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BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Education and Qualified Teacher Status

Computer Science and Digital Technologies
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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
This is a highly practical course which combines a thorough understanding of computer science with a carefully supervised programme of education theory and practice - involving regular stints in schools.
For two thirds of your time you will study alongside specialising computer science students as you learn the main areas of the subject. These include software engineering and programming languages, as well as computer systems, computer architecture and data structures.
In addition to the technical knowledge you'll need to pursue a career in this field, you'll learn about the impact of technology on individuals, organisations and society.
But from your first year you will also have regular experience of working, and eventually teaching, in schools, so you will emerge ready to take up a teaching career straight away. Your progression will be carefully supported and monitored by tutors who are acutely aware of how to pace your experience.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Your computer science modules will encourage you to apply your skills to a range of practical problems. In your first year, you'll gain a solid grounding in computer science fundamentals, including Software Development, Networks and Web Technologies.
In your second year, you'll learn about operating systems, databases, data science and data structures. For your final year, you'll have the chance to specialise in areas such as mobile application development and distributed systems, as well as completing an industrially relevant project.
Meanwhile, your education modules will involve you studying Computer Science Teaching and Learning in year one, as well as spending spend six weeks working in a school.
Year two will see you researching Computer Science Learning, with another six-week school placement.
In your final year, you will conduct an Active Inquiry into an educational topic of your choice, and spend 12 weeks in a school, by which time you will be teaching pupils.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
MODULES
- Core Modules
Software Development CloseSoftware Development
Explains the activities involved in the design, implementation and testing of software from first principals
- Focuses on the procedural programming methodology and introduces the object-oriented programming methodology
- Furnishes students with the necessary skills to produce programs using a high-level programming language
Computer Systems & Networks CloseComputer Systems & Networks
The module aims to provide a basic understanding of computer architecture and the relationship between hardware and software components of a computer system. It also aims to equip students with an understanding of the fundamentals of computer networking.
Web Technologies CloseWeb Technologies
- To examine the requirements for web applications and to select appropriate tools and techniques with which to design and build them.
- To use those selected tools and techniques to design, implement and test web pages. To provide professional documentation for the web pages produced.
- To use appropriate tools and techniques for the development of web pages.
- To develop and demonstrate a web project.
- To discuss the legal aspects in web development
Maths for Computing CloseMaths for Computing
This module will help you build fundamental knowledge in mathematical concepts and skills that are required for the study and application of computer science.
Computer Science Teaching and Learning CloseComputer Science Teaching and Learning
- Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils (TS2)
- Understanding how pupils learn in computer science and how this impacts on teaching.
- Good curriculum and subject knowledge (TS3)
- Understanding key conceptual frameworks in computer science.
- Understanding progression and links between concepts in computer science.
- Understanding common misconceptions and challenges in learning computer science.
- Plan and teach well-structured lessons (TS4)
- Planning for individual pupil support.
- Planning for small group work.
- Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils (TS5)
- Physical, social and intellectual development of children and young people and the implications of this for learning computer science.
- Eliciting pupils’ ideas and understanding in computer science.
- Language in computer science education.
- Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment (TS7)
- Establish good learning relationships with pupils in a small group context
- Setting high expectations for learning behaviour with individual pupils and small groups.
School Based Training 1: Reflections on Practice CloseSchool Based Training 1: Reflections on Practice
This is the Qualifying School-Based Training placement for secondary teachers. It is designed to develop students’ confidence and competence to lead learning and to meet the Teachers’ Standards leading to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. Students will also be prepared for their induction year as Newly Qualified Teachers. Students are expected to engage professionally in all aspects of school life. They research all areas of the curriculum in order to identify areas for improvement in their own subject knowledge and subsequently draw on the expertise of subject specialists in the school context. Students will be expected to plan, teach and assess whole classes for a sustained period.
Students' practice is jointly assessed by the school mentor and UEL tutors in line with the Teachers' Standards. A further item of assessment is a critical reflection on their professional development. In meeting the learning and assessment requirements for this module, students will also be addressing the following research skills: project planning, knowledge management, interpretation skills, problem-solving in different contexts, creative thinking, critically reflective writing and managing discussion
- Core Modules
Database Systems CloseDatabase Systems
To equip students with the technical skills to design, implement and deploy a database management system.
Web and Mobile App Development CloseWeb and Mobile App Development
The aim of this module is to give students hands on experience of a variety of advanced software development methodologies and techniques for developing industry standard software applications.
Advanced Programming CloseAdvanced Programming
To build upon foundational programming skills by looking at advanced object-oriented programming methods and concepts.
Data Communications and Networks CloseData Communications and Networks
This module introduces fundamental principles of data communication and provides a detailed understanding of internet working using the TCP/IP suite of protocols. Students will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience of data communications technologies and the use of the TCP/IP suite of protocols for the implementation of contemporary computer networks and related applications.
School Based Training 2: Reflections on Practice CloseSchool Based Training 2: Reflections on Practice
This is the Qualifying School-Based Training placement for secondary teachers. It is designed to develop students’ confidence and competence to lead learning and to meet the Teachers’ Standards leading to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. Students will also be prepared for their induction year as Newly Qualified Teachers. Students are expected to engage professionally in all aspects of school life. They research all areas of the curriculum in order to identify areas for improvement in their own subject knowledge and subsequently draw on the expertise of subject specialists in the school context. Students will be expected to plan, teach and assess whole classes for a sustained period.
Students' practice is jointly assessed by the school mentor and UEL tutors in line with the Teachers' Standards. A further item of assessment is a critical reflection on their professional development. In meeting the learning and assessment requirements for this module, students will also be addressing the following research skills: project planning, knowledge management, interpretation skills, problem-solving in different contexts, creative thinking, critically reflective writing and managing discussion.
Researching Computer Science Learning CloseResearching Computer Science Learning
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to research their own practice and to use data to inform learning and teaching in computer science.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth; Professional Life 3 (Project) CloseMental Wealth; Professional Life 3 (Project)
Artificial Intelligence CloseArtificial Intelligence
Advanced Topics in Computer Science CloseAdvanced Topics in Computer Science
To look at the latest industry sector developments in the field of Computer Science.
Active Inquiry CloseActive Inquiry
This module develops a student’s knowledge and understanding of critical thinking, reflective practice and educational research. Students will develop an awareness of action research (its processes, practices and relevance for reflective educational practice and change) and knowledge of pedagogy, through primary research and the critical evaluation of theory and literature. As trainee teachers students will carry-out classroom interventions informed by reading and research activity and to reflect critically on the process and identify appropriate classroom strategies to develop learning and teaching which are informed through educational research and scholarship.
School-based Learning 3: Reflections on Practice CloseSchool-based Learning 3: Reflections on Practice
This is the Qualifying School-Based Training placement for secondary teachers. It is designed to develop students’ confidence and competence to lead learning and to meet the Teachers’ Standards leading to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. Students will also be prepared for their induction year as Newly Qualified Teachers. Students are expected to engage professionally in all aspects of school life. They research all areas of the curriculum in order to identify areas for improvement in their own subject knowledge and subsequently draw on the expertise of subject specialists in the school context. Students will be expected to plan, teach and assess whole classes for a sustained period. Students' practice is jointly assessed by the school mentor and UEL tutors in line with the Teachers' Standards. A further item of assessment is a critical reflection on their professional development. In meeting the learning and assessment requirements for this module, students will also be addressing the following research skills: project planning, knowledge management, interpretation skills, problem-solving in different contexts, creative thinking, critically reflective writing and managing discussion.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
Your computer science modules will be delivered by the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, while your education modules and placements will be run by the School of Education and Communities.
Our Docklands campus has excellent computing resources, including specialised labs to study networking and operating system environments. You'll be given software tools for programming, database development, computer-aided software engineering, internet access and web-based development.
Our teaching staff will give you a great deal of personal attention and feedback as you get to grips with the course content.
You will be introduced gradually to the idea of teaching pupils computer science through three school based placements, the last of them for a whole term. Your first visit may involve observing and getting yourself familiar with the workings of the school. By your third-year visit, however, you will be in charge of classes.
You will benefit from doing group projects with fellow students. And you'll also gain insights from our industrial partners through guest lectures and visits to ensure you stay on top of what this fluid industry demands. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work.
You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
We'll assess you through a combination of coursework and exams. Coursework will include presentations, software demonstrations, research-based assignments and practical exercises involving system or program specification, coding and testing. You'll always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
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What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
The practical experience you gain on this course, and your carefully tailored programme of learning, will ensure you are ideally placed to find employment as a teacher of computer science.
Computer science, which has become the focus of the national school curriculum instead of Information and Communications Technology, involves a deeper level of understanding. Using the analogy of a car - ICT means you can drive, but computer science means you also understand what is going on under the bonnet.
However, if you don't want to go on to become a teacher, the depth of knowledge you will gain of the subject will allow you to pursue employment options across a wide range of other areas.
As a graduate from UEL, you will have a solid understanding of the main computer science disciplines. And our status as a Cisco Networking Academy, Microsoft IT Academy and CompTIA academy means that your degree will be widely respected.
Industries as diverse as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services all rely on computers and software to function effectively.
A computer science degree is the perfect springboard for a career in almost any sector, in addition to tech and digital industries. The kind of role you could go into includes:
- Software design
- Tech support
- Software engineering
- Network, system or database administration
- Systems architecture
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.