Program Overview

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Computing Science BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

The rise in digital technology has increased the demand for highly skilled professionals with a thorough understanding of key computing technologies, combined with the practical skills to solve software issues.

This course will provide you with the opportunity to explore computing science from both an academic and a practical perspective. You will draw upon and develop a detailed knowledge of subject-related theory, technology, development methods and a range of professional and intellectual skills.

The degree is designed to introduce you to work in this exciting and constantly changing field. Throughout the programme, we teach the academic, professional and personal skills required to develop within this evolving industry.

With a computing science degree, you can explore a range of specialisms depending on your career goals. Industries looking for talented programmers include AI, computer security, machine learning, healthcare, and financial services.

Why You Should Study This Course

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University.

We aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work.

We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low.

We've made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

Learn in our Cyber Lab, a dedicated teaching space designed to give you a practical learning experience for conducting research, testing and experimentation related to computing science and cyber security.

What You'll Study

Year One

Year one introduces you to the core fundamentals that underpin computing science. You will explore the importance of IT security, and the risks posed to computer systems globally. In addition, you will develop your professional problem-solving skills, as you understand the basic principles of programming.

Most of the modules contain a practical element so you receive the best combination of theoretical and practical learning.

Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing Science.

Modules

• Networking – 30 credits
  • This introductory module aims to provide knowledge of key networking and computer architectures. Focusing on the origins, structure and fundamental components of a computer network, you will gain foundational knowledge of relevant technologies including wireless, wired and optical computer networking.
• Operating Systems – 30 credits
  • In this module you will learn basic operating system concepts including processes, memory management, drivers and file systems, while examining security risks and security management strategies.
• Information Security – 30 credits
  • This module will cover the issues of IT security and risk. You will critically analyse risks a computer may face, from viruses to computer hacking.
• Problem Solving and Programming – 30 credits
  • Basic problem-solving and algorithm design techniques will be studied in this module, alongside programming and programming language concepts.

Year Two

Year two builds on the knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. Now that you are working to a higher level, you will begin building your knowledge and understanding of computer hardware and web development.

Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing Science.

Modules

• Computer Hardware – 30 credits
  • This module focuses on computer architecture and operations, particularly as it affects the support of operating systems and applications.
• Human Computer Interaction and Web Development – 30 credits
  • During this technical module, you will be set a number of increasingly challenging communication, interface and application design problems commonly faced in modern day society.
• Algorithms and Data Structures – 30 credits
  • In this module, you will extend your programming and algorithm design skills and gain the ability to structure and manipulate intricate data sets through extensive work with complex software.
• Communication and Collaboration – 30 credits
  • In preparation for the final year project, this collaborative module aims to enhance your skillset by developing key skills such as communication, team working, co-operation and collaboration, project planning, commercial awareness, cultural awareness and distributed working.

Placement Year

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study.

Modules

• UK Work Placement – 0 credits
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme.
• International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme.

Final Year

In year three you will explore hardware and software networking and popular operating systems at an advanced level. You will look to enhance your critical understanding of Information Technology as an enabler for organisations and the complex and fast-changing trends in a business context.

Modules

• Big Data – 30 credits
  • You will work with databases and datasets of varying sizes and levels of complexity in this module, from small scale use to enterprise-scalable implementations.
• Internet of Things – 30 credits
  • The underlying principles, technologies and architecture of wireless sensor networks will be examined in this module along with current practical applications and future trends.
• Contemporary Issues in Computing – 30 credits
  • You'll look at a range of contemporary and emerging technologies, applications and professional issues in computing.
• Project – 30 credits
  • You have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest within the field of Computing Science, which may be aligned to your future career interests.

How You'll Learn

Our teaching methods are varied, offering several teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students.

Teaching Contact Hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study.

Guided and Independent Study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module.

Online Learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements:

• HNC: 64 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
• HND: 80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
• Degree: 104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

Fees and Funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time ---|---|--- UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £9,535 per year | Not available EU | £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary** | Not available International | £14,800 per year | Not available

Facilities

Our purpose-built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium and includes:

• Our Cyber Lab - a dedicated learning space designed to give you a practical learning experience for conducting research, testing and experimentation related to computing science and cyber security.

Facilities include:

• indoor social spaces, including a café
• a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
• open-access computers, free wi-fi
• student support and careers advice teams.

Careers and Opportunities

On completion, you should be able to:

• Use an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to computing science.
• Develop practical skills to solve complex workshop-based problems.
• Appraise a problem and debate alternative, sustainable solutions.
• Key practical and transferable skills to enhance their long-term employability or to progress to specialist, postgraduate study.

Globally recognised, the technology industry boasts several compelling benefits. In addition to impressive graduate prospects and elevated salaries, computer science graduates could have numerous opportunities in a diverse range of fields.

This varied industry means you can expand into several specialist areas. Possible career paths include Mobile and Software Application Development, Video Game Designing, Database Administration, Web Development, Network and Computer Systems Administration and IT Security.

How to Apply

I102

BSc (Hons)

Apply via UCAS

I103

HND

Apply via UCAS

I104

HNC

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU Scarborough directly.

International students

International codes: CUSCU043

International students should apply to CU Scarborough directly.