BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Why study this course with LJMU?

We have hundreds of established collaborations and associations with international, national and local organisations including major tech companies, banks, police forces and government agencies. Opportunity to undertake a year's paid industrial placement. Practical, hands-on experience incorporated into modules wherever possible. State-of-the-art computing facilities, including dedicated labs, available to students on site. Excellent career prospects. Start Month: September. Campus Location: City Campus.

About your course

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Liverpool John Moores University is informed by industry requirements and internationally important research. There are many exciting paid placement opportunities, thanks to our extensive links with employers.

About the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree

You will gain the required academic and theoretical skills to pursue a career in computer science plus advanced practical skills relating to the theory, practice, tools and applications of contemporary software technologies. You will also secure an understanding of architectures, frameworks and strategies for building software computer systems, should you wish to seek a career in software development, for example.

You will have access to industry-standard facilities, including nine specialist teaching laboratories, with over 400 workstations, featuring high specifications and the latest software and specialist applications. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Computer Science, with the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) commended teaching and staff support, will allow you to gain the necessary practical, technical and analytical skills required of a Computer Science professional.

Why study computing at LJMU?

The School of Computer Science and Mathematics is highly rated for its research in computing and the science behind the systems. This research directly informs what you will study on the degree. In addition, the Department has extensive links with industry, and regularly hosts guest speakers from industry and an invited industry advisory panel.

Our graduates enjoy excellent career prospects thanks to our extensive links with hundreds of international, national and local organisations, from industries such as tech companies, financial services, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defence, healthcare, retail, government and local government agencies and telecommunications. Such links also help ensure that students enjoy excellent work-related learning and paid placement opportunities throughout their degrees.

Course modules

Year 1

• Introduction to Programming (20 credits)
  • In this module you are delivered programming and problem-solving skills with no prior assumptions of programming experience. Given the importance of programming to computer science, this module will encourage you to study more specialised software development topics. You will gain an understanding of how software is developed and become familiar with a range of computer programming paradigms.
• Computer Systems (20 credits)
  • This module provides you with basic knowledge in relation to the computing platform (hardware, operating systems, networks) upon which applications are developed and hosted. You will need this as support knowledge for subsequent modules at Level 5 and 6.
• Professional Practice (10 credits)
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to consider your future role as a computing professional. The tutorials and workshops will be used to develop strategies that you can use, providing opportunities for you to understand the field of Computing in a more effective way. You will develop your understanding of professionalism in computing, of working in the computing industry, and of the ethical frameworks and codes of conduct for the computing industry.
• Data Modelling (10 credits)
  • The module develops your ability to model data in various differing scenarios. You are initially required to manipulate and present data in spreadsheet based applications. Then, you are required to solve problems using a data modelling methodology (e.g. entity relationship models
    ormalisation), ultimately leading towards the construction of database based applications.
• Foundations of Computer Science (20 credits)
  • This module provides you with a strong foundation in the topics underpinning computer science. The module engages you with modelling systems and analysis techniques that are used to investigate and understand computing and software engineering problems. The intention is for you to develop a scientific and engineering ethos that will enable you to understand the science of computing.
• Computer Science Workshop (20 credits)
  • This module introduces you to the skills required for developing technical computer science solutions in software as part of a development team. Each team will be fully supported by the delivery team. You will be expected to arrive at solutions yourself, acquire most of the necessary skills and knowledge yourself, and support your team members to strengthen cohesion and to arrive at solutions earlier.
• Introduction to Web Development (20 credits)
  • Increasingly, much of the world's software is being run in a web browser. Software offered over the Web provides many sought-after benefits in software deployment: ease of implementation, universality and ubiquity of access, and availability of server-side data and services. This module seeks to endow you with the necessary knowledge and underpinning technologies to develop for the World Wide Web. You will learn techniques and technologies to develop web applications, hosted on a web application server, using a server-side programming language to dynamically generate standards compliant mark-up, driven from a data source. You will use design principles which abstract content from aesthetic and utilises client-side dynamism to enhance the user's experience, using industry standard toolsets and web-focused API.

Year 2

• Group Project (20 credits)
  • The module has two main purposes. First, you will be equipped with adequate research skills and experience of working on subject-related research topics, to lead into your final year project. Second, this module works to enhance your professionalism, including teamworking, which boosts employability and your awareness of what is expected in an employment scenario.
• Database Systems (20 credits)
  • In this module you will explore the operation of database systems through a scrutiny of modern RDBMS (Relational Data Base Management Systems), the SQL (Structured Query Language) and database connectivity APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The module continues by exploring some of the managerial considerations of large-scale RDBMS. The module concludes by exploring the operation of emerging NoSQL (Not Only SQL) database systems. Overall, you will design relational databases, develop date driven applications, critically evaluate applications, and design appropriate non-relational databases.
• Algorithm Design (20 credits)
  • This module introduces you to the methods for solving computational problems. It covers the modern theory of algorithms, focusing on the themes of efficient algorithms and intractable problems. You will gain an understanding of how to select and design data structures and algorithms to solve computational problems alongside developing an understanding of key concepts of complexity theory, illustrating their relevance to practical problems of algorithm design.
• Knowledge Based Systems (20 credits)
  • This module introduces you to the theory, methods, techniques and tools involved in the development of knowledge-based systems and intelligent systems. It will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and experience of the development process, tools and techniques used for producing knowledge based and 'intelligent' systems.
• Automata, Languages and Computation (20 credits)
  • This module introduces you to automata theory and formal language theory and emphasises real life application. Particular attention is paid to compiler design considerations using regular expressions and context free grammars. You will also investigate the limits of effective computation by studying undecidable problems.

