25 nationalities enrolled in undergraduate Computing, we are able to develop key skills in multinational teams, allowingstudents to experience what they will find in industry. Many of our international students undertake a placementyear as part of their studies. We offer bespoke services andprofessional development support to international studentswhilst on placement, either in the UK or outside the EU.

A truly international outlook

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SCHool oF InFoRMATICS: Computing and information teChnologySCHool oF InFoRMATICS: Computing and information teChnology

3

Why study at City?About the School of Informatics

City University London is different. We provide exceptional graduateemployment prospects as a result of our commitment to academic excellence, focus on business and the professions and the benefits of our central London location.

exCeptionalemployment prospeCtsOver 77% of ourundergraduate studentswere employed within six months of graduation –compared to the nationalaverage of 68.2% (HESA statistics, 2008).

flexibility and ChoiCe –Common first yearYou may change to anothercomputing degree at theend of your first year. Thisallows you the time tomake an informed choiceabout which degree youwant to study and exposesyou to all the differentaspects of computingbefore you select yourspecialist programme.

rewarding exCellenCeCity University London isoffering Scholarships of up to £3,000 per year to UK and EU undergraduatestudents achieving AAB or above at A-level.

Please refer to page 28for more information.

aCCredited by the british Computer soCietyThis exempts you fromtheir professionalexaminations and offers a pathway to Charteredstatus – the highest level ofaccreditation available forhonours degree students.

exCellent industrialplaCements We have offered one yearplacements in the IT andrelated industries for over 20 years, enhancingthe employability of ourgraduates. We are highlysuccessful in supportingstudents to secure paid placements withorganisations that are bestsuited to their interests.

For more information go to www.city.ac.uk/informatics/placements

professional pathway– unique to CityThis is an innovativecombination of paidplacements and part timestudy which can be takenfollowing your first year.The programme offersaccelerated entry into the IT professions whilstproviding an excellentopportunity to earn as you study.

For more information go to www.city.ac.uk/informatics/placements

industry linksThe School hasprofessional links with industries across the globe.

aCademiC exCellenCeand researChOur academic research in artificial intelligence,information managementand human-computerinteraction is respectedinternationally. CityUniversity London is also a European centre of excellence for softwareengineering research.

For more information go to www.city.ac.uk/informatics/research

Central londonloCationWe are located in the heartof London, in a vibrantcultural area of centralLondon which includes the Barbican Centre andSadler’s Wells theatre as well as numerous cafes and restaurants.

For more informationplease visitwww.city.ac.uk/visitus

Talking about research

Prof. Neil Maiden Head, Centre for HCI Design,School of Informatics

“Enabling people to be more creative isstrategically important foreconomic growth. New andexciting computer-basedtools that offer peoplecreative support duringbusiness, engineering and medical tasks areemerging. We [at City] areresearching how best tosupport people to thinkcreatively, developingsoftware tools to deliverthis support, andvalidating them in practice.”

Chris ChildComputer Game CompanyDirector, Childish Things Ltd and lecturer for School of Informatics

“Computer games arebeginning to reach a peak in terms of graphicalrepresentation, butincongruent behaviourdisplayed by characters in games often destroys aplayer’s immersion in agame world. Research atCity University Londonaims to create the nextgeneration of believableNPCs and intelligentopponents through a range of cutting edgetechnologies. Agents thatlearn how to act effectivelyin a game environment will provide the next killerapplication for academicartificial intelligence.”

Prof. GeorgeSpanoudakisAssociate Dean for Research,School of Informatics

“Service orientedcomputing is emerging as a prominent paradigm forintra and inter-enterprisesystems and internetservice integration. Since2004 City has establishedworld leading researchaddressing the newparadigm, ranging from the design and adaptabilityof service oriented systemsto the management ofservice level agreements,security, governance and certification of such systems.”

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The School of Informatics provides a vibrant environment with several research activities covering a wide spectrum of computing and information science and technologies.

These include: theinvestigation of thereliability and security of complex socio-technicalcomputing systems; the development of frameworks forengineering modernservice oriented softwaresystems; and the study of autonomous andintelligent systems. City also researcheshuman computerinteraction, novel mobilesystem interfaces andinformation visualisation,as well as informationretrieval and the

fundamentals ofinformation organisation.Our research embracesseveral interdisciplinaryresearch activitiesincluding creativity insystem design, securityscience and IT forensics,health informatics and music informatics.

The quality of our research is internationallyacknowledged. We havereceived several awards for the best reportedresearch in internationalconferences, participated in the editorial boards of

international scientificjournals and programmecommittees of internationalconferences; and giveninvited presentations atinternational events.

Our research takes place within nine researchcentres and groups (see www.city.ac.uk/informatics/research).These groups collaboratewith several externalpartners including keyindustrial organisations,and governmental andresearch institutions in theUK and overseas. Funded

by a range of national andEuropean research projectsor directly by industry(since 2008, the School hasbeen awarded 35 researchgrants with a total fundingin excess of 4.3m pounds),our research groups offeropportunities for researchat a doctoral level as well as for shorter termresearch projects available to MSc and/orundergraduate students.

