Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Computer Science (with Foundation Year)

This BSc is a dynamic and varied programme for students who want to work in the evolving technological world. Includes optional one-year paid work placement.

This course is offered as a degree with foundation year - a four-year programme which provides an additional foundation year at the beginning of the degree, that will give students academic and practical experience, as well as the skills they need to ensure they are equipped to successfully complete their chosen degree.

During the foundation year:

• Students will take modules in Maths which will develop their core academic and study skills.
• The syllabus includes a year-long module relevant to their chosen degree subject, such as Digital Literacy and Computational Thinking. This will provide students with a subject specific knowledge in Computer Science which is essential for success in their degree.

A degree in computer science is a gateway into nearly every industry. Technological advances have created a requirement for organisations across all sectors and industries to employ people who are competent, fluent and experienced in multiple areas of computing. 

The BSc Computer Science is a dynamic and varied programme covering all the key areas, from cybersecurity and GDPR to machine learning, algorithm design and programming, that students will need to graduate with the knowledge, skills and practical experience ready to start their career.

Students will learn key programming skills across languages and platforms so they will have the fluency to work on any software development problem. Students will understand AI, learning how machine learning works and to employ it. Students will be exposed to computational and algorithmic thinking and will learn how to provide data solutions and secure systems. Students will be introduced to innovative concepts around algorithmic impact on energy consumption, and discover the social and ethical implications of AI, including considerations of automation.

Through problem-based lab learning, students will develop software applicable to the home, web, corporate, and many other fields. Students will deliver solutions to people’s problems, be they personal, social, or industrial.

Students will learn about constructing software and working with data, understanding the technological and societal requirements of computer systems, as well as coding languages including Python, Java, C/C++, and many more. Software is developed for people by people and this is reflected in the way students will learn. The programme has been constructed to give students experience of professional work culture while they study, focusing on collaborative working practices in technology and using team based project management software, such as Scrum and Kanban, that allows people to work together to deliver software for people. By studying in this way, students will learn what makes a responsible computer practitioner in legal, social, ethical and professional contexts.

Other modules include Data Visualisation, which teaches the art and science of descriptive statistics, including static charts and interactive visuals and Data Engineering, where students will develop data delivery pipelines, consider the requirements of domain experts and the legal, social and ethical aspects of data pipeline techniques.

The programme has been designed for students who want to work in the evolving modern technology world. Students will be taught by experts at the forefront of research with experience in industry, ensuring they are provided with the latest knowledge and skills in this fast-moving sector.