You will study the following units:

Principles of computer science
Computational-thinking skills are essential for roles such as software developer, cybersecurity analyst, game designer, data scientist, and other exciting careers in the computing industry.
In this unit, you will develop the computational-thinking skills to effectively analyse a problem, break it down into its component parts, and design and evaluate solutions. These skills are required for progression to computing-related higher education courses or to the workplace as a computing professional.

Fundamentals of computer systems
In this unit, you will build foundational knowledge essential for roles such as network engineer, systems architect, hardware technician, and IT consultants. You will explore the relationship between hardware and software as part of a computer system. You will examine the way computer components work both individually and together to store and process data, and the way in which data is transmitted and used in computer systems. You will explore the impact that computing systems have on organisations and individuals.

IT Systems, security and encryption
In this unit, you will investigate different types of security attack, vulnerabilities that exist and techniques that can be used to defend IT systems. You will learn about configuring complex networks to be secure while providing a safe environment with sharing and security of data including encryption. You will plan and apply suitable protection to an IT system and test it to ensure the protection is effective along with configuring a system’s access control settings.This knowledge opens the door to exciting careers such as cybersecurity analyst, ethical hacker, network security engineer, and information security consultant, roles that are critical in today’s digital world.

Business applications of social media
You will explore different social media websites, the ways in which they can be used and the potential pitfalls when using them for organisational purposes. You will develop and implement a plan to use social media strategies within an organisation to achieve its specific business aims and objectives through posting content and interacting with others.

Digital graphics and animation
In this unit, you will cover the principles of digital graphics and animation while exploring the implications of representing graphics in digital form and the processes and techniques used to develop effective digital graphics and animation. You will design, create, test and review digital graphics and animations for inclusion in a digital product.

Mobile apps development
In this unit, you will investigate mobile apps, how they are used, why they are created, the differences between devices and the implications of creating and using software on mobile devices. You will study the design considerations inherent in mobile apps and general software design with the physical design, development, testing and reviewing of a mobile app to fulfil a specific set of client requirements.

Planning and management of computer projects
In this unit, you will apply project planning and management techniques to a computing project scenario. It will provide you with the skills associated with project planning and management to include task scheduling, budgeting, risk management, time management, quality management and communication with all stakeholders throughout the life cycle of the project.

Software design and development project
In this unit, you will explore the skills necessary to design and create software. You will explore standard conventions and ways of working to create solutions to problems. You will examine a given scenario and develop effective design solutions to produce software.

The impact of computing
In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the positive and negative impacts of computing on an organisation when it implements a new system. You will consider the general impact on individuals and society as a whole, and the potential impacts of future computing developments. You will then develop a plan to implement a computing technology development in an organisation and review the plan you have developed.

Human computer interaction
In this unit, you will consider how technology has evolved to improve the communication between the device and the user. You will explore the implications of using various interfaces, by applying HCI principles to justify your decision making. You will also develop a solution to a HCI-based scenario, by using an appropriate programming language or software/hardware tools.

Computer games development
In this unit, you will investigate the technologies used in the computer gaming industry and the implications they have for users, developers and organisations. You will analyse how user needs and preferences impact on game design and how target technologies affect the design and development of a computer game. Finally, you will design, create and review a computer game to meet requirements.

Relational database development
In this unit, you will examine the structure of data, its origins and how an efficient data design follows through into an effective, useful database. You will investigate database management systems (DBMS) and apply practical skills in designing and developing a database within a given DBMS.

Computer networking
In this unit, you will learn about the major types and models of computer networks as well as the computer network hardware and software components required to design and implement networks. You will learn network communication protocols and examine communication technologies used to connect computers to wired and wireless networks. You will learn to use network design strategies to develop, implement and manage a scalable, available, efficient and secure computer network.

Work Experience
In year two of the program, you’ll get the chance to gain hands-on, real-world experience in computing through exciting work placements with local companies and organisations.