B.Sc. Computer Science (Hons)

Course Content Year 1

A common first year across all of our courses covers the fundamental aspects of the subject, including C# programming; software engineering skills; human–computer interaction; mathematics; computer hardware architectures and operating systems; and professional skills for computer science. These topics cover a core set of computing and professional skills, ensuring that you are ready to meet the challenges of Year 2. You will learn through a mixture of lectures, small-group tutorials and practical laboratory sessions that give you the chance to put theory into practice. Assessment is a mix of exams and coursework, generally split 50:50 in the first year with coursework becoming more significant in later years. First-year coursework includes building a small game or business application in C#, a performance analysis of different software algorithms and a presentation on different aspects of computer hardware.

Due to the common first year, you can easily switch your degree course at any point until the start of Year 2, at which point more specialist material is introduced.
Year 2

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 areas such as 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 instance, 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 the modules that 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 a greater focus on 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.
Final YearThis 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. In Year 3 you will 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, including 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.