Program Overview

Computer Science BSc

Overview

Computer science is more than just programming. It is about problem-solving and creativity. Our range of optional modules allows you to explore the areas of computer science that excite you. These include user experience design, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Key Information

• Qualification: BSc Hons
• Entry Requirements: A*AA (AAA if you have an A in computer science/computing)
• Start Date: September 2026
• UCAS Code: G400
• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Fees: £9,535*

Course Information

Year One

• Assembly Language Programming: Learn the basic principles of the object-oriented and functional approaches to programming, using the languages Java and Haskell.
• Computer Architecture: Study the fundamental architecture of computers and software.
• Databases and Interfaces: Consider both the structure of databases, including how to make them fast, efficient and reliable, and the appropriate user interfaces which will make them easy to interact with for users.
• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence: Gain a broad overview of the fundamental theories and techniques of artificial intelligence (AI).
• Introduction to Software Engineering: Learn the concept of software engineering and will be taken through the software development process.
• Mathematics for Computer Scientists: Cover the basic concepts in mathematics which are of relevance to the computer scientists.
• Networks: Learn how a computer communicates with other computers at a fundamental level.
• Programming and Algorithms: Introduce basic principles of programming and algorithms.
• Programming Paradigms: Learn the basic principles of the object-oriented and functional approaches to programming, using the languages Java and Haskell.

Year Two

• Algorithms, Data Structures and Efficiency: Study important aspects of algorithms and data structures.
• Developing Maintainable Software: Build on first year programming modules and further develop programming ability and experience.
• Introduction to Formal Reasoning: Examine aspects of language and compiler design by looking at the techniques and tools that are used to construct compilers for high level programming languages.
• Languages and Computation: Investigate classes of formal language and the practical uses of this theory, applying this to a series of abstract machines ultimately leading to a discussion on what computation is and what can and cannot be computed.
• Operating Systems and Concurrency: Cover the fundamental principles that underpin operating systems and concurrency.
• Software Engineering Group Project: Work in groups of around six to seven people, you’ll be assigned a supervisor who will provide you with a short written description of a computer application to be designed, programmed, and documented during the course of the module.

Year Three

• Computer Security: Cover the security of the computer, security of networks, security and the internet, software and hardware security, mobile security, and basic cryptography.
• Professional Ethics in Computing: Look broadly into professional ethics within the scope of the computing discipline.
• Optional Modules:
  • Collaboration and Communication Technologies: Consider the design of collaboration and communication technologies used in a variety of different contexts including workplace, domestic and leisure environments.
  • Compilers: Examine aspects of language and compiler design by looking at the techniques and tools that are used to construct compilers for high level programming languages.
  • Computability and Computational Complexity: Begin by considering the attempts to characterise the problems that can theoretically be solved by physically possible computational processes, along with the practical implications.
  • Computer Graphics: Learn the principles of 3D computer graphics, focusing on modelling and viewing objects/scene in a three-dimensional (3D) world on the computer, rendering the objects/scene to give it realism, and projecting objects/scene onto 2D display in analogy to your taking a photo of a 3D world using a camera.
  • Computer Vision: Examine current techniques for the extraction of useful information about a physical situation from individual and sets of images.
  • Cryptography: Cover the basic theory and practice of cryptographic techniques commonly used in computer security.
  • Designing Intelligent Agents: Give a basic introduction to the analysis and design of intelligent agents, software systems which perceive their environment and act in that environment in pursuit of their goals.
  • Development Experience: Provide evidence of your significant extra-curricular software development experience.
  • Human-AI Interaction: Introduce the design of human-AI interaction to ensure the AI-driven systems we build are beneficial and useful to people.
  • Individual Dissertation in Computer Science: Perform an individual project on a topic in computer science.
  • Industrial Experience: Obtain academic credit for demonstrating they have actively contributed to the development of complex software in a team situation.
  • Machine Learning: Provide an introduction to machine learning, pattern recognition, and data mining techniques.
  • Mobile Device Programming: Look at the development of software applications for mobile devices, with a practical focus on the Android operating system.
  • Programs, Proofs and Types: Focus on some of the fundamental mathematical concepts that underlie modern programming and programming languages emphasizing the role of types.
  • Schools Experience: Obtain academic credit for demonstrating they have actively contributed to the development of younger students.
  • Software in Society: Promote an understanding of the relationships between software and society.
  • Symbolic Artificial Intelligence: Examine how knowledge can be represented symbolically and how it can be manipulated in an automated way by reasoning programs.

How You Will Learn

• Teaching Methods: Computer labs, lectures, tutorials, teaching is delivered through a mix of in-person and online methods.
• Assessment Methods: Coursework, group project, research project, written exam.

Careers Overview

• Job Prospects: Our graduates are developing the future of computer science. From start-ups to international companies, they are working in roles such as app developer, game developer, data analyst, software developer, financial consultant.
• Average Starting Salary and Career Progression: 92.70% of undergraduates from the School of Computer Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £33,082.

Your Campus - Jubilee

• Location: Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.