BSc Computer Science

Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science

Key data

  • UCAS code: G400 (G401 with the Year in Industry; , I10A with Year of Study Abroad)
  • Duration of programme: 3 years; 4 years with a Year Abroad or a Year in Industry

Contact details

Entry requirements: 2014

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offers: A*AA  - AAB
  • Required subjects and grades: Mathematics or Computing must be offered at A Level.  We also require Grade B in GCSE Mathematics (if not offered at A Level) and Grade C in GCSE English
  • General Studies or Critical Thinking: Not accepted
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: Not accepted
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 35 points including 6 in HL Mathematics or Computing.  We also require 5 in SL Mathematics (if not offered at HL) and 5 in SL English.

See also general entry requirements

Additional information

  • It is desirable, but not essential, to have some experience of writing computer programs
  • To view our undergraduate brochure please click here.
  • A list of modules covered can be found below
  • This degree can be taken with a year in industry
  • This degree can be taken with a year of study abroad
  • We accept other qualifications from the UK and overseas. Please contact the Admissions Tutor or Central Admissions Office for more information

Description

Computer Science is a dynamic discipline. What began with the curiosity of only a handful of academics has blossomed into a field with an impact on our lives that would have astonished many pioneers. In the past 50 years computers have contributed to numerous advances in almost every field, yet developments still show no sign of slowing.

Computer Science now forms the nucleus of a new mathematical science of information processing and communication. Future changes in computing technology will depend on advances in this science.
You will learn about all kinds of computational systems, their theory, design, development and application. This includes programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, operating systems, databases, nature-inspired computation, concurrent computing, robotics and the theory of computation. The degree incorporates concepts from fields as diverse as mathematics, engineering, linguistics and psychology.

First year

The first year is designed so that you can delay your decision about specialisation until the end of that year. You gain a firm foundation in the principles of algorithms, artificial intelligence, software and hardware engineering and relevant mathematics. You also learn computer programming in Java – a language widely used in business.

Second year

In the second year you move on to study enabling technologies such as databases, graphics and the formal basis of programming languages. Our approach is to teach these in conjunction with programming. This is because implementing the techniques gives you a much deeper understanding. You also learn to work in a team to produce software, and learn new styles of programming in Java and a second language. You can choose modules from a range of options including an Introduction to Nature Inspired Computation, Software Engineering, Computer Vision and Natural Language Technologies.

Third year

In the final year you have enormous freedom of choice: you can pick eight modules from over 20. You can study subjects relevant to industry, such as computer networks, distributed systems or commercial programming. You can also study current research in areas such as evolutionary computation, neural computation, intelligent robotics and natural language technologies.
Some modules allow you to acquire further programming skills. You also spend one-third of your time on a final degree project. This includes writing a large piece of software, and brings together all the computing skills you have acquired.

Teaching and assessment

Our teaching employs a mixture of lectures, tutorials, exercise classes, practical work, projects, and independent study all aimed at strengthening your understanding by active involvement.

Career opportunities

Most of our graduates go directly into employment in the IT or business sectors, with an average of 76% finding full-time employment within six months of graduating.

We have strong recruitment links with many companies, including technology consultancies such as Accenture and LogicaCMG, and the well-known IT corporations such as Microsoft, Oracle, Hewlett- Packard and IBM. Opportunities also exist in investment banking (working for organisations such as Goldman Sachs), in retail banks and telecommunication companies.

Course Modules

Please note that actual course modules may vary from year to year, however, the following are typical course modules:

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules