Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems Undergraduate Certificate

The undergraduate certificate in Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems prepares students for degrees in:

• Computer Science BSc
• Information Systems BSc
• Mathematics BSc
• Mathematics with Computer Science BSc
• Mathematics and Computer Science BSc
• Mathematics with Physics BSc**
• Software Engineering BSc
• Mathematics with Statistics BSc**

See a full list of available degrees and the grades needed to progress
* subject to validation
** progression to Year One only

Academic structure

The academic programme is made up of core modules studied by all undergraduate certificate students and route modules specific to Mathematics and Computer Science. On application students must specify whether they wish to follow a Mathematics programme or Computer Science programme depending on your their chosen degree. Mathematics students will study a selection of modules from the tables below and Information Systems students will study the Information Systems modules listed below.

• Core modules
• Route modules (for Mathematics and Computer Science)
• Mathematics modules
• Information Systems modules

Core modules

These modules are compulsory for all undergraduate certificate students, regardless of their chosen subject route.

English and Skills for University Study 1, 2 and 3

Over these three modules you will develop your English communication skills and learn a range of study skills, including: writing and reading strategies, presentation and seminar participation, organisation of time and materials, meeting deadlines and responding to feedback. When you have completed these modules you will be able to take notes and write essays in English. You should also have the confidence to give presentations, answer follow-up questions and contribute to seminar discussions.  

Project Study

Complete a self-study project on a topic you choose, in consultation with your tutor, from the subject you plan to study at degree level.

Route modules

(Mathematics and Information Systems routes)

These modules are common to both Mathematics and Information Systems students.

Pure Mathematics 1

You will be taught to understand and interpret straight lines and linear equations, set theory and probability, statistics, linear programming, indices and logarithms and experimental laws.  

Applied Mathematics 1

You will look at vectors, forces and equilibrium, relative motion, Newton’s Law of Motion, friction and work, energy and power.

Mathematics route

Mathematics students study Pure Mathematics 2 and three additional modules. For each module there are two or three options to choose from, see tables below.

Pure Mathematics 2

Continue your studies in this subject and deepen your understanding of  algebra, co-ordinate geometry, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors.  

Module 1 options
Physics 1 Properties of Matter And Waves Covers sound, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, electromagnetic waves, strengths of solids, fluids, heat and gases and the structure of the atom.	or	Introduction to Business Studies In this module you focus on a wide range of issues, such as management styles, human resource practice and marketing.

Module 2 options
Principles of Economics 1 You will be taught to understand economic systems, types of goods, allocation of resources, elasticity,  and price controls, types of markets and cost and revenue. You will also look at economies of scale and market failure.	or	Introduction to Management Accounting In this module you will get an introduction to the role of management accounting in providing managers with the information for decision-making, planning and control.	or	Physics 2 Electricity, Electronics and Fields You will learn about electrical current and charge, potential difference, resistance, capacitance, transistors and amplifiers, electrical fields, gravitational, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields.

Module 3 options
Principles of Economics 2 You will learn about aggregate demand and aggregate supply, economic policies, inflation, unemployment, international trade and development economics.	or	Applied Mathematics 2 You can continue from Applied Mathematics 1, looking at advanced vectors, forces as fixed vectors, centres of gravity/centres of mass and particle dynamics.

Information Systems route

Information Systems students study all the following modules.

Core Mathematics

This module contains both algebra and statistics. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of mathematical terms and techniques and apply these to solving problems, frequently drawn from practical and real-life situations.  

Computing Information Technology 1

You will develop an understanding of the range of problems that database applications can help to solve and gain the skills necessary to apply this understanding to developing database solutions to problems. You will also look at the basic principles of system analysis and design and acquire the skills needed to apply simple methods of problem formulation and planning of solutions using databases, and systematic methods of implementing, testing and documenting database solutions. .  

Computing Information Technology 2

You will be introduced to the Hypertext Mark-up Language (XHTML) used in the creation and display of pages on the World Wide Web This module also gives you an introduction to the design and functionality of web pages and will introduce you to the use of a Programming Language – JavaScript – to give added functionality to web pages.  

Computing Information Technology 3

You will gain further valuable knowledge so you can proceed onto a degree course in the area of computing sciences. This includes looking at object-orientated programming.    

Introduction to Business Studies

In this module you focus on a wide range of issues, such as management styles, human resource practice and marketing.   Introduction to Management Accounting In this module you will get an introduction to the role of management accounting in providing managers with the information for decision-making, planning and control.