Web Development BSc (Hons)

All our lives are touched by computing, from the inevitable desktop and laptop machines to the invisible computers within our household devices, cars and aeroplanes. Our reliance on this technology exposes us to apparent risks – from software viruses, to identify theft and fraud. Computing has a focus on the solution of practical problems in the domain of commerce and industry and leads to the understanding and development of systems which may be deployed within organisations.

What’s special about Worcester Business School’s degrees in Computing?

Worcester Business School’s specialist degrees in Computing have been designed to engage you even if you have no prior skills in computing. You will study in a truly supportive environment which will empower you to explore a dynamic discipline which offers intellectual depth and richness together with the possibility of engineering complex systems comprising hardware and software. You will meet a selection of emerging topics which will inform you of likely future developments and their impact in the widest sense.

You will explore computer applications across a wide range of contexts, such as information systems, web development, networks, programming, computer games and education, thus preparing you for a variety of career options.

In addition to practical application design and development skills, you will further enhance your future attractiveness to employers by the development of highly-sought skills in problem solving, decision making, creative thinking, analysis, information retrieval, commercial awareness, numeracy, project management, teamwork, organisation, time management and self-reliance. Our courses inspire you to become an excellent problem solver with innovation and creativity as your key attributes.

Further benefits of our degrees in Computing are the opportunity to take a placement year in work after Year Two, and/or to study for half a year during your second year at one of our overseas partner universities in America, Europe or Australia. As a student of computing you will join a close-knit student and staff body which has its own strong team culture within a broader interdisciplinary business school with thriving global links.

All our degrees draw from an integrated first year which means that you will have the flexibility to change to an alternative course at the end of Year One, as your interests and capabilities develop.

What will I be able to do with my Worcester degree in Computing?

Your degree will prepare you for a wide range of career roles with strong progression opportunities both within the IT industry and within the IT departments of organisations across a host of sectors from telecommunications, to banking, to defence and the public sector. You may begin work as a member of a project team, as a graduate trainee, or in an entry-level position – perhaps as a programmer, web developer, database administrator, help-desk or IT technical support officer. You may then progress into other positions such as information systems manager, network engineer, systems analyst, games developer, web designer, or IT consultant. If you continue in further study, you are likely to take an MSc which allows you to specialise in a particular area such as information systems. Alternatively you may consider taking a postgraduate teaching qualification.

The world wide web means that even the smallest organisation can compete and communicate across the globe alongside major global organisations, so, as you would expect, all of our degrees embed the theme of globalisation throughout the curriculum. You will routinely work with case studies of organisations – large and small – entering or operating within the world of global trade. You will engage with international perspectives, whichever business specialism you choose to follow, so, for example you will consider international accounting standards, the growth of multinationals, the development of global brands, global governance, the challenges of international marketing, liberalisation of labour markets, Japanese management practices, etc.

There are additional ways in which you can experience your global education:

An exchange semester abroad
You can choose to spend a semester (half year) during your second year at one of our many partner universities in the USA, Europe or Australia. You will be taught in English, and the Business School’s exchange tutor will help you to choose modules which are relevant to your degree. You will only need to pass the modules at your exchange university, so the grades will not affect your final results. Students who take up exchanges have a really great time, but also boost their social confidence, enhance their attractiveness to employers and score higher marks in their final degrees. There are no extra fees to pay to study abroad. Further details are available from the International Centre on 01905 855146 or at internat@worc.ac.uk

An intercultural student experience
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to study alongside students from all over the world. Some will start the course in Year One (especially from Scandinavia), some will be here for an exchange semester (especially from the USA), some will join in the second or final year. The International Office hosts parties and groups of students often get together to put on themed entertainment and cuisine, such as at Chinese New Year.

A taste of foreign culture
As a result of our links with overseas universities, you will have the opportunity to take part in intercultural projects. For example, some of our students have joined business, technical and humanities students from Germany, Sweden, Spain, the UK and Hungary to spend two weeks on a remote island off Ireland to explore the dimensions of culture in a growing European Union.

International scholars
You will be taught by international scholars who have taught, researched and practised in other countries. Many of our staff have worked in international companies across the world including the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA. Others have been/are consultants to foreign companies and governments, including advising on international communications policies.

“Worcester is very beautiful and I wanted a place where I would feel at home. The University of Worcester is ideal. On the campus you have everything you need”
Thato Stimela, international student

Following a return to Sweden to complete the double degree between the universities of Worcester and Halmstad and then a masters degree, Karl worked for two and a half years as an auditor at KPMG and then moved on to become an analyst at Ernst & Young. Karl thoroughly enjoyed his time at Worcester and describes it as “the best institution I have attended”.
Karl Johansson, graduated 2002

Ben has set up his own web design business. Initially following graduation Ben worked at McDonald’s to supplement his income. He progressed onto their graduate management programme and gained skills in ‘business management’ and ‘managing people’. He also became involved in the development of their in-house employee website, the UK intranet and a recruitment website. Ben’s new role in IT training has rekindled his interest in learning and he has applied to study a PGCE in IT Secondary commencing in September 2007, continuing the family tradition.
Ben Botfield, graduated 2003

Andrew now works at a small business in Hereford, as the Network Controller, after obtaining a 2:1 in Information Technology in 2003. He says “I really believe my degree has given me a good stepping stone in my job, and I am using parts that I learnt in the degree most days.”
Andrew Hodgson, graduated 2003

Nick worked as a temporary member of staff at a local prison whilst studying. After graduating he secured permanent employment there as the IT Manager. His main duty is as liaison between the prison, its IT suppliers and the wider Prison Service. In 2007 he was responsible, as the site Project Manager, for refreshing the establishment’s network. This involved the replacement of two file servers, three hundred computers and seventy-five printers. He is also the Information Manager for the prison which involves the design of communication strategies to ensure that the majority of staff are kept informed.
Nick Stephens, graduated 2004

Matt is working in London as a Marketing Manager for a company that is trying to revolutionise the transport network. He says “skills that I acquired through my academic studies have helped me prepare for the demands of this particular career. Time management, organisation, ability to research and knowledge from my course are all transferable to the daily operations of my profession.”
Matt Leavesley, graduated 2007

Johan returned to his native country of Sweden to study for a postgraduate degree. He says “I can’t believe how well prepared I am for this, the work I produce compared with people from all over Europe and Sweden is better. Going back to Sweden has made me understand how much I really learned at Worcester because I’m able to compare it with students from other schools.”
Johan Larsson, graduated 2008

Shortly after graduating, Larissa won the NIACE* Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year for the South East award which was presented by the Princess Royal. Following a two-month placement with Hampshire Fire and Rescue researching in Community Risk Intelligence, she secured a summer internship with the Department of Communities and Government helping out with policy development, the Government’s new ‘Race’ Equality strategy. NIACE has also asked her to undertake some training/advocacy work for them.
Larissa Burnett, graduated 2008

* National Institute of Adult Learners