Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science with Foundation Year

at Wrexham Glyndwr University - Wrexham Campus United Kingdom

Join a UK leading course designed to develop strong technical game design, business and production skills so you can be a future industry leader.

The team work closely with organisations such as UK Games Fund, Games Wales, BAFTA Cymru and the British Computing Society to ensure that our students always have access to cutting-edge industry related training and knowledge.

We are home to the innovative Games Talent Wales programme and a UK regional Tranzfuser hub that is sponsored and supported by the UK Games Fund and UK Games Talent. Our business incubation centre is home to several award-winning student owned game studios.

Students on this course will

• Develop essential game design and business start-up and management skills
• Learn about the workings of the games industry and the tools and platforms that are critical to success
• Gain valuable experience and insight into the game development process and the management of an independent game studio
• Enjoys the benefits of close industry engagement with regular visits, guest speakers, presentations, discussion groups and social events
• Work with a personal mentor with games development experience to help develop your skills and knowledge
• Have access to our in-house business incubation centre and the latest tools and technology in a specialist game development studio
• Develop a professional game development portfolio and critical employability skills

Key Course Features

• Regular contact with games and media industry professionals through guest lectures, seminars and local & national events
• You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team with professional industry backgrounds and experience
• Engage with an active indie game development community and national talent development programme
• Learn how to manage a professional game development team using industry standard methodologies and practice
• The course is an official BAFTA Cymru Games Awards partner and sponsor
• Access to our in-house games business incubation centre
• Work with the latest tools and technology in two specialist game development studios dedicated to designing, production, motion capture and VR
• The optional Industrial Placement Year gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand and gain valuable employment experience for the future.

This course is available to study with an Industrial Placement year BSc (Hons) Computer Game Design and Enterprise (with Industrial Placement)

This course is also available to study with a foundation year BSc (Hons) Computer Game Design and Enterprise (four years including foundation year) 

The foundation year programme is designed to gradually build the required mathematical skills and science and engineering knowledge for you to progress into your level-4 study. It is designed specifically for the candidates who do not have enough/required UCAS tariff points for their direct level-4 entry or strong enough science and engineering background or would like to build a more solid foundation for your degree studies.

Number one in the UK for course satisfaction (Guardian University League Table 2019), this course will ensure you have the key skills and thorough knowledge necessary for a successful career in aircraft and modern engineering.

The course is designed to fulfil industries’ requirements and benefits from strong industrial links.

• Design-focused course: develop a full understanding of engineering design concepts and the engineering design process.  
• Gain transferable knowledge and business skills to equip you for a broader job market.
• You’ll be trained to use a variety of computer-aided design tools, including industry-highly-required Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools.

You can also choose to study this course as a standard three year programme without the foundation year BEng (Hons) Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering. 

Key course features

• Includes foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• Strong links with companies such as Airbus and Raytheon.
• State-of-the-art Merlin Flight Simulator, design and test your own aircraft using engineering theory.
• Access to cutting-edge computer-aided design, analysis and simulation software, including ANSYS, Abaqus, MATLAB and Simulink.
• Subsonic and supersonic wind tunnel facilities.
• Access to flight simulation packages such as FLITE, RANT navaids trainer and Boeing 747.
• Work on jet engine aircraft in our aircraft hangar.
• Eligible to be a student member with the IMechE, RAeS, and/or IET.
• Rapid prototyping facility.
• Advanced composite training and development centre based in Broughton.
• Wrexham Glyndwr University is one of two education providers in the UK that are official Catia Certification centres. This means that students are able to gain Catia Certification in addition to their degree studies. (Students are required to pay a Certification fee of £50)

Computing specialists are in high demand as technology now plays a role in almost everything we do. Our computing degree combines the core principles of the field with a forward-looking approach to embracing and driving new developments.