Year 3

• Project (40 credits)
  • This module presents you with the opportunity to complete a substantial project in a chosen area relevant to your programme. The scope of what is an appropriate artefact varies between programmes and you will discuss this with your programme teams. This module will enable you to use rigorous development or scientific methods to produce an artefact, resulting in an oral and written report.
• Advanced Topics in AI (20 credits)
  • To equip the student with the tools to tackle complex real-world problems using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to investigate both the application of rigorous mathematical techniques for production and evaluation, as well as the use of intellectual tools and ethical foundations to use, produce, and assess intelligent machines. This module will introduce the latest concepts, tools and techniques in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Computer Graphics and Visualisation (20 credits)
  • Massive amounts of data are being generated by modern digital systems and there is a demand for rapid and effective analysis and communication of the relevant data. This module covers topics related to interpreting and displaying data for visualisation alongside techniques to present various types of data in appropriate formats. You will use computer graphic techniques to develop data and information visualisation and be introduced to the theoretical concepts of graphical display, both 2D and 3D, leading to the practical development of visualisation solutions using relevant tools and techniques.
• Contemporary Concepts in Computer Science (20 credits)
  • This module introduces you to Computer Science topics that are used or have significant potential to impact upon future applications in modern technology. This module will develop your understanding of how computer science concepts, tools and techniques are used in modern technology.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Support Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

You will begin the course with a three-day induction and then spend approximately 15 hours per week in the classroom. Independent study is a fundamental element of the course and accounts for about 70% or 35 hours of your weekly study time.

Teaching is mostly via lectures with more informal lab sessions, online activities and small-group tutorials to reinforce ideas discussed in the lectures and to give you a chance to develop ideas with staff and other students. You will be based in LJMUs Byrom Street campus, which is engineered to guarantee your success thanks to the investment of 6million in state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities.

Our computer laboratories provide access to over 150 high-performance computers, including PC/Linux Workstations and Networked Multimedia PCs for general use, in addition to the campus computing cluster. Teaching rooms are also designed to enable the multimedia delivery of teaching materials and demonstrations.

Work-related Learning

There are many paid work placement options for you to choose from in your third year and extensive support is provided to enable you to apply for and gain a relevant placement in the computing industry. The department maintains wide-ranging links with industry, promoting successful placements, with global companies such as Microsoft, Barclays, Experian, GlaxoSmithKline, Sony, IBM, etc. as well as many local software and IT businesses. These placements facilitate the practical application of the skills learnt on the course and provide invaluable industry experience. The vast majority, if not all, students completing this Computer Science sandwich degree go on to obtain full-time employment in the computing industry.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will work with you on setting targets for yourself as part of your personal development plan, and provide one-to-one support on course-related or other matters.

If you decide to undertake a years work placement, this support will continue as a supervisor will stay in close contact and visit you at your workplace.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

You will be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams and a personal independent project. Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or as written comments.

Career paths

Thanks to LJMUs industry-recognised teaching and research excellence in Computer Science, our students are highly sought after by employers both in the UK and overseas and many secure employment before they graduate.

This BSc degree leads to a range of careers in the Information Technology industry, such as:

• software engineering
• computer security
• computer games development
• computer networks analyst

The transferable skills developed on this course are also highly valued in many other fields of employment.

Tuition fees and funding

Home International

Full-time per year:

£9,535

Placement year:

£1,905

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.

Financial Support

The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

• Accommodation
• Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
• Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament. In the event of such a change, any fee increase will be subject to a maximum cap of 10% of the total course cost as originally stated at the time of your offer.

Full-time per year:

£18,250

Placement year:

£3,830

International Scholarships and payment plans

Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.

Scholarships

LJMU provides a variety of undergraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university.

All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.

Deposit

All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.

For more information view our deposit page.

Tuition Fee Payment Plan

After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.

All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.

Early Bird Tuition Fee discount

We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.

