Computer science degree first for Walsall College students

10 Computer Science students at Walsall College are graduating this summer with first class honours.  After completing their third-year programme, the students are all set to move into further training or employment.

The BSc in Computer Science is delivered in partnership with Staffordshire University.  It enables students to develop their skills in the fields of software development and computer networks.

“This is the first year we have worked with the University to provide a full honours, Level 6 computing qualification as a progression route from our HNC and HND and we are delighted with these excellent results,” said Neal Robinson, Curriculum Delivery Manager for Computing and Digital at the college.

“We congratulate all our students on their success and wish them the very best in their future careers.”

Dr Russell Campion, Associate Professor for the School of Digital, Technologies and Arts at Staffordshire University said: “The University is delighted to have worked with Walsall College in delivering this new Level 6 Computer Science programme. I congratulate both the students and all the staff involved on their excellent achievements. I wish all of our graduating students the best for the future, knowing the skills that they have developed place them well within the industry, capable of taking up many associated roles.”

12 Walsall College BSc Computing students in total will be graduating this year with full honours.

They include Kieran Marsh and Luke Stackhouse who have been appointed by the college as lecturers within the computing and digital faculty.  Both joined as Level 3 students before studying HNC, HND then the Level 6 qualification.

“Completing a full honours degree at college has so many advantages,” said Kieron.  “It’s a more convenient location and you already know your tutors and classmates well.  And while some degree courses can be very theory driven, the college’s higher education computing courses are highly practical.  Not only have we written the code for a mobile app, we’ve produced and tested it too, sharing best practice between us.”

He continued: “Midway through my final year, I was given the opportunity to join the college as an hourly paid tutor.  By taking my career in this direction, I’m still actively creative in the way software development solutions are carried forward so I look forward to working with the college’s students to help bring this about.”

Kieron and Luke will study PGCE qualifications while teaching.

Luke added: “The lower course fees and smaller class sizes drew me towards studying a degree at the college.  The course was delivered around our individual aspirations with our work tailored accordingly.  Back-up work was also available for those who were further ahead so we could keep on progressing.

“I definitely achieved more academically because of this and through the overall college environment, facilities and the expertise of the lecturers here.  I’m now looking forward to sharing these experiences and opportunities with the college’s future learners.”

For further information about higher education computing courses at Walsall College see here.