The subject area is 1st in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

Students will

• be prepared for a career in an exciting industry with highly sought-after skills in computer programming, database development, networking, website development and information systems design
• develop practical skills useful in any field of business, such as problem-solving, teamwork, project management and how to use information technology effectively and understanding specialised software
• gain practical experience through work placements and working on real-life projects

Key Career Features

• These courses respond to identified skills gaps. They will provide you with the critical understanding, knowledge and skills needed for successful employment.
• Personal Development Planning is integrated throughout the course to develop the skills framework necessary for effective personal, academic and career management.
• The university is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of Computing and Computer Science.
• Newly refurbished IT labs.
• Host of biennial internet research conference attracting delegates from across the world.
• Optional Industrial Placement Year gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand and gain valuable employment experience for the future.
• *subject area is 1st in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

Leading to a professional qualification in Social Work, Wrexham Glyndwr’s BA(Hons) Social Work course has been developed in close co-operation with social work partner agencies in the statutory and voluntary sectors, and in conjunction with individuals who are experts through experience.

Key Course Features

• is part of a subject area ranked first in Wales for overall student satisfaction, National Student Survey 2020.
• *is in a subject area ranked joint first in Wales for graduate outcomes, Complete University Guide 2021.
• Student Social Work students must be registered with Social Care Wales, which is the regulatory body for all Social Workers in Wales.
• This programme leads to a BA (Hons) degree with Qualified Social Worker status
• Many of our students are returners to education, sometimes after a long break, and we are experienced in offering appropriate support and study skills advice.
• Our local authority partners – Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire – are contracted to find and support student practice learning opportunities
• At least one of your second or third-year practice learning opportunities will be in a statutory setting The programme enjoys the participation of the focus group Outside In. Outside In’s members include those who’ve used social care and health services and who have expertise through experience. They take part in teaching, assessment, programme management and recruitment of students. We run an innovative project in which Outside In members are enrolled alongside students to study one module per year with them
• The teaching team is research-active, specialising, amongst other areas, in government policy evaluation, alcohol and other drugs, the participation of individuals in social work education and research. 
• Students are offered the opportunity to have tutorials, assignment submission and other learning opportunities in Welsh 

Our programme tackles a fascinating array of questions from why people commit crime to how it affects society, historical landmarks in the justice system and high-profile cases which had a ground-breaking impact on the legal arena.

Students will

• Study criminology from a range of perspectives including social, political and psychological, focusing on modern methods of policing, development of policy and the workings of magistrates and crown courts
• Examine criminal law and the role and work of the agencies that make up a modern criminal justice system
• Take part in site visits
• Have a variety of voluntary work opportunities
• Learn from visiting lecturers such as judges, police, probation and youth justice staff
• *Study in a subject area rated first in the UK for student satisfaction and first in the UK for graduate prospects, Complete University Guide 2021, and first in Wales for student satisfaction, (WGU analysis of unpublished National Student Survey data 2020).
• Leave ready to enter a wide range of sectors including youth justice, probation, prison, the police and voluntary organisations
• Take part in our annual real-time training exercise

Key Course Features

• 3rd in the UK for criminology (Guardian University Guide 2020)
• You will have the opportunity to become involved with the active Criminology Society
• The lecturers in this area have wide and on-going experience of working in the criminal justice sector and are research active in the areas of youth justice, prisons, homelessness, terrorism, and substance misuse.
• Good links with all criminal justice agencies and employers such as police, probation trusts, prisons, magistrates courts and the youth justice service.
• Innovative and flexible teaching methods are used with part of the course being delivered online.
• Face to face lectures take place two days a week.
• Staff are experienced practitioners and academics who bring issues to life through case studies
• *1st in the UK for student satisfaction and 1st in the UK for graduate prospects in anthropology related courses (including criminology & criminal justice), Complete University Guide 2021
• *1st in Wales and third in the UK for teaching, assessment and feedback and academic support, National Student Survey 2019 (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data).