Research in the School of Informatics

Centre forSoftwareReliability

ProgrammingTechnology

Group

MusicInformatics

Group

Systemssecurity &

dependability

SoftwareEngineering

Group

Services &service oriented

systems

Intelligentdecision support

Centre for Health

Informatics

Theory &practice ofinformation

Interactive,multimedia,

accessible systems,informationvisualisation

RESEARCH CEnTRES/GRoUpS And THEIR THEMES

Centres forInformationScience &InteractiveSystems

Centre for Human Computer

Interaction Design

giCentreAutonomousIntelligent

Systems Groupthemes

Centres

frequently askedquestionsHow do I get a placement?Your preparation forsecuring a placement starts as soon as you arrive.We begin by teaching youeffective communicationskills, as well as helping youprepare your CV, completeapplication forms andpractice for interviews. Lateron, we keep you informed of placement opportunitiesand help you with theapplication process.

City has extensiveexperience in helping secureplacement opportunities in the IT industry and ourreputation and strong linkswith the IT industry countheavily in your favour.

What happens on placement?Once on placement you will perform responsiblework that will extend your knowledge and let you show future employerswhat you can achieve. You might work in a large IT department with a project team or in a small organisation alongside user staff.

You are likely to perform a range of tasks, for example programming, user support, systemsinvestigation, analysis anddesign, documentation,testing, use of packages,data collection or help-desk work.

You are supported by a Work-based LearningAdvisor from the School’sProfessional Liaison Unit during your time on placement.

Each placement is unique,but we ensure that you areprovided with a plannedsequence of learningopportunities and industrial training.

Do I need a workpermit if I am anoverseas student?Overseas students do not need work permits for placement work where it is a requirement of their course.

Employabilitythrough experience

A placement will develop your technical and transferableskills while you acquire business knowledge. It will also help you understand the IT industry and learn about thedifferent career paths available.

Taking a placement will significantly improve your careerprospects. You can expect to gain marketable skills, achievebetter marks in your degree and you may even receive a joboffer from your placement employer before you graduate.

We offer two routes by which you may gain work experience as part of your degree: a one-year placement and our unique Professional Pathway scheme. Both schemes enable you to combine placement employment (and earnings) with your studies and are available with all our computing degree courses.

professional pathwayAs a Professional Pathway student you take the same course content and exams as full-time students, but over a longer period.

You attend the University for one day per week, for 45 weeks of the year, while working up to four days a week. You generally attend lectures and most other course components with full-time students.

There are three entry points for the scheme, after:the first year of study the second year of study completing a one-year placement.

The Professional Pathway takes four years in total if you join at the end of the first year.

one-year plaCementsOne-year placements are taken after you have successfully completed the second year of study. You undertake twelve months’ work between your second and final year at university. You then return to City to finish your degree after the placement. Each year, numerous students gain graduate employment directly from their placement employer.

For further information please visitwww.city.ac.uk/informatics/placements

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As a student in the School of Informatics you have the opportunity to gain practical experience alongside your studies. Our placementschemes give you the opportunity to see for yourself how thetechnologies you are learning about are used in organisations.

Work placements: FAQs

10thCity UniversityLondon isranked 10th inthe UK forgraduateemployability*

*The Times GoodUniversity Guide 2011.

Talking about work placements

Joy Manuel BSc (Hons) InformationSystems, Project Manager, Cisco Systems

“My placement role was as a Business Analyst with IBM. This was an insightfulexploration into the worldof business in IT. I workedwith colleagues aroundEurope and even got totravel to various cities in Europe for businesswhich was very exciting.

My placement allowed me to obtain greaterbusiness acumen and was an invaluable workingexperience, which cannot be taught from a textbook,but only through first-hand experience.”

Kayam MoosaBSc (Hons) Business ComputingSystems graduate, SQLDeveloper, Network Research

“My placement atGlaxoSmithKline as an Application SupportSpecialist and WebDeveloper has helped meto develop and achieveinvaluable skills.

The placement experienceenabled me to secure mygraduate role at a leadingmarketing researchcompany as an SQLDeveloper. There was a significant overlap with my placement role, which clearly shows the impact my placementhas had on my career.

The support andmotivation I had from City via the ProfessionalLiaison Unit was key. Ithelped me secure both my placement andgraduate positions andexplore the real world and a better future!”

David Jensen,Head of Development, Metro

“Placement andProfessional Pathwaystudents have been a corerecruitment channel for the last few years. Theyrequire some investment but that more than paysdividends over the lifetimeof their employment.”

Danny Quilton Chief Operating Officer,Capacitas

“Capacitas has beenrecruiting students from City for its placementscheme for five years now.The Professional LiaisonUnit at City has been very supportive and ourcompany has benefittedgreatly from working with bright, enthusiasticundergraduates. Most of our placement studentshave gone on to join us after graduating.”

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To listen to studentstalking about theirplacements, visitwww.city.ac.uk/informatics/placements/videos

IBM

GlaxoSmithKline

NHS

Accenture TechnologySolutions

London Borough of Hackney

Capacitas

Travelers

Talk Talk Group

Nomura

Goldman Sachs

Lucidica Ltd

LCH Clearnet

Kinetic Solutions

Mergermarket

Aspen Insurance UK Ltd

ILLY Computer Systems

Emanuel School

Jagex Ltd

VEGA

General Motors

Linksfield Technologies Ltd

GE Capital

Sony

LexisNexis

Challenge Consultancy Ltd

Corelogic

Thomson Reuters

ExxonMobil

Yell

Debenhams

Betgenius Limited

Game Account Network

Reed Business Information

02 Telefonica

Loft Digital

White & Case

Quod Financial Ltd

Research In Motion

Medical Foundation

Grey Court School

Legal & General InvestmentManagement

Burson-Marsteller

20th Century Fox

TNT

Microsoft

Fujitsu Siemens

Jato Dynamics

Metropolitan Police Service

General Electric

National Autistic Society

FirstCo

media (games, marketing,advertising, pr) 28%finanCial serviCes (banking, insuranCe) 21%sCienCe and teChnology(pharmaCeutiCals, software,teleComs, manufaCturing) 18%eduCation, health and voluntary(sChools, nhs & Charities) 19%ConsultanCy and law 14%

plaCements by seCtor 2010-11

Our students have held placements in the following companies:

six ComputingdegreesCity offers you a widechoice of exciting,distinctive, andprofessional degrees,delivered in purpose-built premises withspecialist teachingrooms andlaboratories. All ourcourses will equip youfor fast-track careers in the IT industry,commerce, researchand consultancy.



BSc Computer Science with ArtificialIntelligence

BSc Computer Sciencewith Games Technology

BSc InformationSystems

BSc SoftwareEngineering

Course struCtureThe structure of your degree is based around three Parts, each corresponding to one year of a three-year degree. Commonality is emphasised as far as possible,allowing you maximum flexibility to change your degree course once registered.

A one-year placement can be taken between the second and final year. Alternatively, you can choose the Professional Pathway route, where Parts 2 and 3 are spread over three years whilst you work part-time on a placement – see page 6 for details on Placements and the Professional Pathway.

part ifoundationsYou will gain a firm foundation in computing covering topics such as programming, software engineering,computer architecture, databases and the mathematicsneeded to understand and model computer systems.Communication and business skills, essential for a successful career in IT, are also covered.

part 2Core knowledge and skillsYou will learn the core knowledge and skills needed in the IT profession, including topics such as object-orientedanalysis and design, networking and human-computerinteraction. Your development as an IT professional is alsoaddressed in a module on professional issues and researchmethods. A team project, a quarter of your second year,plays an important role in developing your teamworkingskills in a software development environment. You will also study topics relevant to your specialism, such as data structures and algorithms for computer science, and organisational behaviour for business computing. Around a quarter of your second year is spent on developing your specialism.

part 3advanCed topiCsThe centrepiece of the final year is your individual project; this will demonstrate to employers that you canapply your knowledge and devise a novel solution to aproblem. Your project may be undertaken in conjunctionwith one of our research groups in artificial intelligence,human-computer interaction or software engineering.Alternatively, you may undertake your project with thecompany you worked for whilst on placement. You will also take an advanced module in the area of specialisationof your degree, plus four elective modules from a wideselection of computing topics.

Computing and InformationTechnology at City

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We offer acommon firstyear for all our courses,allowing youample time to make aninformed choiceabout whichcomputingdegree to study.

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Examples of modules and electives**From academic year 2010/11 and are subject to change.

part 1

in1002 Computation & reasoning

in2001 artifiCial intelligenCe

in2002 data struCtures & algorithms

in2003 deCision support systems

in2004 distributed systems

in2005 formal methods

in2006 funCtional programming

in2007 human Computer interaCtion

in2008 information management

in2009 language proCessors

in2010 management of it

in2012 neural and evolutionComputing

in2014 pCp (parallel and ConCurrentprogramming)

in2016 software measurement

in2017 systems theory

in2024 audio proCessing for musiC and multimedia

in2026 games teChnology

in2029 programming in C++

in3001 advanCed databases

in3002 Cognition and teChnologies

in3003 business engineering with erp solutions

in3008 eleCtroniC CommerCe

in3011 introduCtion to data mining

in3012 it seCurity

in3014 management of it strategy

in3015 requirements engineering

in3016 software agents

in3017 theory of Computation

in3026 advanCed games teChnology

projeCt management

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

in1004 maths

in1005 softwareengineering

in1006 systemsarChiteCture

in1007 programmingin java (double module)

in1010 businesssystems (double module)

part 2

in2017 systems theory

in2010management of it

bsc business Computing systems

in2003 deCision supportsystems

in2008 informationmanagement

bsc informationsystems

in2006 funCtionalprogramming

in2009 languageproCessors

bsc ComputersCienCe

in2001 artifiCial intelligenCe

in2012 neural & evolutionaryComputing

bsc Cs withartifiCialintelligenCe

in2029 programming in C++

in2026 games teChnology

bsc Cs with gamesteChnology

in2005 formal methods

in2016 softwaremeasurement

bsc softwareengineering

importantThis is a diagrammatic representationof degree paths. It does not show thechronological sequence of modules.Students must choose their degreepath before entering Part 2.

module ChoiCesPart 1 and Part 2 Modules are compulsory.

