Undergraduate Course 

BSc (Hons)

Computing and Information Technologies (Top-Up)

If you already hold an HND or foundation degree in a Computing subject or international equivalent qualification, top it up to a full Computing and IT BSc degree in one to two years with this online course. Gaining the full bachelors degree can improve your career prospects, strengthen your CV and allow you to move onto a master's degree at a later date, should you wish to.

Developed by leading specialists, our newly updated Computing and Information Technologies (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) degree has been designed around diverse cutting-edge issues, events and digital developments.

The course will allow you to deepen your knowledge and understanding through research, case studies and practical skills-based projects. With a core focus on professional ethics and the wide-ranging impact of computing technologies in society, the programme will support learners in acquiring crucial skills which underpin the duties and responsibilities of today’s computing professionals.

Why choose this Computing and IT course?

The course focuses particularly on gaining confidence and skills in:

This online qualification will set you on a positive path to successfully furthering your career.

Who is this online course for?

Those wishing to progress within the Computing and IT sector such as:

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Data Science Research Centre (DSRC)

Our team of computer and data science specialists are using their expertise to explore new ways of processing large sets of data to solve real-life problems.

Learn more about the centreLearn more about the centre

What you will study

With a mix of core and optional modules, you can tailor your studies to match your particular interests and career aspirations.

One of the core modules everyone completes is the Research Project. You can select from a list of suggestions provided by your tutor or this could be something you propose that matches your own interests, experience or area of professional development.

The programme allows you to study at your own pace, fitting around other commitments, in any location, via a virtual classroom environment. You will also get the opportunity to interact with like-minded peers across the world through discussion forums.

You can view the study plan for this online course.

If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered. In addition, where demand is high, some modules may be subject to a cap.

To complete this top-up degree you will need to complete a total of 120 credits. This will be made up from the two core modules and three of the optional 20-credit modules in your preferred area of Computing and Information Technologies.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

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Student support with your online learner advisors

Monday, 9 December 2024 16.00 - 16.45

During this 45-minute-long webinar, we will take you through the support offered by the Online Learner Advisor team and what you can expect as an online student with the University of Derby.

Book your webinarBook your webinar

How you will learn

Pace of study

The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.

If you opt to undertake the accelerated study plan whereby you will study two modules in one trimester, we recommend 40 hours of study per week.

Should you decide to study on the accelerated rate you should ensure that you have the capacity to fully engage with your studies and achieve the best grades and final award. If you choose to study on the accelerated rate, you will need to balance approximately 40 hours of study per week alongside your professional and personal life and commitments.

It may be useful to consider studying one module at the standard rate of study before deciding whether to then increase to the accelerated rate of study.

There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.

Assessment method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Don't just take our word for it...

Graduate Mark Claydon talks about his time as a student with University of Derby Online Learning.

Mark Claydon talking about the online Computing and IT BSc (Hons) at the July 2019 graduation reception

View Mark Claydon and the online Computing and IT BSc (Hons) video transcript

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

Get a taste of the course content

Our Computing and Information Technologies (Top-Up) BA (Hons) course taster will give you an idea of how online learning works. It includes a selection of content from a course module so you can see what some of our learning material looks like.

You will need to complete a short form to access the course taster.

Try our course tasterTry our course taster

Entry requirements

You need to have one of the following:

*If you are entering with an HNC, you will need to first study and obtain a minimum pass rate of 40% in the level 6 Computing Technologies in Society module.

When you apply, please send us a transcript of the modules you've already studied. This means we can make sure your HND or foundation degree is compatible with this top-up qualification.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

Find out more about our English language requirements

Fees and funding

2024/25 for new entrants

Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.

 Per 20 creditsModulesCost
UK/EU/International £905 5 (four 20-credit modules and one 40-credit module) £5,430

2025/26 for new entrants

Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.

 ModulesCost
UK/EU/International 5 (four 20-credit modules and one 40-credit module) £5,480

About your fees

This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.

If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.

Flexible payment plans available

Choose from two payment plan options:

Undergraduate funding options

Depending on where you are from in the UK or EU, and on your pace of study, you may be eligible for an undergraduate student loan. Accessible through Student Finance, this is a non-income based loan to meet the cost of tuition fees.

If you are considering applying for a student loan, please also see our additional guidance on Loans for Online Students.

If you already hold an honours degree, and you are looking to re-skill or up-skill, you may still be eligible for a loan to study this course.

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Apply directly to the University.

Apply now

For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.

Documents to support your application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Application deadlines

All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.

Careers

This programme is designed for those who wish to advance their knowledge and understanding of important aspects of Computing and Information Technologies in order to enhance career opportunities or to prepare themselves for postgraduate research. It will provide you with highly transferable subject, academic and practical skills which are widely sought by today’s Computing and Information Technologies employers.

Utilise our Careers and Employment Service​

Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story.

We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

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96%
of UK graduates are in employment or further study.

Top 5
for employability.
Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.

87%
of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning:

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