OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE

RESEARCH, STATISTICS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE (RSIMD)

MEMO
TO : CHIEF DIRECTOR

THRU : DIRECTOR RSIMD

FROM : ASSISTANT IT/IM TECHNICIAN

DATE : 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

SUBJECT : PERMISSION TO FURTHER EDUCATION AND REQUEST FOR

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

I have been a Staff of the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS) for almost
two (2) years, and would be grateful if you would consider my application for
sponsorship to study for the University of London’s Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Computer Science in Web and Mobile Application Development as part of my
ongoing career development programme.
This application signals my commitment to further my career with Office of the
Head of Civil Service (OHCS). While many undergraduate students are required to
postpone their career, the flexible nature of this online programme will cause
minimal disruption to my working pattern.
The programme will enable me to develop further a range of strategic and analytical
tools, the benefits of which will improve my contribution to the firm from the
beginning and make a significant impact to my performance in the longer term.
2. By completing this programme, I will gain:
 The ability to develop transferable skills (such as critical thinking and
problem solving) which will be an asset to the office;
 Since I will study my degree alongside the demands of work and family life.
The challenge of it will make me strong at time-management, working
independently, and meeting deadlines;
 The ability to discover things for myself and find out how to succeed by
being more perceptive and proactive.

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3. Below, I have included the following information to support this proposal for
sponsorship:
 Why this programme is the right option.
 Details about the programme, and how it will enable me to benefit the
organisation.
 How this will fit around my existing commitments.
 The pricing structure and how the organisation could help.

4. Suitability of the BSc Computer Science (Web & Mobile App

Developer)
After researching similar programmes, I have concluded that the BSc Computer
Science in Web & Mobile Applications Development is the best fit for my situation.
My reasoning is as follows:

5. Options for different study routes

The programme offers the opportunity to graduate with a specialization in one of
the following fields; Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Web
Development., something only offered at master’s level and above in all other
universities and colleges globally and nationally.

If I do not meet all of the entry requirements for the BSc, earning the International
Foundation Certificate provides an alternative entry route which will allow me to
progress to the BSc.

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 The programme is flexible: This programme is designed to allow people to
continue working. It can be completed within three (3) to six (6) years. I can
plan my studies around my standard working commitments and adjust the level
of intensity if my work requirements require me to do so.
 The programme is portable: As an online programme, it is accessible from
anywhere in the world. If I need to travel for work, I can maintain my study
commitments.
 A reputable provider: The University of London (UoL) is the world’s oldest
provider of distance-learning programmes with an outstanding reputation for
quality.

6. The global outreach of the programme

Because of the global nature of the University of London’s offering, I will get the
chance to network and collaborate with fellow peers from across the globe and
learn from other professionals.

7. How it compares on price

The BSc Computer Science (Web & Mobile Applications Development) is
competitively priced in comparison to similar programmes offered.
The flexible nature of the programme contributes to reducing the costs to complete
the programme by eliminating the costs to relocate to London as a full-time student.
The estimated total cost of the programme is between £11,229 - £16,790,
depending upon geographic location. You won’t be billed upfront for the whole
degree. Instead, pay as you go - each time you take a module, you’ll pay the tuition
just for that module. If you need to take a term off, you won’t be charged during that
term.

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8. About the programme
The BSc Computer Science degree, developed by the team at Goldsmiths, University
of London, are designed to give you a strong foundation in Computer Science and
specialised knowledge of topics such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence,
Virtual Reality and Web Development. The programme covers industry and
academic case studies to help you apply studies in terms of real-world problems.
You’ll develop and execute a series of projects throughout the programme to
develop technical skills and hone problem solving abilities.
The programmes are structured into three levels. The first level covering computer
programming, with a special project on web applications. You will learn how
computers work as well as the mathematics that underpin computer science. The
second level deepens your programming skills and your understanding of how to
develop substantial software projects. You’ll also begin to learn specialised topics
such as Graphics Programming and Data Science. In the third level, you’ll have the
opportunity to study specialised modules depending on your specialist pathway and
bring your knowledge and skills together with a final individual project —
developing your own software.

9. Core Modules
To gain a BSc in Computer Science, you’ll need to complete modules worth 360
credits. This includes:
 8 compulsory modules at level 4, covering the fundamentals: how
computers work, how to programme, and mathematics that underpin
computer science.
 8 compulsory modules at level 5, covering programming skills needed for
software projects and specialist topics such as Graphics Programming and
Data Science.
 6 elective modules from level 6, then undertake a 30-credit project that
combines your knowledge and skills to create a software system.
 Complete a final project.

