Computer Science with Data Science BSc (Hons)

30 credits

In this module, you will develop a strong foundation of how computers work in terms of hardware and software, and the formal logic behind it. You will have the opportunity to meet several different experts in the topics that form the basis of modern-day computer science.

To equip you to excel in your course, the subject experts will guide you in an exploration of digital logic, data processing, representation and storage, essentials of computer software and hardware including architectural concepts and relevant data structures and algorithms.

You will develop this knowledge further through the introduction of databases, web development, and the underlying technologies of modern-day communication, including Ethernet, WiFi and the Internet.

30 credits

The goal of the Professional Environments module is to prepare you for professional practice by first ensuring that you understand the legal, ethical and societal implications of the technologies you build and work with. Being a professional also means that you understand the key legal, ethical, and societal issues relevant to your domain, can communicate professionally and effectively in a range of situations, and understand how to develop and enhance your career over time. This module will introduce you to Future Skills through engagement with Navigate.

30 credits

We designed this module to establish a foundation for key Programming Concepts. We do not assume prior experience of programming, as we know you will all have widely different levels of existing knowledge. The module is designed to be accessible to a beginner while still being exciting for an experienced coder.

We are excited to be able to deliver this module using Kingston's own home-grown learning environment for programming, NoobLab. NoobLab gamifies your learning, making programming enjoyable and accessible for all existing ability levels – no other university offers this platform or unique approach to learning:

You will learn a variety of programming languages. In the first few weeks, we will use visual blocks that will allow you to construct programs and focus on thinking like a programmer rather than getting bogged down in grammar and syntax. Then, with these skills established, you will learn Python, Javascript and optionally Java, solving Code Kata style programming challenges on a weekly basis. This will equip you to build a graphical card game as your capstone project for the module.

30 credits

This module introduces you to the mathematical concepts and methods fundamental to computer science and AI, including algebra, calculus, probability and statistics. You will develop the mathematical skills, techniques and understanding needed to support further study across the programme. You will also gain experience using computer software packages to solve and evaluate mathematical and numerical problems.

30 credits

This module introduces you to the principles and practice of interactive design and immersive media production. You will explore the intersection of design thinking, user experience (UX), web technologies, and extended reality (XR) to develop interactive and immersive digital experiences. Through a combination of lectures, workshops and practical sessions, you will build skills in prototyping, development, and critical reflection relevant to contemporary digital media industries.

You will investigate concepts including user experience (UX), immersive storytelling, spatial interaction, responsive media design, and accessibility. You will apply these through hands-on projects using industry-relevant tools and platforms, developing a portfolio of work that demonstrates your creative and technical abilities.

30 credits

This module seeks to establish the skills required to effectively use databases for storage and retrieval of information. You will learn how to design, build and query databases according using logical data models and structured query language (SQL).

30 credits

This module seeks to extend your understanding and proficiency in the fundamental concepts of programming, enabling you to make the transition from a programmer to a software developer capable of building applications with multiple use-cases and deployment options.

You will also learn about key tools and techniques used by software development teams, such as integrated development environments, version control, testing frameworks and software quality factors. The module uses Java as its primary language and includes building applications with graphical user interfaces.

30 credits

This module is designed to encourage you to look outwards to industry and employability, and make you more confident when facing the job market upon graduation. You will develop excellent group working skills, broaden your understanding of industry and its requirements, and enhance your project management skills.

It is always exciting to watch the groups collaborating as they produce their entrepreneurial projects for Kingston University's 'Bright Ideas' scheme; students involved in this have won awards, producing fascinating artefacts for their remaining term and exploring new and different areas within their course field.

The module is an opportunity to work with many different students, working in subject areas that are innovative and unusual. Very often, a student may discover something they did not know that they could achieve. This triggers new learning and an added confidence that was not previously there. Those are the times that the learning is strongest, and our pride in the student, the greatest.

60 credits

This module is an essential course programme component for students on the sandwich route of an honours degree with professional placement. It is a key element in providing an extended period in industry gaining real world employability skills. Students are supported both before and through their placement by the Placement Team. Students that successfully complete their placement year will graduate with a four-year sandwich degree.

30 credits

The goal of the module is to further develop skills in organisation, timekeeping, research literature, developing and critically analysing results as well as reporting work verbally and in a written format. The end result will be an artefact or artefacts which demonstrate creativity and technical competence as well as a technical report.

15 credits

This module builds upon foundational database knowledge by exploring advanced topics such as database design, data warehousing and the development of data pipelines. The module will also introduce ETL (Extract, Transform and Load) processes for moving data and transforming data to support analysis. In addition, students will learn to create data visualisations to communicate insights.

30 credits

Data science analytics are widely applied in areas including medical, environmental and business analytics. This module builds on topics covered in earlier parts of the programme, including mathematical and statistical modelling, probability estimation and visualisation. You will be introduced to the key statistical tests for frequentist data science, where specific theories are explored and tested via descriptive and inferential statistics.

The module also introduces further practical data analytical techniques, including time series and forecasting techniques, as well as Bayesian methodology and its applications to estimation and decision-making problems, including loss and risk functions. You will apply your existing programming knowledge to acquire proficiency in using these techniques, develop and obtain real-world solutions from data.  Emphasis is placed on the practicability of methods and the illustration of their real-world applications.

This module will provide you with a data science skillset to include critical thinking, communication, teamwork and leadership skills that feed into data-driven decision-making. Delivery and Learning focuses on practical applications, allowing you to develop and consolidate modelling software skills and hone commercially and contextually relevant knowledge and competences.

15 credits

This module provides you with a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes that will set you apart from other graduates and enhance your employability and confidence. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile and determine which attributes you need to develop to support your career ambitions. 

Taught sessions will give you the opportunity to have coaching conversations with students from across the University, supported and facilitated by the Module team. Outside of these taught sessions, you will engage in activities from a menu of opportunities to develop your Graduate Attributes. 

The menu of opportunities allows you to self-select activities such as hackathons, masterclasses and taster sessions, short online learning courses, and study abroad. In your taught classes with students from across the University, you will be encouraged to reflect on the activities you undertake to develop your graduate attributes and work towards the final assignment, a portfolio.

30 credits

This module supports the creation of digital enterprises through the lifecycle of innovation and entrepreneurship, financing and development, business planning, customer development, marketing and retention.

There are three key parts:

1. Starting up: innovation and entrepreneurship, funding and funders, customers and prototyping
2. Digital strategy, management, finance and planning
3. Digital marketing, customer service and retention

Digital innovation is a major driving force in creating economic growth. This module illustrates how to work in an entrepreneurial fashion. At the heart of entrepreneurship is innovation, which can come in many forms. Sometimes this can be an incremental but generally gives significant improvement to the customer or alternatively as a new breakthrough or transformational innovation. Ideas are then considered from potential customers’ and funders’ perspectives to enable realistic aspirations to be made.

From this foundation, the module explains how to develop a digital business strategy, not only to satisfy the critical needs that organisations have, but also to explore the application and use of improved value chains using the concepts of corporate venturing (spin-out/intrapreneurship) and entrepreneurship (new venture creation).