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?

• Contemporary, updated degree from a recognised UK university
• Three start dates a year (September, January and May)
• Opportunity to enrol on the course with a level 4 qualification plus significant work experience
• Choice of seven optional modules, allowing you to tailor the course to meet your own interests, including key emerging areas - Network Management and Security, Web Development, and Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking
• Study at your own pace, part-time online using a virtual classroom environment, supported throughout by a team of academic professionals
• Engagement in a vibrant learning community, building your network of likeminded individuals within the UK and around the world
• Guest speakers from industry
• The course can be completed within one year

The course focuses particularly on gaining confidence and skills in:

• Problem solving – critical understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories, appraising technical, environmental and social issues
• Completing incisive research, analysis and reporting
• Formulating an ethical position in relation to the development, manufacture, proliferation and disposal of digital systems
• Designing, documenting and testing computer programmes and/or hardware
• Critically evaluating and advising on emerging technologies
• Working effectively within a team and communicating with others

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:

• IT support engineers, network engineers
• Systems administrators and IT teachers
• Network and security professionals
• Web and software developers

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.

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.

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:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

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.

You need to have one of the following:

• HND or foundation degree in a Computing subject from a UK university - or international equivalent recognised by NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre)
• Edexcel BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing and Systems Development - 2010 QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework)
• British Computer Society (BCS) Diploma in IT (level 5) - including completion of the professional project
• HNC in Computing subject plus at least 3 years relevant work experience in a computing role*
• Evidence of significant work and life experience which may be taken as the equivalent of traditional qualifications

*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:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.5
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 580 (paper based), 237 (computer based) or 92 (internet based)
• Pearson Test of Academic English: 58
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses
• International GCE O Level English Language: grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: grade C

Find out more about our English language requirements

^‡2024/25 for new entrants

Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.

2025/26 for new entrants

Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.

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:

• Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying

• Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases

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.

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:

• Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
• Current CV
• Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

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

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

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.

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.

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning:

Other courses you might like

• Computing and Information Technologies University Advanced Diploma
• Computer Science BSc (Hons)
• Information Technology BSc (Hons)