International Year One in Computing

Studying Computing

The International Year One in Computing is your route to a variety of Computer Science and Computing degrees at the University of Sussex. You will study a range of modules relevant to your chosen progression degree. Topics include algorithmic thinking, data structures with Java, computer systems, programming, maths and multimedia.

Throughout the course you will also develop English language and career skills to ensure you are fully prepared for degree study and a successful future.

Please note: All International Year 1 Courses are Subject to Revalidation in March 2020

What you’ll study

Academic English Skills (15 credits)

Academic English Skills aims to provide you with thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable you to best achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

If you have IELTS 7.0 overall and no skill less than 6.5, you may be able to take the Fast Track Academic English Skills module, which is delivered over one semester rather than two semesters.

Mathematical Concepts (15 Credits)

This is an introductory mathematics module to equip you with the fundamental mathematical concepts and skills that form the foundation for all Informatics degrees.

Programming Concepts (15 Credits)

This module aims to provide an introduction to the techniques for developing an algorithm to solve a problem. Solving a problem involves specifying the problem precisely, using the appropriate sequence, selection and iterative structures to develop the algorithm, and finally establishing the correctness of the algorithm and analysing its efficiency in terms of the running time.

Data Structures and Algorithms (15 Credits)

This module introduces the basic data structures and algorithms that underpin computer science. The fundamental data structures that are introduced include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, hash tables and graphs.

Introductions to Computer Systems (15 Credits)

This module introduces you to three fundamental elements of computer systems - memory, the processor and communication links - giving you an understanding of how they operate.

Further Programming (15 credits)

This module builds on the programming skills acquired in the Introduction to Programming module. It covers advanced object-oriented concepts of encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance in Java. The module introduces the fundamentals of designing graphical user interfaces in Java.

Introduction to Programming (15 credits)

This module provides an introduction to object-oriented programming with the Java language. It assumes no prior programming experience but will also be useful for those who have programmed in other languages.

Introduction to Multimedia (15 Credits)

This module teaches how to program the World Wide Web as a means to distribute multimedia content. In particular, the module explores HTML5, CSS2, CSS3, JavaScript and the JavaScript Media API as a means to deliver high quality textual, graphical, audio and video content over the web.

Students planning progressing to BSc (Hons) Computer Science or BSc (Hons) Computer Science and AI must take Introduction to Computer Systems
Students progressing to BSc (Hons) Computing for Digital Media or BSc (Hons) Games and Multimedia Environments must take Introduction to Multimedia
Students progressing to BSc (Hons) Computing for Business and Management can choose between the two above modules.

Your degree at Sussex

This course can lead to the second year of an undergraduate degree listed below (subject to meeting the grades outlined). The degrees and grades listed are valid for 2019/20 intakes only and are subject to change.

Degree Programmes	Award	Overall Grade	English Grade
Computer Science	BSc (Hons)	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science	MComp	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science (with an industrial placement year)	BSc (Hons)	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science (with an industrial placement) (5 year course)	MComp	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence	BSc (Hons)	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (with an industrial placement year)	BSc (Hons)	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computing for Business and Management	BSc (Hons)	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computing for Business and Management (with an industrial placement year)	BSc (Hons)	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computing for Digital Media	BSc (Hons)	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computing for Digital Media (with an industrial placement year)	BSc (Hons)	40%	60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)