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This is a flexible programme, allowing students to study at their own pace (either
part-time or full-time), adjusting the intensity of the learning to suit individual
needs.
There are 2 sessions in the academic year with modules starting in either October or
April

Sample Schedule 3 Years (28 hours per week)

Autumn (October) 4 modules

Spring (April) 4 modules

Autumn (October) 4 modules

Spring (April) 4 modules

Autumn (October) 4 modules

Spring (April) 2 modules + Project

• Over a 22-week session, a 15 credit module will typically require 150 hours of
notional study hours. Each module, excluding the final project, is organized into 10
topics, with approximately 10-12 hours of study required per topic. The remaining
study time is intended for coursework and examination preparation. This will roughly
equate to 7 hours of study per module per week.
• There are 2 sessions in the academic year with modules starting in either October or
April
• Students complete the programme in 3-6 years

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10. All of the Level 4 and Level 5 modules are compulsory. There is a broad range
of elective options at Level 6.

Level 4 - compulsory
 Introduction to programming I
 Introduction to programming II
 Computational mathematics
 Discrete mathematics
 How computers work
 Fundamentals of computer science
 Web development
 Algorithms and data structures I

Level 5 - compulsory
 Object oriented programming
 Software design and development
 Databases, networks and the web
 Agile software projects
 Computer security
 Graphics programming
 Algorithms and data structures II
 Programming with data

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11. Specialist pathways
The programme offers specialist pathways, allowing me to select the best fit for my
needs.
 BSc Computer Science (Web and Mobile Development) - This degree
aims to set me up with the skills I’ll need to develop applications for web
and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The Web and mobile
development are critical application areas for computer science and i
absolutely believe this specialization will enable me develop extremely
useful applications to aid all Directorates within the OHCS maximize the
usual outputs exponentially.

12. Final Project

Design and Develop a Software of choice

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13. How does this degree meet the OHCS needs?
 Skills: I'll gain up-to-date technical and specialist knowledge for
problem-solving in your organisation.
 Impact: I'll be able to apply my newly acquired knowledge and ideas
instantly.
 Motivation: Sponsorship can be a great motivator for high-potential
employees.
 Flexibility: I will be able to fit my studies around my work duties
without needing time off for lectures or classes.

14. Managing my commitments

Studying through the University of London’s distance and flexible learning
programmes is an ideal choice for busy professionals because programmes are
designed to be studied independently and online, giving me the flexibility to learn at
your own pace and around my work schedule.

15. Costs, and how the organisation could help

a. Programme Fees
i. With the University of London, fees can either be paid for the whole
programme, or pay as you study.
ii. If the organisation opts to sponsor me on a pay-as-you-go basis to monitor
my performance, a breakdown of costs will be provided at regular intervals.
iii. Neither the company nor I would be required to make full payment up-front
(although there are some cost benefits to doing so).
iv. If I register separately for each module, I could specify an amount or an
agreed percentage that the office would become responsible for.
v. The main stipulation is that the fee for a module is to be paid before I can
access the course content.

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 b. Value
Unlike many undergraduate programmes, the module fee includes all course
materials. Additional supplementary costs will include:
 Examination centre costs (required)
 Applications for recognition of prior learning (if relevant)
  Cost of the preparatory online course (if relevant)
 Additional tuition at a local centre (if relevant)

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16. Employment Guarantees
I understand that sponsorship from OHCS is not an obligation. Therefore, in
appreciation for your support and sponsorship, OHCS can expect that I will not seek
other employment during and for a predetermined time after my programme. I also
understand that any sponsorship commitments will cease if my employment is
terminated for any reason. If OHCS provides some level of financial support for the
program, I am entirely willing to formalize a commitment to pay back any tuition.

I am willing to discuss terms concerning assurances that will safeguard the OHCS
investment:
 Minimum performance criteria on the course that I must maintain for
ongoing support. (I am willing to allow the university to release my
examination results.)
 An acceptable minimum tenure at the OHCS following the completion of
the course, and the process of repaying any sponsor contribution should I
leave before this point.

17. Conclusion
I will appreciate your favourable consideration of my request for educational
assistance. I believe going back to school while working represents a considerable
sacrifice of personal time on my part as well as finances on the part of the office -
thus at this point, I shall be excited to move forward with pursuing this program
because the degree will make me better at what I do. My commitment to OHCS
remains steadfast, and I feel that the Goldsmith University of London’s dynamic
virtual learning environment will allow me to grow as a professional while at the
same time adding immediate value to the Office.

OSBORN M.D.K. HODGES

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