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Computer Science (BSc)
Award: Bachelor of Science
Typical Offer: A*AA
Duration: 3 years
Course Type: Full-time
Campus: Highfield
UCAS Course code: G400
About this course
On this computer science degree, you'll learn how to design and build software programs and systems. You’ll find out about the latest advances in areas like machine learning, cyber security and computer vision. This will prepare you for success in a fast-moving industry.
This BSc Computer Science course will teach you about the essentials and give you the flexibility to follow your interests through specialist modules. You’ll gain the knowledge to develop technologies that can make a difference to people’s lives in topics such as:
- algorithmics
- data management
- software design and modelling
- interaction design
- cyber security
You don’t need any previous computing experience to join the course – you can choose your own level for the first programming module. We can give you plenty of support if you are a complete beginner, or set something more challenging if you’re already a proficient programmer.
You’ll study in state-of-the-art teaching labs with the latest equipment and high-quality displays, as well as dedicated labs for project work.
There’s also an informal lab, with group-work areas, projectors and whiteboards. This acts as the department’s social hub – a place where you can have lunch and meet up with students from across the department to work on academic or personal projects.
Our Southampton-based degree is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of:
- fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer
- partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer
Study Computer Science in Malaysia
You can also study this course at University of Southampton Malaysia.
Accreditations
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- British Computer Society (BCS)
Course structure
All our computer science degree courses share the same compulsory modules in years 1 and 2, making it easy to switch between them. In the third year, you can tailor your degree by choosing optional modules.
The breadth of our research means you’ll have wide range of options to choose from. With computer science and electronics being part of the same department, you’ll have easy access to modules in these complementary disciplines.
Year 1 overview
You’ll study the logical and mathematical theory underpinning computer science. You’ll also gain an understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware.
As an introduction to software engineering, you’ll cover data structures and algorithms. You’ll also look at the principles of programming, including using object-oriented approach and software engineering processes.
You’ll apply your knowledge by working on practical projects. For example, you’ll build algorithms and data analysis tools, and develop software user interfaces.
Year 2 overview
You’ll deepen your understanding of computer science by studying topics, such as artificial intelligence, communication protocols and the TCP/IP layered model.
A group project will give you first-hand experience of working in a team, and of communication and scale in software engineering.
Year 3 overview
An individual project is a chance to conduct in-depth research in an area of computer science that interests you, under the supervision of an academic with expertise in your chosen field. This could involve designing, building and testing a software or computer system. Themes covered by past students include:
- smart home cyber security
- fake news recognition
- how gesture-sensing technology can be used in healthcare
You’ll get to choose from a wide range of optional modules, including game design and development, web infrastructure and robotic systems.
There are also options outside the department. You could study a language, take modules from other disciplines such as law or business, or choose from a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules.
Entry requirements
A-levels
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).
A-levels additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
BTEC
RQF BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics.
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2, to include mathematics and applied mathematics
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-Us can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A) or AA from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
T-Level
A Distinction* overall, with A* in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics.
The following T levels are accepted:
- Digital Business Services
- Digital Support Services
- Science
- Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
- Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
The following Occupational Specialisms are required:
- For the T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Electrical and electronic engineering” or "Control and instrumentation engineering".
- For the T level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Maintenance engineering technologies: Electrical and Electronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Mechatronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Control and Instrumentation" or "Light and Electric Vehicles".
Other requirements
- UK students
- International students
- Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
- overall score: 6.5
- reading: 6.0
- writing: 6.0
- speaking: 6.0
- listening: 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
- have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
- have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
- have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
- are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
- are a mature student with relevant experience or study
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Modules
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
- Algorithmics
- COMP Part I Laboratory Programme
- Computer Systems I
- Data Management
- Mathematics I
- Mathematics II
- Networks and Security
- Programming I
- Programming II
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Systems II
- Formal Specification and Verification
- Programming III
- Programming Language Concepts
- Software Design and Development Project
- Theory of Computing
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
- Part III Individual Project Phase 1
- Part III Individual Project Phase 2
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Advanced Computer Networks
- Advanced Databases
- Causal Reasoning and Machine Learning
- Cheminformatics
- Cloud Application Development
- Computational Biology
- Computer Vision
- Foundations of Machine Learning
- Game Design and Development
- History of Computing
- Machine Learning Technologies
- Natural Language Processing
- Operational Research
- Optimisation
- Real-Time Computing and Embedded Systems
- Robotic Systems
- Security of Cyber Physical Systems
- Social Computing Techniques
- Web Architecture and Hypertext Technologies
- Web and Cloud Based Security
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
- Year 1: 30% scheduled learning & teaching, 70% independent learning
- Year 2: 29% scheduled learning & teaching, 71% independent learning
- Year 3: 21% scheduled learning & teaching, 79% independent learning
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1: 54% written exam, 37% coursework, 9% practical exam
Year 2: 50% written exam, 47% coursework, 3% practical exam
Year 3: 32% written exam, 68% coursework
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Nicholas Gibbins is the course leader.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- EDI leadership
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Resilience
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
- Information and Communication
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Finance and Insurance
- Public Administration and Defence
- Scientific and Technical
Careers directly related to this course:
- Computer scientist
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Cyber security engineer
- Technical consultant
- Technology analyst
- Web developer
- Game developer
Wider career opportunities:
- Investment banker
- IT project manager
- Secondary school teacher
- Technical sales manager
- Information security analyst
- University lecturer
- Patent attorney
Example job titles of Southampton BSc Computer Science graduates:
- Computer scientist
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Cyber forensics engineer
- Technical consultant
- Technology analyst
- Web developer
Job prospects for BSc Computer Science graduates
- Average professional salary: £39k
- In a skilled profession or further study: 94%
- Graduate employment rate: 96%
Source: The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Read more
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
More about careers support
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students: £9,535
- EU and international students: £29,400
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
- pay your tuition fees
- calculate your student finances
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
- accommodation costs
- living costs
- budgeting advice
- fees, charges, and expenses regulations
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: G400
- UCAS institution code: S27
Apply for this course
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]