Computing with Database Systems

Overview

This is an exit pathway of the Computing programme.

Extensive industry contacts provide engaging guest lecturers and class discussions – our Computing Department has strong links with local, national and international organisations including Microsoft, Google, Hewlett Packard and IBM.
The programme is taught in dedicated labs with industry-specific software by a highly competent team of experts from a variety of IT-related backgrounds.
All graduates can gain membership of the Institute for the Management of Information Systems and the British Computer Society (student membership).

Databases are at the heart of electronic commerce. Have you ever wondered how your details are kept when you shop online or register for a user account? How does a shop know when to order more to fill their shelves? How do companies communicate with thousands or tens of thousands of customers efficiently? Databases make the commercial world go round by enabling the storage and management of often huge collections of information.

This programme focuses on the practical aspects of designing, building and managing database-driven information systems. You will use Oracle software to build relational databases that can support online commercial transactions, such as ordering products, making bookings and registering for courses. Additionally, the programme covers the use and design of specialist databases called data warehouses that are used to support executive decision making.

Exit pathways

Computing with Database Systems is a Single Honours exit pathway of the Computing programme.

After gaining a solid base in computing in your first year you can either specialise in one of three subject areas: Database Systems, Web and Multimedia, or Information Management, or take elements of all three and continue a broader programme of Computing Studies. If you wish to combine Computing with another programme at Roehampton you can do so by taking elements from all three Computing specialisms to form a Combined Honours programme of your choice.

Single Honours:

Combined Honours:

Computing Studies

In detail

For a complete description of this programme's aims, learning outcomes and the programme outline, see the full programme details.

For a complete list of this programme's modules and a detailed description of each of them, see the full module details.

Entry requirements

Offers are typically based in the range of 160–240 points from A-levels, vocational A-levels, or equivalent, including the 14–19 Diploma.
GCSE English and Maths at grade C, or equivalent.

Our offers are not solely based on academic results: we also take your skills, achievements and life experience into consideration.

For further information refer to our general entrance requirements page, which includes a tariff table. If you need advice on entry requirements or applications, please contact our Enquiries Office on 020 8392 3232.

Year-by-year summary

First year

The first year is common across all four Computing pathways and will provide you with a solid basis in a variety of areas such as:

the role of information systems in business and society
different methods used in the development of information systems
ways to collect and manage data
the legal and ethical aspects of being a computing professional
computer programming; and computer hardware, networks and graphic design.

You will be debating with your fellow students on topical issues such as the dilemmas of music downloading and hacking. You will create your own computing programmes, design your own databases and learn how to deploy industry specific software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create computer graphics for any occasion.

Second year

The second year is specific for those who wish to specialise in the area of database systems and involves building your own Oracle system and web-based applications using Oracle Forms. You will learn about the different roles and types of databases and systematic concepts associated with their design and development. You will learn how to design websites that integrate with databases for the purpose of e-commerce.

Third year

In your third year you will embark on a project that involves the design of a database system for a real company. This will be part of your "IT Portfolio", which can be added to your curriculum vitae. You will also be exploring more advanced concepts associated with database design by learning about specialist systems and business intelligence tools. As well as these topics we recognise that in your third year you will want more control over what you learn so we have developed a wide range of options from which you can choose to create your own degree "profile" and hone the talents you have discovered and developed during your time with us.

Facilities

The programme is taught in dedicated labs with industry-specific software.

Our Computing Department has strong links with local, national and international organisations including Microsoft, Google, Hewlett Packard and IBM.

The University Library has excellent resources for the study of Computing.

Career prospects

Since the majority businesses and organisations use database technology, this area of computing has a wide range of job opportunities.

The programme has been designed to equip you with valuable skills for employment – not only technically but also in the area of honing your communication and problem-solving skills to enable you to meet the demands of the workplace. Our graduates gain jobs in many fields such as system analysis, web design and development, marketing and retail management.

Quotes from former students

"I found the variety of skills sets learned at the University a great help in securing myself a career in project management in the IT industry."
Ella Horswell, former Computing student from Wimbledon, London, now works as a Project Manager at World Archipelago in Fulham, London

"I chose BSc in Computing as it gave me the opportunity to select modules that I found interesting such as programming and also the artistic side of computing: Graphics and 3D animation (see my work on YouTube). The course I completed was both intellectually stimulating and challenging. My third-year project improved my techniques in Java programming and software engineering, which will be beneficial in developing Java-based enterprise applications. Roehampton University has helped shape my future."
Alvin, former Computing student

"I'm working as a Media Insight Analyst at TMP Worldwide, a recruitment advertising and communications company. My responsibilities include analysing statistics from Google and other media to see how well our campaigns for clients are progressing. I'm really enjoying it and I'm working with a really nice group of people."
Chris, former Computing student