Intercalated Year
Computer Science is now a major factor in many businesses, professions and academic disciplines, as well as in everyday life. From practical ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to profound principles of computation, a solid grounding in Computer Science can be an important factor in making the most of your career potential.
To respond to the demand from students, employers and the government for more education in ICT, the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham has started an innovative new programme. Termed the ‘Intercalated Year in Computer Science’ (or ICY-CS), it offers students from non-computing disciplines the chance to gain in-depth knowledge of computing and enhance their work-based skills through the study of Computer Science.
Programme overview
In a degree with an Intercalated Year in Computer Science, the additional year is ‘sandwiched’ between the second and final years of your original honours degree. In the additional year you will study the core of computer science, and in your final year you will return to your home subject.
You can sign up to the ICY-CS during your second year of study and will be admitted if you fulfil all of the necessary entry requirements (for details, see reverse).
Once admitted, you will follow modules offered by the School of Computer Science and, for that year, all tutoring and monitoring requirements will become the sole responsibility of the School of Computer Science.
In the first semester, you will study:
- Computer programming (in Java): The teaching for this element is mainly practical - there are lectures and tutorials, however you should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time in the computer labs.
- The fundamentals of Computer Science: This covers some basic theory as well as practical aspects of how software is specified, designed and constructed.
- Two options from the School of Computer Science second year modules: You will be advised as to which to choose, depending on your main degree.
In the second semester, you will continue to study:
- Computer programming (in Java): By now you will be able to write some more interesting computer programmes, perhaps starting to interact with databases via web pages.
- The fundamentals of Computer Science: A deeper introduction to the mysteries of data structures and algorithms is accompanied by an introduction to designing and using databases.
You will also study:
- Two options from the School of Computer Science second and third year modules: Again, you will be guided as to which to choose, depending on your main degree.
What are the entry requirements?
The Intercalated Year in Computer Science is available to all current second year students who:
- are studying any subject other than Computer Science;
- achieve a point average of at least 55% in their first and second year of study;
- successfully demonstrate their ability and enthusiasm for the course at interview.
Please note that admission onto the ICY-CS cannot therefore be confirmed until the results of your second year examinations are released.
What do I get at the end of it?
Successful students will graduate with a degree in their home subject, with the addition of the words 'with an Intercalated Year in Computer Science'. A full transcript of your marks on the intercalated year will also be available to you, and can be supplied to potential employers.
The intercalated year is assessed on a pass/fail basis. Credits gained during the year will not contribute to the credits required for your main degree, nor will marks contribute towards your degree classification in the main subject. In this respect, the ICY-CS is similar to a 'year abroad', or a 'certificate in industrial studies' and for this reason the ICY-CS should be considered an integral part of your degree - i.e. you will not gain the addition of the words 'with an Intercalated Year in Computer Science' if you do not pass the required number of credits.
What does it cost?
In terms of cost, the Intercalated Year in Computer Science should be viewed simply an additional year of study - making a three-year degree into a four-year degree, for example.
If you pay your own tuition fees, then you will have to pay for an extra year. For those eligible, student loans should be available for all four years, however you should check with the LA that they will continue to give you financial support on the new programme.
How do I apply?
To apply for the Intercalated Year in Computer Science you should contact the School of Computer Science Admissions Office to request an ICY-CS application form. Once completed, suitable applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the ICY-CS Admissions Tutor and will be given further instruction from then on.
The School also runs an ICY-CS ‘Information Day’ in the Spring Term of each year. If you are interested in attending, please contact the School of Computer Science Admissions Office for further details.
Contact:
Undergraduate Admissions Team
Email: ug-admissions@cs.bham.ac.uk