B.Sc. Computer Science (with Foundation Year)

In your foundation year, you will take modules in mathematical topics, introductory information technology and programming, as well as options in science, technologies and English. You will also take a module in study skills, which will prepare you for degree-level study.

The first year of your degree covers many fundamental aspects of computer science, including C# programming; software engineering skills; human–computer interaction; computer hardware architectures and operating systems; professional skills for computer science. You learn through lectures, small-group tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Assessment is by a mix of exam and coursework: generally 50:50 in the first year and becoming more focused on coursework in later years. You also have the opportunity to take an introductory business module or a free elective of your choice.

In the second year, you have the option to begin to specialise in one or more areas of computer science. In addition to studying the fundamentals of the software engineering process – including software design and systems analysis – you can choose modules from areas including artificial intelligence; C++ programming; electronics and interfacing; 2D computer graphics; information systems; user interface design; networking technologies; e-commerce and e-business; and security. Some modules will have dependencies from one semester to another (for example to study 3D graphics in the third year, you must first study 2D graphics in the second year), but you are generally free to choose modules which suit your interests.

By this stage, there is a greater focus on practical software development – meaning more time spent developing in the computer labs and increased use of coursework-based assessment rather than exams. Example assessments in the past include a space orrery (a mechanical model of the solar system) using JavaScript and HTML5, a Prolog-driven knowledge base about the Olympics and a maze-based shooting game. There are also more opportunities for teamwork, which plays an important part in several significant pieces of coursework.

This is the most specialist year of your degree and provides you with the opportunity to work on a major individual software project as part of your dissertation. The year allows you to dig deeper into the subject, acquiring the expertise and experience that will stand you in good stead when entering industry or pursuing further study. Potential areas of study include data mining and decision systems, commercial games development, virtual environments, advanced 3D graphics, compilers, mobile application development, neural and emergent technology, distributed systems and visualisation.

The highlight of this year is the individual software project. You can choose from a range of suggested topics or propose your own idea, and you will then spend time across both semesters researching, developing and writing about your chosen software project. Previous projects have included a diverse range of topics such AI simulations, 3D games, emulators for historic computers, stock-control management systems, robotics and even a Jedi lightsaber training simulator using 3D motion tracking and virtual reality.