Bachelor -Computer Science

Bachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science)

The purpose of the degree program is to produce graduates with excellent skills in programming, communication and software development and to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge for further study through research. This program provides graduates with knowledge, skills and attitudes that meet the needs of the current and anticipated future computing environment.

This program provides graduates with knowledge, skills and attitudes that meet the needs of the current and anticipated future computing environment. The program represents a blend of theory and practice which has been developed with industry support and graduates enjoy ready acceptance in the workplace and are able to contribute effectively to their employers' needs from day one of their employment. Through the professional practice unit, and through experience in the software engineering project, which is a major component of study, students become aware of the role that they as individuals can play in the IT industry. Students learn the basics of marketing themselves and their ideas, and those with innovative ideas are encouraged to consider entrepreneurial roles.

Proposed program of study
Year 1:
Semester 1
Computer Systems
Introduction to Information Technology
Programming Principles 1A

Semester 2
Introduction to Databases
Mathematics for Computer Science
Programming Principles 1B

Year 2:
Semester 1
Programming Principles 2A
Math Methods for Computer Science
Web Page Construction

Semester 2
Programming Principles 2B
Foundations of Data Communication and Networks
E-Business Fundamentals

Year 3:
Semester 1
Computing Theory
Software Engineering 1A
User Interface Programming

Semester 2
Operating Systems
Professional Computing Ethics, Law and Marketing
Software Engineering 1B

Year 4:
Semester 1
Business Studies
File Structures and Database Systems
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Semester 2
Object Oriented Programming Using C++
UNIX Systems Administration and Programming
Web Programming and Digital Media

Entrance Requirements

English Language Requirements
One of the following:

Secondary/high school conducted in English language

Provide English Language results from final examination

Secondary/high school not conducted in English language
- TOEFL paper based – a minimum score of 580 (Test of Written English 4.5+)
- TOEFL computer based – a minimum score of 237 (Test of Written English 4.5+)
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
- Tests must have been completed within the past twelve months

Academic Requirements
One of the following:

Three Advanced/Principal Level passes with a minimum Grade C in one of the following qualifications, including a minimum grade of C in Mathematics:
- Cambridge Higher School Certificate
- Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate
- East African Advanced Certificate of Education
- Tanzania Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education
- West African General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level)
- West African Higher School Certificate (Principal Level)
- University of London General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level)
Ethiopia School Leaving Certificate Examination with a GPA of 2.8 or better (based upon English, Mathematics and three best subjects) and a minimum grade of B in Mathematics
Ghana Senior Secondary Certificate Examination with an aggregate score not exceeding 18 (based upon credit passes in Core English, Core Mathematics, Core Science and any three electives) and a minimum grade of C in Mathematics
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with a mean grade of B minus (B-) or better and a minimum grade of B in Mathematics
Rwanda Examens nationaux de Fin d’Etudes secondaires with average points of 6.0 or better and a minimum grade of C plus (C+) in Mathematics
Rwanda Diplome des Humanities with an overall percentage of 70% or better and a pass in Mathematics
Burundi Diplome d’Etat with an overall percentage of 70% or better and a pass in Mathematics
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) Diplome d’Etat d’Etudes secondaries du Cycle Long with an overall percentage of 70% or better and a pass in Mathematics
International Baccalaureate (IB) with a minimum score of 28+ and a minimum grade of 5 in Mathematics
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) with a mean grade of C (minimum 6 subjects) and a minimum grade of B in Mathematics

Age Prerequisites

All applicants must be 17 years and over

Student Progress
A full time degree student will be engaged in study activities for 36 hours per week during semester and will complete the degree program in 4 years (8 semesters). A full time semester is equivalent to three courses (36 credit points) and in order to graduate, a student must pass a minimum of 288 credit points. A student who fails an individual course is required to study the course again at the earliest opportunity. A student who fails 2 or more courses in any semester will be counselled to determine the most appropriate course of action for the student.

Each course in the AVU program may have one or more pre-requisite courses. A student may not enrol in a course unless they have completed any required pre-requisite courses.

Career Outcomes
Graduates of the AVU Computer Science degree have traditionally enjoyed employment as computing professionals in diverse fields, such as programming, applications software development, web page development, web system development, software engineering, systems administration, design and development of secure systems, network and data communications specialist. Graduates are also well placed to move right through to senior systems and project management roles. Additionally, many graduates find themselves self-employed in consulting or innovative development work.