Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: G451 BSc/WDD
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
This course will help you become a successful web designer/developer, able to create rich, dynamic and innovative internet applications, either on your own or as part of a multidisciplinary team. 'Design' has many meanings, but in the context of this course the emphasis of the course is on 'design' meaning system and interaction design. You will also be equipped with sufficient understanding of aesthetic design to collaborate with a professional visual designer.
The interactive media industry requires professionals whose knowledge extends across a wide range of subjects. Choose this course, and you will gain the expertise to create impressive and effective websites that people find engaging and that deliver with a punch. You will become a valuable professional with a well-balanced approach to developing modern internet applications.
Design and development on its own is not enough. Many great internet applications are never completed because planning goes wrong. We encourage you to take a structured approach to planning, developing and managing websites and business solutions.
The line between web applications and traditional programmes is becoming increasingly blurred, and organisations are seeking graduates who can help them meet these challenges. The course is designed to provide you with the skills that are in greatest demand by local employers and major studios.
Year 1
In this year, you lay down strong foundations by acquiring an appreciation of design principles, plus the structures and conventions of programming in general, web pages in particular and of the databases that power modern websites. As you settle into working in an academic way, you become self-reliant and gain the core skills that you need.
Year 2
You consolidate and extend your skills, investigating subjects that allow you to produce effective websites and applications. You learn the importance of Web Standards and how to provide enhanced interactivity by scripting for both browsers and servers. You also work with Flash. Web designers and developers provide a service to business, so you’ll learn about marketing and law, becoming equipped to discuss these issues with business teams.
Year 3
You move up a gear, working on complex subjects on your own initiative and in groups to emerge as an effective team player. Your level of knowledge and understanding will impress prospective employers and clients. You gain in-depth knowledge and experience in developing both database-driven internet applications and the exciting new genre of Rich Internet Applications. You'll also design and create a large application as a key member of a project group, learning techniques for managing software projects and gaining experience of working in a team.
After successful completion of year 3, you can graduate with a BSc, ready to be successful in web design and development.
Year 4
During your Honours year, you choose from a range of subjects that will set you apart from the ordinary designer or developer! You can study advanced development, including methods of securing web applications, how to incorporate effective search technologies, approaches for enterprise-level internet approaches, etc. These are exciting topics that we hope will not only provide learning, but inspiration and encouragement. You will also undertake a complex Honours project in which you choose the topic that you will research.
How you learn
You spend around 15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and practical activities. The remainder of your time is spent in self-directed learning. Lectures present key concepts, theories and techniques. Tutorials and practical activities increase your understanding, develop your competences and build your confidence. You actively participate in the learning process and become accomplished at presenting your ideas to your colleagues and staff.
How you are assessed
In the first two years, your work is assessed entirely through coursework. You build and present a portfolio of your work each year. In the later years, assessment is by a mixture of exams and coursework.
Higher BBCC; A Level CCD; ILC (H) BBBC; UCAS Tariff 216 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: English or a literate subject (e.g. History)
Advanced entry
Applicants for direct entry to second year or later will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in the English language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Career
Traditional computer programmes are being replaced by internet-based applications, and the boundaries between the internet and desktop are becoming blurred.
Demand for great designer/developers has grown, with numerous job opportunities for our graduates in both the public and private sectors, working on projects ranging from small to global.
Choose this course and, with a good Honours degree, you should be well-positioned to move into management or consultancy. You will also be encouraged to think about developing your own business enterprise.
BSc (Hons) Web Design & Development - Further Information
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP registration subject to committee approval in 2010.
