Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Computer Science Program

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science program at the University of York is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in the principles of computer science, as well as practical skills in solving real-world problems. The program is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and is available as a three-year full-time course or a four-year integrated masters (MEng) course.

Program Overview

The program covers a broad range of topics, including digital hardware architectures, low-level programming, operating systems, intelligent systems, compilers, and high-level languages. Students will learn to design user-centered systems, recognize the power of data, and build intelligent systems that learn from data.

Course Structure

The program is divided into three years, with each year building on the previous one. In the first year, students will focus on establishing a solid foundation in computer science, regardless of their previous experience of programming and computing. In the second year, students will take modules from streams 1 to 5 to deepen their learning, start on two further streams studying intelligent systems, and undertake a group engineering project. In the third year, students will really get under the skin of the specialist areas that interest them.

Year 1

In Year 1, students will study the following core modules:

• 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

In Year 2, students will study the following core modules:

• 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 3

In Year 3, students will study the following core modules:

• Computer Science Project
• Option modules (examples include):
  • AI Search & 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

Fees and Funding

The fees for the program are as follows:

• UK (home) fees: £9,535 per year
• International and EU fees: £32,350 per year There are also opportunities for funding, including UK government loans, UK scholarships and bursaries, international scholarships, and country-specific funding.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the program are as follows:

• A levels: AAA including Mathematics
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: We accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma, with a significant portion of Mathematics that is considered equivalent to A level standard
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDD and grade B in A level Mathematics (or equivalent qualification)
• European Baccalaureate: 85% overall, including 85% in Mathematics
• International Baccalaureate: 36 points overall, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches)
• T levels: We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in Mathematics has been taken
• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: Advanced Highers - A in Mathematics plus Scottish Highers - BBBB
• International foundation programme: Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative
• Other qualifications: We welcome applications offering a mix of OU, A level and other appropriate qualifications

English Language Requirements

If English is not the student's first language, they may need to provide evidence of their English language ability. The university accepts the following qualifications:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
• IB English: A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level)
• Cambridge CEFR: 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
• Oxford ELLT: 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
• Oxford Test of English Advanced: 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component
• Duolingo: Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
• GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language): Grade C / Grade 4
• LanguageCert SELT: B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
• LanguageCert Academic: B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
• Kaplan Test of English Language: 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
• Skills for English: B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
• PTE Academic: 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
• TOEFL: 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
• Trinity ISE III: Merit in all components

Careers and Skills

The program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of all the essential scientific principles, engineering techniques, and practices in computer science. This allows students to be flexible and adapt quickly in any field they wish to go into. The program also provides students with a range of transferable skills, including analytical skills, research skills, management skills, and communication skills. Graduates from the program have gone on to work in a variety of industries, including software and electronics, financial services, and research and development. Some of the career opportunities available to graduates include:

• Computer programmer
• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Business analyst
• Research scientist
• Network manager
• IT Systems manager

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science program at the University of York is a comprehensive and well-structured program that provides students with a thorough grounding in the principles of computer science, as well as practical skills in solving real-world problems. The program is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and is available as a three-year full-time course or a four-year integrated masters (MEng) course. With its strong focus on employability and its range of transferable skills, the program is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue a career in computer science or a related field.