Computer Science

Our courses in Computer Science, and Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence share a common first year, which focuses on the fundamentals of programming and the mathematical principles that underpin computer science. This gives you the flexibility to switch easily between the three courses if you choose.

Year 2 allows you to deepen and broaden your knowledge of computer science, with core modules introducing you to topics such as artificial intelligence and developing your understanding of algorithms, operating systems, and computer networks. You’ll also select optional modules to focus on topics that suit your interests or career plans, such as data mining or web application development.

You will build on this in Year 3, when you’ll also have far greater choice in your optional modules. You could study robotics, build your skills in computer graphics or mobile app development, or explore cryptography and the challenges of secure computing among others.

If you continue onto Year 4 to gain the MEng qualification, you can also select modules on topics such as natural language processing, knowledge representation or bio-computation. You will also take part in a substantial group project on a specific engineering problem that allows you to apply everything you’ve learned during the course.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem-solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects

Ethics

You’ll study computing ethics as part of your course. This is taught using real-life case studies, with input from specialist ethicists as well as your tutors and lecturers. The team responsible for the ethics taught in computing has produced educational material used to stimulate debate in class about topics such as ethical hacking, open source software, and use of personal data.

Not only will this enhance your reasoning and decision making skills which are crucial to employers, but it will help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you will encounter in your professional life in the IT industry.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Databases 10 credits
• Computer Architecture 10 credits
• Computer Processors 10 credits
• Fundamental Mathematical Concepts 10 credits
• Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 10 credits
• Procedural Programming 10 credits
• Object Oriented Programming 10 credits
• Professional Computing 20 credits
• Programming Project 10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Operating Systems 10 credits
• Networks 10 credits
• Formal Languages and Finite Automata 10 credits
• Numerical Computation 10 credits
• Artificial Intelligence 10 credits
• Algorithms and Data Structures I 10 credits
• Algorithms and Data Structures II 10 credits
• User Interfaces 10 credits
• Software Engineering Principles 10 credits
• Software Engineering Project 10 credits

Optional modules

• Web Application Development 10 credits
• Social and Mobile Web Application Development 10 credits
• Data Mining 10 credits
• Requirements Engineering 10 credits
• Systems Thinking...