Introduction

There was a time in my life when I didn't know what to do with my career. I did different jobs but most of them involved working with children. I felt that I needed to do something different. I had a gap due to raising a child and the pandemic. However, before the pandemic started I had an opportunity to work for the IT company at the helpdesk. Sadly the circumstances changed everything. Nevertheless, I started learning on my own using the internet courses to see if computing is for me. It turned out I enjoyed it; therefore I am here today. I chose De Montfort University because I am currently doing my International Year Zero in Engineering & Computer course here and most importantly it is a walking distance from my home which is very convenient. I have friends who have studied here before as well as those who are doing their final year here and they told me a lot of positive things about this University. I am not certain about the specific course yet and I hope Year Zero will help me with the choice. Nevertheless, it varies between Computer Science and Software Engineering as both of them have very similar modules.

The First & Second Year consists of 4 Blocks.

First year

Block 1: Database Design and Implementation

Block 2: Fundamental Concepts of Computer Science

Block 3: Computer Programming

Block 4: Operating Systems and Networks

Second year

Block 1: Object Oriented Design and Development

Block 2: Data Structures and Algorithms

Block 3: Web Application Development

Block 4: Agile Development Team Project/ Software Engineering Team Project

The third year looks a bit different where there are only 3 blocks.

Block 1: Software Development: Methods and Standards

Block 2: Big Data and Machine Learning/ Mobile App Development and Big Data

Block 3 / 4: Development Project

Additionally, students are offered to choose one more block out of 4 different ones for Computer Science

Block 3 / 4: Functional Programming

Block 3 / 4: Advanced Web Development

Block 3 / 4: Fuzzy Logic and Inference Systems

Block 3 / 4: Privacy and Data Protection

There is a little difference as Software Engineering has only 3 options:

Block 3 / 4: Functional Programming

Block 3 / 4: Advanced Web Development

Block 3 / 4: Embedded Systems and IoT

I am mostly interested in Computer Programming and Database Systems and I hope that I can learn programming at DMU. My goal is to get a work placement after completing my studies which will allow me to get more experience within the industry before starting to work.

As for now the ideal future prospect for me would be working for a company that will allow me to work remotely so I can fulfill my passion and that is where I do see myself in 10 years.

References:

(2023) Computer Science BSC (Hons). Available at: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/computer-science-bsc-degree/computer-science-bsc-degree.aspx (Accessed: April 6, 2023).