MSci (Hons) Computer Science (with Industrial Experience)

The study of computers and computational systems is a dynamic discipline with a diverse range of career paths. This programme provides you with a unique blend of academic content and exciting industrial experience, working with leading organisations in contemporary technology-based environments.

Our Computer Science programme is accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS) and the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), and provides you with the knowledge and skills required to become a computing professional. Delivering a broad yet rigorous grounding in computer science, this programme uses both theoretical and practical learning approaches, and provides you with the opportunity to gain high-level professional experience, working with one of our exciting partners in industry. You will gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills through state-of-the-art equipment and expert teaching offered at the School of Computing and Communications.

In your first year, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of the discipline, combined with their modern day application. Throughout your study, you will gain skills and experience from a range of modules, including Software Development, Information Systems, and Digital Systems. Taking a practical approach to education, you are encouraged to build and analyse systems and software, as well as work with end user feedback to refine and adapt solutions.

After gaining an overview of the subject in the first year, you will be motivated by topics that become progressively deeper and more specialised as your skills develop throughout second and third year. In addition to progressing your foundational understanding, programming, and software design skills, you will explore social, ethical and professional issues related to the discipline and will complete a group project. This will prepare you for and give you experience of computing in the real-world.

Your third year will also give you the opportunity to explore a range of well-constructed and enriching optional modules, as well as undertaking an individual project. In this project you will work closely with one of our academics, allowing you to use and further develop the skills acquired throughout your degree.

Your fourth year will present you with a range of advanced modules as well as practical and professional experience. Blending contemporary technical training with advanced professional development, you will complete a variety of integrated industry activities during a dedicated ten-week industry placement. This is complemented with a further seven-week fourth-year project. Together, this will allow you to apply the skills you have learnt while gaining valuable real-world experience.

Assessment

We offer an excellent range of learning environments, which include traditional lectures, laboratories and workshops. We are also committed to providing timely feedback for all submitted work and projects.

Assessment varies across modules, allowing students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways, including laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions, oral presentations, and formal examination.

Careers

Computer science is a vast but specialised subject; as a result, our degree equips you with the technical and professional skills necessary to apply yourself to a broad range of careers. Our graduates have gone on to work with major technology companies such as IBM, Google, BBC, and BAE, while others have chosen to take their software design, development and management skills to SMEs, or have set up their own technology-centric businesses. Many of our computer scientists also elect to study for MSc or PhD qualifications.