Mission
The Department produces graduates who have a sound understanding of the fundamentals of computing and a flexible, well-developed approach to problem solving. The primary teaching objective is the provision of a balanced choice of high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, concerned with the theory and practice of computing, that meet the needs of the computing and information technology industries for graduates that combine both a strong academic background and highly developed practical, managerial and communication skills. To maintain teaching quality and effectiveness, the philosophy and structure of our programmes are regularly reviewed. The professional body for IT in the UK, the British Computer Society (BCS), accredits the degree programmes.
Research Projects and Partnerships
The Department is engaged in major international research programmes in the field of computer science and holds research grants and contracts funded by the UK Research Councils and the European Union. These programmes are undertaken by the research groups in the Department and are balanced between pure research and collaborative ventures with industrial and commercial partners, serving to strengthen and inform the teaching process, as well as identify future developments in computing. The level and quality of research undertaken in the Department provides an excellent base for students pursuing research degrees (Ph.D., Eng.D. and M.Phil.). There is also a formal teaching programme for research students to support them at the start of their postgraduate training.
Professional Placement Leading to Diploma in Professional Studies
A feature of the Department's undergraduate programmes is the professional placement (sandwich) option. Many students choose to spend a year on professional placement and find it a valuable experience that enhances their studies and employment opportunities. Recent figures demonstrate that 80% of Computer Science graduates who took a sandwich placement obtained a degree result of 2:1 or better, compared to 40% who did not follow a sandwich placement. Satisfactory completion of the one-year placement leads to the additional award of Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS). The Department has extensive links with industry through it research activities of its staff and through its professional placement tutor.
Teaching quality
Teaching quality is an issue of major importance likely to impact on future student recruitment and funding. The Department has therefore established an Industrial Advisory Committee to elicit feedback from employers regarding the content of its degree programmes and to explore ways in which it might be further developed. Membership of the Industrial Advisory Committee comprises major national and international companies (e.g. IBM, KPMG, Ford, ICL, British Aerospace, NSB Retail, Astra Charnwood, BT, Nortel Networks, Rolls Royce, BG Technology and Accenture) that both recruit graduates from the Department and provide professional placements for its undergraduates. Many of these companies are also involved in research partnerships with the Department through international research projects.