Part 3 has one compulsory taughtmodule and a compulsory individualproject. Students also choose four elective modules subject to the following restrictions:

• they have not taken the module in Part 2

• their choices include no more than two IN2*** modules

• any module specific pre-requisites are met

• timetabling may constrain module choices.

in3015 requirementsengineering

in3007individual projeCt(treble module)

part 3

in3012 it seCurity

in3007 individual projeCt(treble module)

in3017 theory ofComputation

in3007 individual projeCt (treble module)



in3026advanCed gamesteChnology


in3015 requirementsengineering


in3003 business engineeringwith erp solutions

in3008 eleCtroniC CommerCe

reCommendedeleCtives

eleCtive list

in3002 Cognition andteChnologies


in2029 programming in C++ (he2)



in3017 theory ofComputation

in2006 funCtionalprogramming (he2)



in2007 hCi (he2)

in3003 business engineeringwith erp solutions

in3012 it seCurity

appliedstream

in2007 human ComputerinteraCtion

in2003 data struCtures & algorithms

teChniCalstream

in2011 networks &operating systems

in2013 objeCt- orientedanalysis & design

in2015 professionaldevelopment in it

in2018 team projeCt(double module)

Students are encouraged to take the electives recommended for their degree.

industrial plaCementsIndustrial placements are takenbetween Parts 2 and 3. IndustrialPlacements are compulsory for theBusiness Computing Systems andSoftware Engineering degrees and are optional for other degrees.


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plaCements andprofessional pathway We offer two routes by which you may gain paid workexperience as part of your degree:a one-year placement or ourinnovative Professional Pathwayscheme, which enables you to combine placementemployment with your studies.Both options are available withall our computing degree courses.

For more information please visitwww.city.ac.uk/informatics/placements

sCholarships:rewarding exCellenCeCity University London is offering Scholarships of up to £3,000 per year to UK and EU undergraduate studentsachieving AAB or above at A-level. Please refer to page 28 for more information.

For further information on all University Scholarshipsplease visit www.city.ac.uk/informatics/scholarships

Keshava Chandratheva, School of Informatics student

“Studying as an undergraduate at City was a very worthwhileinvestment and provided a greatcombination of work experience plus a fantastic social life. Theinclusion of industrial trainingopportunities and the ProfessionalPathway scheme were the strongpoints on deciding which centralLondon university to spend four quality years at.”


Businesses need computing professionals with both technical skills and business knowledge. A degree in Business Computing Systems from City University London will help you enter a career as a computingprofessional for tomorrow’s business.

A common first year syllabus enables you to make your final choice of degree at the end of your first year.

Chris Smart, Assistant Dean (Education), School of Informatics

“On our Business Computing Systems course you will learn how IT is changing the businessworld and gain the skills toimplement IT solutions in a fastmoving business environment.”

NEXT STEPS


Phone enquiries:+44 (0) 20 7040 8406


Open Days:Visit www.city.ac.uk/informatics/undergraduate/opendays

How to apply:Refer to information on page 27.

professional aCCreditation This degree is recognised by the British Computer Society,exempting you from theirprofessional examinations and offering a pathway to Chartered status.

Career prospeCtsCareers include designing business critical computer systems, providing consultancy on computer development or managerial roles with responsibility for an organisation’s computing resources.

CoURSE oVERVIEWWhile at City, you will gain:• Paid, professional experience

in the IT industry• The skills to design computer

systems that meet business needs• The technical and managerial

background to implement computersolutions to business challenges.

You will:• Develop commercially valuable

skills in our laboratories and work with colleagues on business relatedsoftware projects

• Learn to analyse organisational problemsand design appropriate IT solutions

• Spend time in industry gaining experience and get paid for it.

For your project, you can work with an organisation to develop real-world,business solutions.

CoURSE dETAIlSSpecialist modules covered include:• Electronic commerce in

all its various forms• Management of IT services• Systems theory and methods for

organisational problem solving.

This degree is suitable for you if you:• Have the breadth of mind to tackle both

computer and management science• Want to build the businesses of

tomorrow with computer technology• Want to enter the graduate marketplace

with professional experience under your belt.

You should note that this course isprimarily technical in nature and may not be suitable for you if you are seeking a business major.


Typical offers requireone of the following:A-level: 360 UCAS tariff points. Point scores exclude generalstudies and key skills. A/AS-levels in a mothertongue other than Englishcount at half value.

BTEC: DDD

IB: 29

In addition: Science, technology andmathematics subjects arepreferred and at least onesuch subject should beoffered. Overseas, other UKqualifications and relevantwork experience will beconsidered on the basis of equivalence to our A-level intake.

14-19 Advanced Diploma:We accept the 14–19Advanced Diploma on thesame standing as A-levelsbased on the UCAS tariff.