Photography and Film is an innovative multi-genre programme that combines practice, theory and professionalism, encouraging you to acquire unique approaches to these disciplines. It has been developed for students with a passion for independent photography, film and cinema – poetic, narrative, conceptual and documentary - with an emphasis on digital and analogue imagery.

Whether you prefer to work with the still or moving image, you can creatively and conceptually explore film and photography on our inspiring, challenging and rewarding degree. You’ll discover a range of skills such as how the lens can be used creatively as a tool for storytelling and non-linear poetics, specialist and experimental camera techniques, lighting for studio and location work, editing and post-production, to support you on your career path in the creative industries.

Led by professionals bridging fine art, documentary and commercial practice you will develop and research your own ideas in relation to project briefs, learning transferable skills needed to work as an imaginative professional. You will generate and produce ideas through location and studio work and be guided in making submissions for international galleries, expositions, festivals, drama, documentary, advertising, music media and other forms of digital imagery and visual effects. There is also the opportunity to study abroad through the Erasmus Scheme in order to secure work and sustain your career.

The programme provides excellent professional grounding for future careers in the arts and media, academia or working within a broad range of professional contexts within the creative industries.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year programme (without a foundation year) BA (Hons) Photography & Film

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to help prepare you for further years of study.
• Students have access to an on-site cutting-edge high definition TV studio with green screen, photographic studio as well as analogue facilities with a dedicated dark room. Small group sizes allow for individual support and experimentation with ideas in a creative environment.
• Post-production, 3D workshops, media training and computer editing facilities utilising the latest in HD technology and non-linear editing.
• Well-equipped computer labs with both Apple and PC based systems loaded with a wide selection of industry-related software.
• Teaching team are research-active practitioners enthusiastic about their subject areas. They exhibit their own work both nationally and internationally as well as writing about art and design practice in books and journals.
• Opportunities to study abroad or take part in projects with an international dimension.
• Be part of our vibrant community of artists and designers where students are encouraged to exhibit their work and to gain knowledge from high profile visiting artists and designers.
• 1st in Wales and 10th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the area of Cinematics & Photography. (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data).

Computer Science is an exciting, challenging, and dynamic field at the cutting edge of technology.  It is at the core of pioneering technologies of the 21st Century, shaping the future of both industry and society. 

This BCS accredited degree programme will equip graduates with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to analyse, design, develop, test and maintain systems for the future.  It also provides an opportunity to participate in the CISCO Academy Programmes in preparation for acquiring CISCO certified accreditation.

The Computing Department provides a friendly learning and teaching environment that operates an open door policy.

Wrexham Glyndwr University is 1st in Wales and 3rd in the UK for learning opportunities and 8th in the UK for academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

This course

• Will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to work as a professional engineer and/or consultant in the design, configuration and management of computer systems
• Has employability skills at its heart, developing team working, project management, communication and creative thinking.
• Allows you to work on practical design projects, laboratory activities and group project work
• Gives you the opportunity to work on a live work based project/placement
• Gives you the option of an Industrial Placement Year 

Key Course Features

• Includes foundation year to prepare you for further years of study
• First in Wales and top 20% in the UK for satisfaction with teaching (National Student Survey 2017).
• Research active department in future and emerging technologies.
• The department has been successful in achieving funding for developing a range of intelligent kitchen appliances for use by elderly or disabled people and continues to develop research projects.
• The University is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of Computing and Computer Science.
• Our courses provide an opportunity to participate in the CISCO Academy Programmes and qualify for CISCO accreditation.
• Students undertake an individual project in the third year of their course. Normally each year, there are a number of ‘live’ projects available that involve working with businesses.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year programme (without the foundation year) BSc (Hons) Computer Science.

