Bachelor in Computer sciences Dual Award program

• Awards: Bachelor of Natural Sciences in Computer Science
• Amount of credits: 240 ECTS
• Accreditation: the program is accredited until 23.08.2029

The dual Award programme in Computer Science has been developed through careful and detailed collaboration between the University of Lincoln UK and the University of Latvia, drawing on the experience of both institutions. The programme is considered to provide industry-required knowledge in order to respond to the needs of the labour market and the interests of students.

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree provides students with the opportunity to develop the experience, skills, and knowledge to design and develop a variety of software and hardware computing solutions for real-world problems. Particular attention is paid to cutting-edge topics, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, in addition to core computer science disciplines. This aims to ensure that students' studies are at the forefront of research in the field and meeting the needs of the computing industry. In addition, students are encouraged to work with academics on research projects. Computer Science at the University of Lincoln is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for learning resources in the National Student Survey 2020 (out of 104 ranking institutions). The programme is accredited by The British Computer Society. The University of Lincoln is also affiliated with The Institution of Analysts and Programmers.

The University of Latvia study programme “Computer Science” has been accredited at the European level and awarded the “Euro-Inf Quality Label”. The University of Latvia is the only university in Latvia holding such a quality label. Besides obtaining a wide range of theoretical knowledge, our students have the opportunity to start their careers during their studies. The study programme includes a compulsory internship in the industry, which already starts in the 2nd year of studying, so all graduates of the bachelor's programme already have real work experience.

Every year employers in Latvia recognise the University of Latvia's bachelor's study programme in computer science as the most recommended study programme. In an annual survey, employers recognise the study programme “ Computer Science” as the best among not only IT programmes but also study programmes of all fields.

We are also proud of our lecturers with doctoral degrees and education and experience obtained in world universities. High-level specialists from the industry are also involved in lecturing.

Overview of the Dual Award

A student at the University of Latvia will enrol on and study a local programme that has been evaluated to ensure that the module learning outcomes are equivalent to those delivered at the University of Lincoln. On graduation, the student will receive two certificates: one for the University of Latvia degree programme and one for the equivalent University of Lincoln programme. The award transcript will be designed to make clear that the qualification has been gained through a dual award mechanism.

Students will progress through the stages and levels of their programme. Quality assurance will take place at all points with programme teams ensuring that comparable quality of experience has been achieved, and external examiners ensuring that work of an appropriate standard has been maintained. University of Lincoln Boards of Examiners will be hosted in Riga at each progression stage to ensure module equivalence has been achieved and to ensure appropriate progress is being made by each student. University of Lincoln Award Boards will be scheduled to make its awards to graduating students.

To construct the dual awards, a detailed mapping has been undertaken and approved which shows how the course learning outcomes for Years 1-2 of the three-year University of Lincoln programme are covered by a study on Years 1-3 of the four-year University of Latvia program. For the final year of study at the University of Latvia, students will take the same modules as those delivered in Year 3 (the final year) of the University of Lincoln programme. That will ensure that although the students might study entirely at the University of Latvia, the quality assurance at the point of graduation for the University of Lincoln degree will be easily demonstrated. There will be flexibility for contextualisation of the final year content, and it will be possible to set differentiated assessments if that is considered beneficial (subject to oversight and approval). All assessment tasks will have a front cover which shows students clearly which University of Lincoln module learning outcomes are being assessed in that task.

Linkage between the course teams at the two institutions will be maintained at a close and supportive level with staff development events, joint conferences and symposia, collaborative research opportunities etc. It is envisaged that the partnership will also stimulate direct recruitment to programmes at Lincoln, offer student exchange and study abroad placements etc.