English languagerequirements:• IELTS: 6.0• TOEFL: 87

internet-based total• GCSE: English

language grade C.

uCas CodeG422

durationFull-time: Four years including a one yearplacement or ourProfessional Pathway scheme (which combines your degree with 3 years of IT work experience).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS2012/13

plaCements andprofessional pathway We offer two routes by which youmay gain paid work experience aspart of your degree: a one-yearplacement or our innovativeProfessional Pathway scheme,which enables you to combineplacement employment with your studies. Both options are available with all ourcomputing degree courses.




Cisillia Tay,Computer Science student

“City prepared me for the cut and thrust of the high technologybusiness world. The solid foundationensured that I can take technologyand make it into the right businesssolutions that work every time;invaluable in my role as a Projects Director.”


A degree in Computer Science from City University London will provide you with a strong, broad-based education in computing as a scientific and technological discipline.


Dr Seb Hunt, Associate Dean (Education), School of Informatics

“Creating high quality softwaresolutions is a key challenge formodern society. Our ComputerScience course provides the coding skills, technology expertiseand in-depth theoreticalunderstanding that will enable you to meet this challenge.”

NEXT STEPS


Phone enquiries:+44 (0) 20 7040 8406




professional aCCreditation This course is recognised by the British Computer Society,exempting you from theirprofessional examinations and offering a pathway to Chartered status.

Career prospeCtsCareers include programming and software development, as well as research-based careers in the IT industry and higherdegrees, such as a PhD.

Computer science focuses on investigatinghow computer software works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.

CoURSE oVERVIEWWhile at City, you will gain:• An appreciation of the

foundations of computation• An understanding of the structure

of programming languages• The skills to put these concepts

and technologies into practice.

You will also:• Acquire an in-depth understanding

of the principles and theories that underpin technologies

• Acquire expertise in a wide variety of technologies

• Learn commercially valuable skills• Work with our internationally renowned

research groups, learning the latestdevelopments in computer science.

CoURSE dETAIlSSpecialist modules covered include:• Data structuring and algorithms• Functional programming in Haskell• Language processors• Theory of computation.

This degree is suitable for you if you:• Are looking for a career in which a

comprehensive grounding in computingwill give you an advantage

• Have a strong interest in softwaretechnologies and you want to know how they work, how to build them and how to use them

• Want the fundamental knowledge and skills to keep up-to-date in a field in which rapid and accelerating change is the rule rather than the exception.




BTEC: DDD

IB: 29

In addition: Science, technology andmathematics subjects are preferred and at leastone such subject should be offered.

Overseas, other UKqualifications and relevantwork experience will beconsidered on the basis of equivalence to our A-level intake.




language grade C.

uCas CodeG400

durationFull-time: Three or four years with either a one year placement or our Professional Pathwayscheme (which combinesyour degree with 3 years of IT work experience).

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plaCements andprofessional pathway We offer two routes by which youmay gain paid work experience as part of your degree: a one-yearplacement or our innovativeProfessional Pathway scheme,which enables you to combineplacement employment with your studies. Both options are available with all ourcomputing degree courses.




Sarah Ancelotti, Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence student

“When I learned about theProfessional Pathway route that isavailable to City University students,I couldn’t believe my luck! As amature student, it is the best mode of study one could possibly hope for,and I obviously didn’t waste time; I jumped on-board at the end of thefirst year. I began as a Junior WebDeveloper for Cass Business Schooland now I’m a Web Developer and Content Manager at Student Recruitment Media.”


A course in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence combines an education in computing with a focus on the principles, design and development of intelligent computer systems.


Dr Artur Garcez, Reader, School of Informatics

“The amount of scientific data isdoubling every year. Computationalsystems are having to deal with hugeunconventional data sets, e.g. millionsof videos on the web. A majorresearch challenge, therefore, is howcomputing will respond to the needsof society in such an exponentialworld. We have been at the forefrontof the research that seeks to addressthis challenge by developing neural-symbolic cognitive agents capable of intelligent, adaptive behaviour,unified expressive reasoning androbust learning informed by real data and models of the brain.”

NEXT STEPS


Phone enquiries:+44 (0) 20 7040 8406





Career prospeCtsCareers include working as a technical specialist in eitherbusiness or industrial researchlaboratories or for research degrees, such as a PhD.

The next generation of industrial-strength,software applications will need the ability to make effective, intelligent decisions.

COURSE OVERVIEWYou will gain:• An excellent education in computing

and Artificial Intelligence (AI)• Knowledge of practical AI

technologies such as expert systems and software agents

• The ability to apply these concepts and technologies to real-world problems.

While at City, you will:• Become knowledgeable in a variety

of computing and AI technologies• Develop the ability to apply this

knowledge in an industrial context• Develop software in teams and work

with our successful AI research teams • Learn commercially valuable,

technical and transferable skills.

CoURSE dETAIlSSpecialist modules covered include:• Knowledge-based systems

and natural language processing• Neural networks and genetic algorithms• Software agents• The AI programming language Prolog.