This new idea-driven skill based course is about everything from concept art to 3D Modelling, 3D Sculpting character development and level creation.
You’ll be part of a degree with innovation, creativity and employability at its heart as you bring concept to reality; the perfect preparation for a career in an exciting, fast-paced industry worth billions each year.
You will:

• see you gain experience in the design skills and techniques used to bring projects from concept to screen through digital painting, 3D modelling, 3D sculpting, 3D animation and game engine
• develop a mix of design and technical skills like environment/character design and creation, 3D modelling, texturing, level design, level creation, live briefs, and games production
• gain a sound knowledge of game and concept art, with an emphasis on innovation, design and creativity rather than the programming and technical aspects of the gaming industry
• use the latest industry standard software
• have the opportunity to get hands-on work with industry professionals on real-world projects to help develop your skills and experience

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BA (Hons) Game Art (four years including foundation year) or with an Industrial Placement year BA (Hons) Game Art (with Industrial Placement)

Key Course Features

• Strong links with industry and professional bodies such as Skillset, NAHEMI and various associations. Our Creative Futures student conference plays host to a large range of visiting guest speakers from the creative industries.
• There are Industry-focused visits to gain first hand insight into how creative media companies function and the variety of employment opportunities that are available in the development of your career aspirations. There are also other study trips to festivals and Video Game expos.
• Opportunities to enter competitions.
• Our purpose-built Centre for the Creative Industries features specialist facilities, such as our TV studio with green screening, and software such as software such as Maya, Mudbox, Unreal Engine 4, Substance Painter/Designer and Creative Cloud for creating Game Art and playable levels.
• There is strong pastoral care within a friendly creative community with an emphasis on team building and collaborative work. Contact hours with tutors is high with enthusiastic and supportive sta? who are knowledgeable, research-active practitioners.
• *1st in Wales and 10th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the area of Cinematics & Photography. (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data).

Take your hands-on computer networking skills to the next level with our industry-focused course. As the demand for specialists in the computer networking industry continues to grow, this course will support you to develop the specialist technical and consultative skills required to progress to higher technical and managerial positions within businesses, or work towards doctoral study.

Concentrating on practical networking rather than abstract concepts or theories in data communications, the programme is centred around real-world network problem-solving, the planning, design and development of network services and infrastructures,plus the  use and application of current and emerging hardware and protocols.

For your dissertation, you will be expected to investigate cutting-edge technologies, implement and test novel networking solutions, or develop or analyse original network applications.

Key Course Features

• Opportunity to study Computer Networking in-depth
• Lecture/tutorial and practical sessions are enhanced with additional, resource-rich online materials allowing you to continue independent learning through a variety of approaches
• Taught by staff leading research into the areas of the internet and computer networks
• Research activities are associated with the University’s research centre
• Learning progresses from design and building small networks to the techniques required for large public networks
• Options to complete external Cisco Certification qualifications

Our Architectural Design Technology degree explores how design and technology work together, giving you practical working knowledge of both areas.

The course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and you will be eligible for Associate Membership (ACIAT) on graduation. You can progress to full Chartered status with appropriate experience, and being a Chartered Architectural Technologists will give you all the same powers as an Architect but in considerably less time.

This course is also available to study with a foundation year BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology (four years including foundation year)

Key Course Features

• Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, offering you student membership for free, and access to the young/new members group, AspirATion.
• *The course is part of a subject area rated joint first in Wales and joint third in the UK for graduate prospects, and second in Wales for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guided 2021. 
• You will work in a friendly and supportive learning environment with a helpful teaching team who are themselves members of the professional bodies for the architecture and construction industry that accredit our courses.
• You will undertake a mixture of group and individual work and, where these are related to designs, you will have a dedicated studio space for architectural design technology students.
• You will have opportunities to meet specialists from across the architecture and construction industry both at the university and through our extensive programme of site visits.
• You will be offered a placement experience at Level 5 of the course and will be able to take advantage of the employer network who use us to seek trainees and staff.
• You will have access to the latest Computer-Aided Design software and digital information resources; as well as guidance and support from the teaching team in how best to use these to add to or develop your existing skills.