BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)

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 instead or as well.

What you will learn

The engineering of intelligent systems relies on core skills such as programming and the application of modelling methods. You will study the analysis, design and construction of knowledge-based and expert systems, Artificial Life and robotics, as well as systems based around the use of neural networks. This course draws on the expertise of the School’s internationally acclaimed AI research staff. In your first two years you will concentrate on building a broad integrated foundation, with your specialism in AI building on this foundation.

First year

You will learn learn the foundations of the subject including topics such as an overview of the field, programming, modelling, and computing platforms.

Second Year

You will deepen your understanding and develop more advanced skills. There are technical modules on software development, programming, databases, operating systems and networks, plus two options.

Third Year

You have the option of taking a one-year paid work placement, or you can study abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide.

Final Year (3rd or 4th)

You will study computer security and project planning, specialist modules in object-oriented development and software engineering practice, plus two options. Finally you will undertake an individual project in your chosen specialism, typically an extensive piece of practical work.

As well as academic skills and significant experience of the key areas of computer science and IT, you will also gain those skills needed for employment. These include team work, creativity, communications, business awareness, and professionalism. You will acquire these throughout the course plus there is a core module on in the second year covering the legal, social and ethical knowledge necessary to become an IT professional.

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
• Computer Systems Security
• Object Oriented Development
• Software Engineering Practice
• Software Engineering Project
• Artificial Life
• Software Quality
• Embedded Systems Development
• Machine Learning and Neural Computing
• Programming Paradigms
• Quantum Computing
• Mobile Computing