BSc (Hons) Computer Science

What will I study?

Computer Science is both an academic and a practical subject so you will be taught in different ways such as lectures, smaller group tutorials, supervised practicals (labs) and self-study including experiential learning. Assessment is by a mix of in-class tests, exams, and coursework.

The School has well equipped laboratory facilities, with PCs running Windows 7 and/or Linux and a whole range of industry-standard and educational software from Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, and others. There are specialist labs for networking, multimedia, devices, robotics, and projects.

In addition to scheduled classes, about 16 hours per week in Year 1, you will be expected to spend the same amount of time in self-study taking advantage of the University's extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), open 24x7, with over 1,200 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment accessible on and off campus, and open access to our labs.

Most of our students own their own PC or Mac, but this is not essential since you can use the university facilities. StudyNet allows you to access electronic learning resources, electronic discussion with staff and other students and, for some modules, submit coursework 24/7 from anywhere in the world!

What you will learn

You will be taught the fundamental principles of the subject, which will be illustrated with current real-world technologies and applications wherever possible.

First Year

You will be taught the foundations of Computer Science, including a problem solving approach to programming, modelling and representing data, computer design, networks, operating systems and devices.

Second Year

You will deepen your understanding and develop more advanced skills. You will study contemporary issues in the social, professional, ethical and legal aspects of computing. Modules also cover software development, databases, algorithms and data structures, operating systems and networks. The Second Year gives you the opportunity to choose two additional modules.

Work placement/study abroad year

You may choose to undertake a paid work placement or study abroad at one of our worldwide partner universities.

Final Year

There are core modules on computer security, project planning, the user experience and concurrency, plus two modules of your choice. You will also undertake an individual project, typically an extensive piece of practical and written work.

Level 4

Module

• Human Dimensions of Computing
• Programming
• Models and Methods in Computing
• Platforms for Computing

Level 5

Module

• Contemporary Issues
• Database Concepts
• Computer Science Development Exercise
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Operating Systems and Networks
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture
• Cognitive and Social Robotics
• The C Family

Level 6

Module

• Project Planning
• User Experience
• Computer Systems Security
• Concurrency
• Computer Science Project
• Artificial Life
• Software Quality
• Embedded Systems Development
• Machine Learning and Neural Computing
• Programming Paradigms
• Quantum Computing
• Mobile Computing