Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a year in industry)

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with a year in industry) program is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in computer science theory and practical skills for solving real-world problems. The program includes a year in industry, which allows students to gain real-life experience and build their professional network.

Overview

• The program is a four-year full-time course.
• The UCAS code is G401, and the institution code is Y50.
• The start date is September 2026.
• The typical offer is AAA, including Mathematics.

Course Content

• The program covers a broad range of topics in computer science, including:
  • Theory
  • Software
  • Systems and Devices
  • Data
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
  • Intelligent Systems
  • Engineering
  • Cyber security
• The course is structured into eight streams, which provide the fundamental knowledge that all computer science graduates should possess.
• In Year 1, students focus on establishing a solid foundation in programming and computing.
• In Year 2, students build upon the foundations laid in Year 1 and take modules from streams 1 to 5 to deepen their learning.
• In Year 3, students spend a year in industry, which gives them a chance to use what they have learned during their degree.
• In Year 4, students really get under the skin of the specialist areas that interest them.

Core Modules

• Year 1:
  • Software 1: Foundations of Programming for Computer Science
  • Theory 1: Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Software 2: Object-Oriented Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Systems and Devices 1: Introduction to Computer Architectures
  • Theory 2: Formal Languages and Automata
• Year 2:
  • Engineering 1: Systems and Software Engineering
  • Systems and Devices 2: Operating Systems, Security and Networking
  • Theory 3: Computability, Complexity and Logic
  • Intelligent Systems: Machine Learning and Optimisation
  • Data: Introduction to Data Science
  • Systems and Devices 3: Advanced Computer Systems
• Year 4:
  • Computer Science Project
  • Option modules (examples include):
    • AI Search and Logic
    • Autonomous Robots
    • Evolutionary Intelligence
    • Computer Vision and Graphics
    • Cryptography Theory and Practice
    • Embedded Systems Design and Implementation
    • Engineering 2: Automated Software Engineering
    • Ethical Hacking, Analysis and Investigation
    • High-Integrity Systems Engineering
    • High-Performance Parallel and Distributed Systems
    • Human Factors: Technology in Context
    • Deep Learning
    • Legal Practice, Technology and Computer Science
    • Network Security
    • Player Experiences in Digital Games
    • Qualitative Approaches to Investigating UX
    • Quantum Computation
    • Research Methods in Computer Science

Accreditation

• The program is accredited by:
  • BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
  • BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

Facilities

• The Department of Computer Science has four software laboratories, two hardware laboratories, and a range of social learning spaces.
• The study and social pod is open 24/7 for group and individual study and events.

Teaching and Assessment

• The program uses a variety of assessment techniques, including report writing, presentations, live demos, timed programming assessments, and closed exams.
• Feedback is provided on assessments in addition to the marks received.
• The Departmental Examinations Team is available to answer assessment queries.

Careers and Skills

• The program provides students with a broad understanding of all the essential scientific principles, engineering techniques, and practices in computer science.
• Graduates are attractive to many organizations, and most go into the field of IT/computing, followed by financial services.
• The program helps students develop analytical, research, management, and communication skills.

Entry Requirements

• Qualification: A levels, Access to Higher Education Diploma, BTEC National Extended Diploma, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, T levels, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, International foundation programme, Other qualifications.
• Typical offer: AAA, including Mathematics.
• Alternative offers: BBB, including Mathematics, for widening participation or contextual offer.
• English language requirements: IELTS (Academic), IB English, Cambridge CEFR, Oxford ELLT, Oxford Test of English Advanced, Duolingo, GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language, LanguageCert SELT, LanguageCert Academic, Kaplan Test of English Language, Skills for English, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE III.

Fees and Funding

• Annual tuition fees: UK (home) £9,535, International and EU £32,350.
• Fees for subsequent years: UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap, International fees are subject to increase in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate.
• Additional costs: Unlikely to be any mandatory additional costs, but students may want to set aside £200 for optional photocopying and personal stationery.
• Funding: UK government loans, UK scholarships and bursaries, International scholarships, Country-specific funding, US loans.
• Living costs: Students can use the living costs guide to help plan their budget.