This degree is suitable for you if you:• Have an interest in AI technologies and

you want to know how they work, how to build them and how to use them

• Want to be active in the development of a new generation of computer systemswhich use intelligent behaviours to solve complex problems

• Want to be taught by members of a dynamic AI research group.




BTEC: DDD

IB: 29

In addition: Science, technology andmathematics subjects arepreferred and at least onesuch subject should beoffered. Overseas, other UKqualifications and relevantwork experience will beconsidered on the basis of equivalence to our A-level intake.




language grade C.

uCas CodeG4G7

durationThree or four years witheither a one year placementor our Professional Pathwayscheme (which combinesyour degree with 3 years of IT work experience).

18 19


plaCements andprofessional pathway We offer two routes by which youmay gain paid work experience as part of your degree: a one-yearplacement or our innovativeProfessional Pathway scheme,which enables you to combineplacement employment with your studies. Both options are available with all our computing degree courses.



For further information on all University Scholarshipsplease visit www.city.ac.uk/informatics/scholarships.

Rahul Dey, Computer Science with Games Technology student

“City has given me a wealth ofknowledge from a practical andrelevant point of view. Gamesdevelopment has been bothenjoyable and rewarding thanks to the guidance of the lecturers, the cutting edge course content and the freedom to create whatever I can think of!”


The computer games industry needs graduates with strong technical skills and a flair for creative design. This course provides technicalgamesbuilding skills, as well as a more general computer science education.


Chris Child, Computer Game Company Director, Childish Things Ltd and lecturer forSchool of Informatics.

“Games technology students areamong the most employable in thecountry, having developed cuttingedge programming skills in thetoughest industry there is.”

NEXT STEPS


Phone enquiries:+44 (0) 20 7040 8406




professional aCCreditation This course is recognised by the British Computer Society,exempting you from theirprofessional examinations and offering a pathway to Chartered status.

Career prospeCtsCareers include working as a key technical specialist in thecomputer games industry. Yourbroad knowledge of computerscience and sophisticatedprogramming skills will make you attractive to employers in other industries too.

A course in Computer Science with GamesTechnology will help you develop yourcareer in an exciting and dynamic industry.

CoURSE oVERVIEWYou will gain:• Advanced knowledge of games

theory, graphics and games design• Leading-edge, computer

programming expertise• Specialist skills for building

computer games software.

While at City, you will:• Become proficient in a broad

range of programming languages• Become proficient in software

design techniques• Develop commercially, valuable

skills in our computing laboratories and work with our research groups

• Develop expertise in computer gamesprogramming, software and technologies.

CoURSE dETAIlSSpecialist modules covered include:• 2D and 3D graphics• Game engine architectures• Game physics and sound• NPCs and game AI• Programming in C++• Scripting• The games development process.

This degree is suitable for you if you:• Can apply your imagination

to complex problems• Like computer programming

and gaming• Want to work in a dynamic and

successful part of British industry.




BTEC: DDD

IB: 29

In addition: Science, technology andmathematics subjects arepreferred, and at least onesuch subject should beoffered. Overseas, other UKqualifications and relevantwork experience will beconsidered on the basis of equivalence to our A-level intake.




language grade C.

uCas CodeG490

durationFull-time: Three or four years with either a one year placement or ourProfessional Pathway scheme (which combinesyour degree with 3 years of IT work experience).

20 21


plaCements andprofessional pathway We offer two routes by which you may gain paid workexperience as part of your degree:a one-year placement or ourinnovative Professional Pathwayscheme, which enables you tocombine placement employmentwith your studies. Both optionsare available with all ourcomputing degree courses.




Ioana Tugui, Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence student

“I chose City because I found theProfessional Pathway scheme a greatopportunity to combine work andstudies. I had full support from theWork-based Learning Advisor and Imanaged to secure my job from thefirst interview. Being in my second year, I think I’m gaining invaluableexperience, so thank you, City!”


A degree in Information Systems from City University London will help you develop your career as an information systems professional.


Dr George Buchanan, Senior Lecturer, School of Informatics

“Finding information online is a critical activity in the modernworkplace. Emerging mobile andembedded technologies mean we can combine phones, iPads, printedbooks, interactive displays andlocation sensing equipment toprovide rich, effective and timelyaccess to knowledge. We are creatingnew software and hardware that will radically transform how peoplediscover new information.”

NEXT STEPS


Phone enquiries:+44 (0) 20 7040 8406




professional aCCreditation This degree is recognised by theBritish Computer Society, exemptingyou from their professionalexaminations and offering a pathway to Chartered status.

Career prospeCtsCareers include designing, buildingand managing information systems,whether it is a technical role, leading teams on large softwareprojects or a managerial role withresponsibility for computerised,information services.

Are you creative? Do you like problemsolving and working with computers?Building information systems for today’s information age requires these qualities and more.

CoURSE oVERVIEWYou will gain:• Expertise in high demand areas of the

computing industry, such as electroniccommerce and information security

• The skills to design and manage innovative information systems

• The technical knowledge to use and applycomputer technologies in industry.

