graduate diploma in computing

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this programme of study is intended primarily for graduates from any non-computing background to obtain fundamental knowledge and understanding of a range of core subjects in computing. the overall aim of education is to either equip the graduates who want to develop their careers in their own areas of speciality with additional understanding, awareness and skills of it and computing, or help those who want to change their careers into it and computing. the programme can also serve as a pre-requisite for advanced master’s programmes in applied computing at buckingham. it is available over 4 terms starting in january or 3 terms starting in april.

graduates who successfully complete the programmes are eligible for entry into the msc in innovative computing degree programme.

the graduate diploma programme consists of 7 taught modules and an individual project. on completing the programmes, you will be able to understand:

• the role that computers and networked systems play in the modern world.
• the essential knowledge and skills in programming together with relevant structures and concepts to create such systems.
• fundamental concepts and principles of databases, networking, object-oriented programming and human-computer interaction.
• advanced applications including data mining, multimedia, interactive computer graphics, and security systems.
• ethical, professional, social and legal issues in exploiting computing technology in practice.

the programme will also help you to develop skills in:

• computing and web application
• programming and problem-solving for large-scale or mobile applications
• database and software development
• developing usable guis
• computer graphics
• computer network issues

full details in the curriculum handbook

applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class honours in a non-computing degree.

mature students

age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

international students

we are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

the university is a ukvi student sponsor.

english levels

if english is not your first language, please check our undergraduate english language requirements. if your english levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our pre-sessional english language foundation programmes.

selection process

wherever possible, you will be invited to the university to meet the admissions tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. if you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the admissions tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by skype, email or phone.

our admissions team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form.

terms and conditions for prospective students

when you are offered a place at the university you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the university and students on our courses of study. when you accept an offer of a place on the course at the university a legal contract is formed between you and the university on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

quality teaching

we offer high quality, traditional oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. the standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the uk – who approve and moderate assessed work.

high calibre staff

most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

teaching methods

our modules include a mixture of formal lectures, tutorial classes and practical classes. at the start of each module you will be given an up-to-date module outline and reading list. most modules will provide two or three hours of lectures each week to introduce you to the basic concepts and techniques. these will be supported by lecture notes or handouts.

lectures are supported by weekly tutorial classes, usually one hour in length, which are held in small groups so that all students can benefit from individual attention. you will be expected to prepare for these classes, for example by attempting a set of exercises or by reading a case study.

many of our modules have supervised practical classes in the computer laboratories in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. these practical sessions are usually two or three hours long.

you will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading research and the computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.

course material is also available on the university’s own virtual learning environment. this allows students to download lecture notes, submit assignments and share resources in an electronic forum both within the university’s computer network and remotely.

assessment methods

the assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. please check module information for more details.

preparation for work

all our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

see the computing curriculum handbook for further course details.

graduate employment

our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including harvard, london, oxford and cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading formula one motor-racing driver. another secured a position as the minister of sabah and one female law graduate became the first british lawyer to become a french advocate.

what our students say

“having completed a degree in computing with economics, i can say that it was a very enjoyable and worthwhile journey. the combined degree gave me the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of computing as well as being exposed to the basic concepts and practices of economics. completing a degree in 2 years can be very challenging, however, the support that students receive from lecturers, more than made up for it. staff at the university of buckingham are very approachable and due to a smaller number of students, the likeliness of their availability is much higher than at other universities. if anyone wants a computing degree and has any sort of interest in economics, i strongly recommend picking this combined degree at buckingham. having recently graduated, i now look forward to starting a master’s in management degree at warwick business school.”

abhiram adi
bsc computing with economics, 2014

“from my arrival at the university of buckingham, i found my time to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. the whole department are all very approachable and friendly, and the support and help received throughout the course has been great. the course itself was challenging and stimulating, and although the 2 year programme can be stressful at times, there is still plenty to do, and time to do it, in buckingham and the surrounding area.”

michael randall
bsc computing, 2013

“as a computing student, i was glad that our modules included both essential concepts and some current ones like the mobile application development and data mining course modules. the department regularly invites budding entrepreneurs of local businesses or those of others within the uk to present talks and recruit our students. academics from other universities were invited often to give presentations on their current work. we did not miss out on the presentation action as we got to do more project progress presentation than we may have liked at the time.

“finally taking the two year buckingham course has been exciting, challenging and rewarding. because of the small class size i have been able to communicate with my tutors and lecturers more than i have had to at other institutions previously attended. the two year course here could be very intense. the amount of work especially after the first six months proved to be more than i had realized before signing up but support and encouragement from my personal tutor and other departmental staff was always available. i miss the university already and cannot wait to see some of my friends during graduation.”

chukwuemeka eze
bsc computing, 2013

please note that the university of buckingham has four terms per year. the tuition fees quoted are for the degree (e.g. if you start a degree at buckingham in january 2019, you will pay the same termly fee for the duration of your degree – you will not be affected by the price increase in september 2020). students will pay the same termly fee for the duration of their studies, unless studies are interrupted and resumed later. the tuition fee quoted is therefore the total cost of the degree. fees are normally paid in termly instalments.

please click here for associate student fees (or here for international associate student fees).

postgraduate loan scheme

a new system of postgraduate loans for masters degrees in the uk was introduced in august 2016 with support from the uk government. the loan will provide up to £10,609 for taught and research masters courses in all subject areas. the loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.  find out more >>

postgraduate first-class scholarship

a first-class scholarship is available to both home and international students studying a taught postgraduate degree at the university. the scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33%. the scholarship will be automatically awarded to applicants who already have a first class honours degree that is recognised to uk standard.

details of other scholarships can be found on our main bursaries and scholarships page. you should make an application to study at the university and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.

you may also find it useful to visit our external funding page.

on-campus accommodation

we guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the university. most new students choose this option.

living on campus enables you to become involved in university activities, make friends, and integrate with the university community. for some of you this will be your first time in the uk; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

what’s included?

all our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. with few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. we have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. there are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

find out more

if you’d like to find out more, visit our accommodation pages or get in touch with our accommodation team.

we recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. arrange a tour via your admissions officer.

apply directly

you can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.

help and support

if you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. we are available between 09:00 and 17:00, monday to friday.

you may find it useful to download these great tips from which university? on writing your personal statement.

if you would like to make any changes to your current application, please contact admissions using the form below.