To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC-ABB (112-128)

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

Home International

Qualification requirements

• GCSEs and equivalents
  • Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy.
  • GCSE Equivalences accepted:
    • Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
    • NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
    • Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
    • Higher Diploma in Maths/English
    • Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
    • Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• A levels
  • BBC-ABB Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
  • Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20
• BTECs
  • Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
• Access awards
  • Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
  • Pass overall with a minimum of 112 points
• International Baccalaureate
  • Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• OCR Cambridge Technical
  • Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
• Irish awards
  • Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• T levels
  • Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
  • You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
• International requirements
  • IELTS
    • 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here

We are looking for students who are keen to learn new skills and develop those they already possess. We want students with the ability to: be creative with ideas and concepts, moderate their creativity with logic, be enthusiastic and thirsty for knowledge, communicate effectively and confidently and understand and adapt to a wide range of issues connected with the subject.

It is also important that students are able to manage time and tasks effectively as an individual and as part of a team, use appropriate sources to find and organise information and select and critically evaluate information in order to analyse problems. If you would like to develop these skills further, have a strong interest in this subject area and want to work effectively within it, then this is the course for you.

International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.

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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (SW) - Liverpool John Moores University

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Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Liverpool John Moores University is designed to equip students with the necessary academic, theoretical, and practical skills to pursue a career in computer science. The program focuses on contemporary software technologies, including architectures, frameworks, and strategies for building software computer systems. It aims to provide students with a strong foundation in the topics underpinning computer science, including modelling systems and analysis techniques. The program also emphasizes practical, hands-on experience, incorporating it into modules wherever possible.

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Objectives:

• Gain the required academic and theoretical skills to pursue a career in computer science.
• Develop advanced practical skills relating to the theory, practice, tools, and applications of contemporary software technologies.
• Develop a scientific and engineering ethos to understand the science of computing.
• Gain the necessary practical, technical, and analytical skills required of a Computer Science professional.

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Outline:

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science program is a 3-year full-time program, with the option of a 4-year placement year. The program is structured across three levels:

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Level 4:

• Core Modules:
• Introduction to Programming (20 credits)
• Computer Systems (20 credits)
• Professional Practice (10 credits)
• Data Modelling (10 credits)
• Foundations of Computer Science (20 credits)
• Computer Science Workshop (20 credits)
• Introduction to Web Development (20 credits)

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Level 5:

• Core Modules:
• Group Project (20 credits)
• Database Systems (20 credits)
• Algorithm Design (20 credits)
• Knowledge Based Systems (20 credits)
• Automata, Languages and Computation (20 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Sandwich Year - Computer Science (120 credits)
• Study Year Abroad - Computer Science (120 credits)
• Object-Oriented Systems (20 credits)
• Secure Software Development (20 credits)
• Data Analytics (20 credits)
• Mobile and Web Development (20 credits)

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Level 6:

• Core Modules:
• Project (40 credits)
• Advanced Topics in AI (20 credits)
• Computer Graphics and Visualisation (20 credits)
• Contemporary Concepts in Computer Science (20 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• User Experience Design (20 credits)
• Network Defence (20 credits)
• Applied Data Science (20 credits)

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Module Descriptions:

Detailed descriptions of each module are provided in the context, covering learning objectives, content, and assessment methods.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include a combination of:

• Exams: Written examinations assess theoretical knowledge and understanding.
• Coursework: Assignments, projects, and presentations assess practical skills, application of knowledge, and research abilities.
• Independent Project: A substantial project in a chosen area relevant to the program, culminating in an oral and written report.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Active blended learning approach: Combines face-to-face and online learning.
• Lectures: Deliver core concepts and theories.
• Lab sessions: Provide hands-on experience and practical application of knowledge.
• Online activities: Enhance learning through interactive exercises and resources.
• Small-group tutorials: Facilitate discussion, problem-solving, and peer learning.
• Faculty:
• Dedicated and experienced staff committed to high standards of teaching and learning.
• Personal tutors provide one-to-one support and guidance.
• Supervisors provide support during placement years.
• Unique Approaches:
• Industry-recognised teaching and research excellence in Computer Science.
• Extensive links with industry, promoting successful placements with global companies.
• State-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities.
• Access to over 150 high-performance computers and networked multimedia PCs.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Software Engineering
• Computer Security
• Computer Games Development
• Computer Networks Analyst
• Opportunities:
• Excellent career prospects due to industry-recognised teaching and research.
• Many students secure employment before graduation.
• Work-related learning opportunities through placements and internships.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are highly sought after by employers in the UK and overseas.
• The transferable skills developed on the course are valued in many other fields of employment.

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Other:

• Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service:
• Provides a wide range of opportunities and support to enhance career trajectory.
• Offers resources, workshops, internships, and one-to-one career advice.
• Supports students in developing enterprise skills and starting their own businesses.
• Go Abroad:
• Offers opportunities to study abroad, complete work placements, or participate in internship programs.
• Provides support through the Go Citizen Scheme for volunteering and unpaid placements.
• News and Views:
• Provides access to the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond.
• Facilities:
• The program is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU's City Campus.
• Students have access to high-quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms, social spaces, a large cafe, and the Avril Robarts Library.

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Home full-time per year

£9,250

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International full-time per year

£18,250

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Placement year

£1,850

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Placement year international

£3,830

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Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

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Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.