Program Overview

Computer Science (BSc)

The Computer Science (BSc) program at Cardiff University is a three-year course that provides students with a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, as well as professional skills in problem-solving and project work.

Why Study This Course

Our flagship course is informed by industry needs and gives students a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of Computer Science, as well as professional skills in problem-solving and project work. The course caters for both those who've studied computer science and those who are new to this subject. Students have the opportunity to build their skills in areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The university provides excellent facilities, including stunning laboratories equipped with modern computers and all the software needed to undertake the taught modules.

Accreditations

The degree is accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

Subject Area: Computer Science

The academic school for this program is the School of Computer Science and Informatics.

Entry Requirements

We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:

• A level: ABB-BBC
• Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 overall or 665 - 655 in 3 HL subjects.
• Baccalaureate Wales: From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3).
• GCSE and other essential requirements: You must have or be working towards English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent, and GCSE Maths grade B/6 or equivalent qualification.
• English language requirements:
  • GCSE: Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
  • IELTS (academic): At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
  • TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
  • PTE Academic: At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
  • Trinity ISE II/III: II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits, III: at least a Pass in all components.

Interview or Selection Process

All applications for a place on any of the Computer Science degree programmes must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application service. The School of Computer Science & Informatics assesses applications throughout the cycle. Each application is assessed by the admissions tutor who makes the decision whether or not to accept an applicant.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status.

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: £9,535
  • Year two: £9,535
  • Year three: £9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: £30,700
  • Year two: £30,700
  • Year three: £30,700

Additional Costs

• Course specific equipment: You will need to provide a calculator that satisfies Cardiff University examination regulations.
• Accommodation: We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
• Living costs: We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities.

Course Structure

This three-year course begins by introducing basic computing skills and concepts which will underpin the degree.

• Year one: Modules taught in the first two semesters will introduce fundamental computing skills and concepts that form the basis of your degree.
• Year two: Core modules taught in year two introduce advanced topics; some choice is introduced into the degree through optional modules.
• Year three: In year three you will focus on emerging technologies and advanced topics in computer science.

Year One Modules

• Computational Thinking
• Web Applications
• Problem Solving with Python
• Architecture and Operating Systems
• Maths for Computer Science
• Object Oriented Java Programming
• Principles, Tools and Techniques for Secure Software Engineering

Year Two Modules

• Human Computer Interaction
• Database Systems
• Enhancing your Employability
• Secure Communication Networks
• Internet of Things
• Group Project
• Object Orientation, Algorithms and Data Structures
• Optional modules:
  • Computational Mathematics
  • Data Processing and Visualisation
  • Informatics
  • Introduction to the Theory of Computation
  • Scientific Computing

Year Three Modules

• Emerging Technologies
• One Semester Individual Project
• Optional modules:
  • Large-Scale Databases
  • Knowledge Management
  • Combinatorial Optimisation
  • Security
  • Forensics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Vision
  • Graphics
  • Design Thinking and Prototyping for User Experience
  • Political Economies of Computing
  • Introduction to Computational Robotics
  • Managing Change

Learning and Assessment

The School of Computer Science & Informatics has a strong and active research culture, which informs and directs our teaching.

• Key skills such as programming are taught through a combination of lectures and lab-based practical sessions.
• Further support mechanisms are used to help digest material, including example classes, tutorials and help sessions.
• Most of your taught modules will have further information for you to study and you will be expected to work through this in your own time according to the guidance provided by the lecturer for that module.
• Project work is undertaken throughout the course, with the opportunity to exercise increasing independence at each level.

How Will I Be Supported

The School prides itself on offering a comprehensive support structure to ensure positive student/staff relationships.

• We believe that providing suitable feedback mechanisms is crucial to ensure that the best programmes of study are available to our students.
• You will be assigned a member of staff to act as your personal tutor, who will serve as a point of contact to advise on both academic and personal matters in an informal and confidential manner.

How Will I Be Assessed

Progress in each module will be assessed during or at the end of the semester in which it is taught.

• All modules include assessments, including written examinations or assessed coursework, or a combination of both.
• The format of the assessments depends on the learning outcomes of each specific module.
• Most modules include coursework elements for assessment.
• Practical assignments assess programming and design skills.

Careers

Skilled computer scientists are in extremely high demand. This means the employment prospects for graduates in the computing and ICT industry are very strong.

• Recent statistics show that the vast majority of our graduates are following their chosen career paths in roles such as Software Engineer, Web Developer, Computer Programmer, Associate Software Developer, Business Analyst, and Systems Development Officer.
• Many of our graduates go on to work for companies including Airbus Group, Amazon, BBC, BT, Cardiff University, Capgemini, Confused.com, GCHQ, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, MoD, Morgan Stanley, Sky, South Wales Police and Thomson Reuters.