While at City, you will:• Develop commercially valuable

skills in our computing laboratories• Have the opportunity to work with our

internationally renowned research centres for your final year project

• Learn to construct software and design information systems to create information-rich, working environments

• Work with colleagues on collaborative software projects.

CoURSE dETAIlSSpecialist modules covered include:• Information management• Internet and information search• Methods for securing information

systems from unauthorised access• Systems for supporting business

decision making.

This degree is suitable for you if you:• Have the determination to see technical

projects through to the end• Want a head start in your career as

an information systems professional• Want a creative role in developing

future innovative IT applications.

22



Typical offers requireone of the following:A-level: 360 UCAS tariff points.Point scores exclude generalstudies and key skills. A/AS-levels in a mothertongue other than Englishcount at half value.

BTEC: DDD

IB: 29

Science, technology andmathematics subjects arepreferred and at least onesuch subject should beoffered. Overseas, other UKqualifications and relevantwork experience will beconsidered on the basis of equivalence to our A-level intake.




language grade C.

uCas CodeG501

durationFull-time: Three or four years with either a one year placement or ourProfessional Pathway scheme (which combinesyour degree with 3 years of IT work experience).

23


plaCements andprofessional pathway We offer two routes by which you may gain paid workexperience as part of your degree:a one-year placement or ourinnovative Professional Pathwayscheme, which enables you tocombine placement employmentwith your studies. Both optionsare available with all ourcomputing degree courses.




Antony D’Andrea, School of Informatics student

“City has provided me with the skillsthat I need to succeed in the industry,with excellent teaching staff and aperfect balance between practicaland theoretical knowledge.

The unique Professional Pathwayscheme along with the brilliantProfessional Liaison Unit has meant I am already going into my first job after my first year!”


Software development is a central activity in the IT industry and this courseprovides specialist focus on the programming and development of large and complex software, with an emphasis given to dependable systems.


Prof. Andrea Zisman, School of Informatics

“Existing large and complex software systems require the use of methods, techniques and tools to support their development. Ourup-to-the-minute curriculum willteach you about these methods andtechniques, introduce you to newadvances in the field and equip you with tools to help you buildsoftware systems.”

NEXT STEPS


Phone enquiries:+44 (0) 20 7040 8406





Career prospeCtsCareers include implementingdependable computer systems as part of a software developmentteam. Your transferable skills and experience in softwaredevelopment will be highly prized in the IT industry.

CoURSE oVERVIEWYou will gain:• Essential skills in programming

and software development• Expertise in the latest methods and

frameworks for specifying andimplementing large scale systems

• Paid experience of software development in the IT industry.

While at City, you will:• Acquire expertise in a variety of

computing technologies includingspecialist methods and tools forimplementing mission-critical software

• Acquire the skills needed to communicateyour knowledge to non-technicalpersonnel and clients

• Gain paid experience of real industrialsoftware development projects.

CoURSE dETAIlSSpecialist modules covered include:• Formal methods to prove whether or not a

programme will work using mathematics• Requirements engineering to ensure

that developers capture what the end-user really wants

• Rigorously measuring and managing the quality of software.

This degree is suitable for you if you:• Want to aspire to a successful

career in software development• Want to be involved in the development

and management of large, complex,mission critical software

• Want to be taught by researchers and practitioners with an internationalresearch reputation.

24 25




BTEC: DDD

IB: 29

In addition: Science, technology andmathematics subjects arepreferred and at least onesuch subject should beoffered. Overseas, otherUK qualifications andrelevant work experiencewill be considered on thebasis of equivalence to our A-level intake.




language grade C.

uCas CodeG600

durationFull-time: Four years including a one yearplacement or ourProfessional Pathway scheme (which combines your degree with 3 years of IT work experience).


26 27

SCHool oF InFoRMATICS: next stepsSCHool oF InFoRMATICS: student life

Central loCationWe are located in the heartof London, close to thecapital’s leading financial,legal, media and medicalinstitutions. You can takeadvantage of London’sfamous cultural, sportingand social opportunities.

student CentreOur Student Centre offerspractical help with yourfinances, learning, healthand housing. They canalso help with advice onyour course, career andUniversity facilities.

Visit www.city.ac.uk/studentcentre for more information

sports aCtivitiesWe support a range of sporting activitiesincluding badminton,basketball, cricket,fencing, football, hockey, netball, rugby,squash and table tennis.

aCCommodation Whether you want to live in halls of residence or private rentedaccommodation, ourStudent Centre’s housingadvisers can help.

For further details please visitwww.city.ac.uk/accommodation

library serviCesThe main Universitylibrary occupies five floors in the NorthamptonSquare building. Ourlibrary stock is more than280,000 volumes and you can borrow up to 15 books for as long as 3 weeks.

Please seewww.city.ac.uk/library

state-of-the-artfaCilitiesWe recently undertook a multi-million poundproject to refit all ourlecture theatres with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and provide over 1000Windows PCs, 200 AppleMacs and 57 Linuxworkstations.

