BSc Computer Science

The basis for a wide range of computer-based careers, computer science studies opens up opportunities across all sectors – from software development to systems engineering and everywhere in between. Our course helps you develop the skills, knowledge and experience that will attract employers and help you achieve your computer-based career goals.

You’ll gain an understanding of the key principles of computer science while you develop your programming, system engineering, and project experience skills. You’ll also get the support, encouragement and confidence to put your skills into practice through individual and group projects. Your first year will be entirely project led, ensuring you practice your skills from the very start.

In the past our students have worked on a project with the prestigious Pink Shoe Club , creating prototypes for a unique digital self-assessment tool.

You’ll have the opportunity to take a year-long, paid work experience placement as part of a four-year study path, where you'll be able to put your knowledge into action. We’ll also give you access to industry professionals and work experience opportunities to help you further develop your professional skills.

We ensure you get the skills, knowledge and experience that will help you launch a successful computer-based career.

We’re in the process of gaining BCS (British Computer Society) accreditation for our computer science degrees, which means you’ll be able to gain BCS membership once it’s awarded.

We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we have learnt during the pandemic and enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning.

We aim to model a wide range of teaching strategies and approaches on the course which you can adapt to your own setting.

You will be taught through a combination of Lectures, Seminars, practical workshops, demonstrations, fieldwork and external visits. Lectures allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific subjects. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and practical’s in smaller seminar groups usually made up of 20-25 students. Seminar work might include discussion, student presentations and problem solving exercises. Some topics are taught only in lab sessions, as they involve practical work and discussion to assist with understanding. In addition, you can arrange one to one sessions with your personal tutor or module leader. You will also have access to and use resources to support your learning. This includes access to core textbooks and pointers to online resources, such as videos, lecture slides and external material. The University also has writing and numeracy workshops and individual sessions that may be booked throughout your course.

During your first year (level 4), your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub, Laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below). We run weekly 4-hour drop-in session to help with independent study.

Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course:

Level 4

24% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity:

Level 5

24% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity:

Level 6

16% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity:

You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas:

These services can be accessed through the UniHelp Desk in the Library building.