Computer Systems Engineering (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Top-up your existing qualification to a full honours degree. Develop practical skills by undertaking a major hands-on project that involves developing a working solution to a particular problem. Take full advantage of professional-level developer software and advanced hardware that we provide through accreditations with Cisco and other major companies.

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Overview

This one-year top-up course develops a blend of academic rigour and practical skills as it brings you up to the level of an honours degree.

Take full advantage of professional-level developer software and advanced hardware that we provide through accreditations with Microsoft, Cisco and other major companies.

Further modules include Advanced Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Product Development. A module on Project Management will equip you for working within project teams in large IT departments or specialist IT companies.

Why us?

Ideal for people who want to top-up their existing qualification to a full honours degree

Sunderland boasts the second-fastest growth in digital turnover outside of London, and is the ideal city to study computing and set up a business

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions. We also use the University’s virtual learning environment for group activities, discussions, assignments and links to resources. We encourage you to develop independent study skills as well as to work with other students on the course.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also on-going assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include coursework and exams.

Course modules

Final year (national level 6)

Research (20 credits)

Introduces a variety of research approaches and examines how to specify and contextualise a research problem, collect data, analyse and present data, and evaluate the methodology adopted.

Product Development (20 credits)

The module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop your abilities in solution development.

Advanced Cyber Security (20 credits)

In this module you will learn how to analyse the range of tradeoffs in balancing the security properties of confidentiality, integrity and availability. You will also learn how to select the appropriate tools and techniques to address and manage concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities and potential attacks.

Android Mobile Development (20 credits)

Analyse, design, develop, test and deploy native mobile applications using Java and Android Studio. You will be introduced to native programming, application build and deployment, the Android ecosystem, security and software engineering in a student led and practical manner.

Advanced Data Technologies (20 credits)

Explore solutions related to complex database systems such as: enhanced data models, query optimisation, clustering, scalability, security, forensic investigation, data warehousing, data analysis tools and more.

Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

Develop your knowledge of current AI principles and your skills in this fast-moving area, which is a particular focus of Sunderland’s research.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

This course is based at the David Goldman Technology Centre, a high-tech computing environment with strong links to software companies and a constant exchange of ideas and people.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

The typical entry requirement is successful completion of one of the following:

HND or Foundation Degree in a subject related to computer science
240 credits or equivalent of a recognised UK undergraduate award in a relevant subject

There is a range of qualifications that would satisfy the entry requirements and we will consider each application individually.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

2024/25 annual fees are:

£9,250 if you are from the UK
£16,000 if you are an international student
£10,250 if you are an EU student (this fee includes a scholarship of £5,750)

2025/26 annual fees are:

£9,535 if you are from the UK*/Europe
£16,500 if you are an international student

*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Read more about EU fees and funding in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

This course has a strong emphasis on real-world learning that boosts employability and equips you to make a bigger contribution in the workplace.

Career options

Our graduates have gone on to become web programmers, IT managers, information analysts and software developers. Employers that have taken on our graduates include Sage, British Airways and the NHS. Other graduates have started their own businesses or become software contractors earning over £50,000 a year.

The Enterprise Place

If you have a good idea for a new business and have the dedication and motivation to make it happen, then we want to hear from you. The Enterprise Place, based on-campus at St Peter's Gate Business Centre, is the perfect environment for entrepreneurial students and graduates to turn their business ideas into reality. You will have access to free hot desk space, IT facilities, specialist advice and support and business mentors and networking opportunities.

Meet the students

Through the excellent support and tuition from staff I achieved a 1st class honours degree

Dominic Button

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Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 19 November 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.