Careers serviCesOur professional networkshelp to build your skillsand gain industry insights.You can discuss yourcareer plans in one-to-oneappointments and exploreour extensive careersresources includingcomputer-aided guidancepackages and aptitudetesting systems. In theautumn and spring terms,major employers visit theUniversity to give presentations and run skills sessions.

Find out more atwww.city.ac.uk/careers

ALUMNIWhen you embark on yourcourse with us, you begin a lifelong association withboth the University and its wider community offormer students.

Find more information atwww.city.ac.uk/alumni

a great studentexperienCeWe seek to provide highquality equipment andfacilities to enhance your learning experience. The Students’ Unionorganises a wide range of social events to keep you entertained and wehave over 50 clubs andsocieties which cater for a broad range of interests.If that isn’t enough theLondon nightlife isfamous, there are manyvenues to visit, some ofwhich are discounted or free for students.

Student life at City

You can apply through your school or college using the UCAS Apply system at www.ucas.com/students/apply

when to applyApplications for entry in September 2012should arrive between 1 September 2011 and 15 January 2012.

When your application has been acknowledged by UCAS you will receive a personal identificationnumber so that you can access your records via ‘Track’ at www.ucas.com/students/track on the UCAS website.

enquiriesIf you have any questionsabout the admissionsprocess please contactthe Admissions Office:

UndergraduateT: +44 (0) 20 7040 8406 E: [email protected]

further information• You can apply for up

to five universities

• Take care when entering yourcourse code

• UCAS has an ‘invisibilitychoices’ policy, meaning eachuniversity can only see theirentry and not those of otheruniversities you have chosen

• Submit your completedapplication to UCAS with a £21 application fee

• If you only wish to apply for City you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £11

• The University code for CityUniversity London is C60

uCas ContaCt detailsUniversities and CollegesAdmissions Service (UCAS)www.ucas.com

Callers in the UK 0871 468 0468

Callers outside the UK +44 (0) 871 468 0468

internationalstudentsWe have put together somepractical information tohelp you when planningyour arrival to the UK and City University London please visit www.city.ac.uk/international/international-students

sCholarships,bursaries and awardsCity University London has a range of scholarshipsand prizes available forundergraduate students.Some of these aregenerously funded bycharitable foundations,former students and other bodies. They can be applied for eachacademic year.

Visit www.city.ac.uk/informatics/scholarshipsfor more information.

finanCial supportThere are a range ofoptions available to you tohelp you cover your livingcosts while you study atCity University London.For information onGovernment support aswell as other potentialsources of funding pleasevisit www.city.ac.uk/study

How to apply to City

Applications fordegree coursesmust be madethrough UCAS.

The 2012 City University LondonScholarships arrangements aresubject to final approval in theUniversity and we reserve the right to make changes.

Please visitwww.city.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/scholarships for the latest information.

note:

To acknowledge your achievement we haveestablished the City University London Scholarship forAcademic Excellence for UK and EU students startingan undergraduate programme of study at City in 2012.The award will be granted subject to confirmation ofyour A-level results (or equivalent qualifications).

28

Map and contacts

29

SCHool oF InFoRMATICS: ContaCts

ContaCting usYou can contact ourUndergraduate Admissionsteam as follows:

undergraduateadmissions teamProgrammes OfficeSchool of InformaticsCity University LondonNorthampton SquareLondon EC1V 0HBUnited Kingdom

T: +44 (0) 20 7040 8406 F: +44 (0) 20 7040 8587E: [email protected]

If you are enquiring about the progress of anapplication you have madethrough UCAS, pleaseremember to provide yourUCAS application number.

additional information Additional information can be found on ourundergraduate courses webpage at www.city.ac.uk/informatics/undergraduate including answers to the most frequently asked questions www.city.ac.uk/informatics/undergraduate/faqs

CITYUNIVERSITYLONDON

disClaimerThe information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press (September 2011). The University reserves the right, arising fromunforeseen events or circumstances beyond our control, to add to or remove courses, and to make changes in regulations, syllabuses, courseoptions, timetables, modules and fees etc, without prior notice. Complaints concerning the accuracy of information provided by the University inthis brochure and in related publications should be made to the Academic Registrar. Any persons who feel their complaints have not been dealtwith satisfactorily may write to the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

General information about the University including fees, general entry requirements, accommodation and social and welfare services, is given inthe undergraduate prospectus, which can be viewed or ordered online on the University’s website www.city.ac.uk/study.

design: pslondonwww.pslondon.co.uk

Scholarships:Rewarding Excellence

• The Scholarship extends over three or four years subjectto satisfactory academicperformance with theexception of placement years.

• You do not need to apply –once your qualifications areconfirmed in August 2012 an award will be made. All applicants achieving the required level willautomatically be awarded the Scholarship.

• General Studies A-level is excluded.

As a Computing and Information Technology student you will be eligible for:• £3,000 a year if you

achieve A*AA standard inyour three best A-levels or equivalent qualifications

• £2000 if you achieve AAA standard

• £1000 if you achieve AAB standard.

Documents

Computing Undergraduate Brochure