51³Ô¹Ïapp

Undergraduate courses/Computing courses/Computer Science

Key facts

Entry requirements

112 or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

G400

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,250

Additional costs

See all the key facts

Entry requirements

112 or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

G400

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,250

Additional costs

See all the key facts

Computer science prepares you for a variety of career opportunities, from programming and developer roles to software engineer, systems developer and analyst.

From programming to software engineering, computer science is directly linked to a range of industries such as medicine, education, entertainment, security, and architecture.

Find your place within this diverse course at 51³Ô¹Ïapp - with over 50 years of teaching and , we continue to focus on modern approaches to software systems development as well as the exploration of theoretical and practical programming language concepts and software design methods.

Our facilities provide computer workstations for students to use, with four interconnected computing laboratories with HP PCs running Windows/Linux. Many of the software packages are open source, meaning our students can download and run the software as needed for their course while at home.

Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments – rather than lots of exams at the end of the year – and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging. Read more about block teaching.

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What you will study

Block 1: Database Design and Implementation

Structured data, held in relational databases, accessed via SQL, supports the information storage requirements of many companies, organisations, and on-line businesses. In this module the student will learn the fundamentals of how to design the structure of data within a relational database, how to interact with data within the database, and how to protect the data within the database.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops used to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts. Practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. Some sessions may be used for consolidation, revision, and to discuss solutions to practical problems. 

  • Workshop: 42 hours 
  • Practical: 20 hours 
  • Seminar: 4 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours

Block 2: Fundamental Concepts of Computer Science

This module introduces students to fundamental concepts in computer science in relevant areas of mathematics (including propositional logic, set notation, etc); software modelling; the software lifecycle; requirements capture; user interface design; and the foundations of ethical thinking. These topics can then be applied and further developed throughout the course.  

The methods of delivery during this block include workshops used to introduce the main topics. To gain full advantage of this module students will hone their skills and understanding by working through progressive exercises ranging from drill to problem solving tasks. The exercises provide the basis of tutorial seminar and laboratory work. In seminars students receive feedback on their progress and engage in discussions on issues arising from the exercises. 

  • Workshop: 42 hours 
  • Seminar: 24 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 66 hours 
  • Consolidation: 58 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Revision: 20 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 3: Computer Programming

Computer programming requires the analysis of a problem, the production of requirements, and their translation into a design that can be executed on a computer. This module introduces the skills required to develop a computer program to solve a given problem and does so from the perspective of designing trustworthy software with an emphasis on sound coding principles and unit testing.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops used to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts. Practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. Some sessions may be used for consolidation, revision, and to discuss solutions to practical problems. 

  • Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours

Block 4: Operating Systems and Networks

This module is designed to provide a foundation in computer architecture, operating systems, and computer networks. Covering theoretical foundations, computer hardware, systems software, computer networks and security issues. 

The methods of delivery during this block will include lectures which will be used to introduce the main theoretical elements and laboratory sessions for practical application and experimentation. 

  • Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 66 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 40 hours 
  • Assessment 60 hours 

Block 1: Object Oriented Design and Development

This module focuses on Object-Oriented (OO) library and application development. Library development will enable students to design, implement, and test medium scale software systems using an object-oriented approach. Meanwhile, application development will use extensive library packages provided by the Java SDK so that students are comfortable in navigating and making use of a variety of domains such as Collections, Input/Output and Graphical User Interfaces.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. 

  • Workshop 30 hours 
  • Practical 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study 70 hours 
  • Consolidation 68 hours 
  • Reading 30 hours 
  • Assessment 60 hours

Block 2: Data Structures and Algorithms

This module introduces a variety of data structures and algorithms for both sequential and parallel execution. Classical data structures will be introduced (including stacks, queues, lists, trees, and hash tables) and algorithms for searching and sorting. The performance characteristics of these data structures and algorithms will be explained. Specific coding issues will also be considered such as modularity, genericity, quality, assignment, mutable and immutable objects.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. 

  • Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours

Block 3: Web Application Development

This module provides a thorough grounding in the rapidly evolving area of web technologies. With equal focus on user interface design on the ‘client-side’ or ‘front-end’ and on security and persistence in ‘server-side’ or ‘back-end’ scripting. The module covers crucial design principles, information architecture and usability factors as well as standards compliance, accessibility, authentication/authorisation and security.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. 

  • Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 4: Agile Development Team Project

This module is an opportunity for students to engage in a constrained work-place simulation based on agile software development. Students working in teams of 3 to 5 will initially identify a system of sufficient size to be distributed equally among all members. Each team member might take individual ownership of the development of 2-3 classes from initial inception to completion providing CRUD functionality. 

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops, seminars to introduce and discuss ethical issues, and practical programming skills will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. Some workshops and practical laboratory sessions may be used for consolidation and to discuss solutions to practical and ethical problems. 

  • Workshop: 42 hours 
  • Practical: 20 hours 
  • Seminar: 4 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 78 hours 
  • Reading: 20 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours

You may choose one of the block 4 options in the final year.

Block 1: Software Development: Methods and Standards

This module immerses the students in the methodological, regulation environment in which software systems are developed, by exploring types of application development: module, AI, robotic process automation and games systems. With emphasis on current agile approaches, in particular Scrum and DevOps, students develop understanding of a range of agile and traditional methodologies and engage with agile project management tools (e.g. Jira and Clickup). The module incorporates the context of standards with particular reference to standards in security (ISO27001) and risk management (ISO27005).  

The methods of delivery during this block include lectures will be used to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and seminars will be used to discuss and further reinforce these.

  • Lecture: 24 hours 
  • Seminar: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 86 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 40 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 2: Big Data and Machine Learning

The module will focus on machine learning (ML) and its application to Big Data in a “taster-like” fashion. That is, ML will be applied to solve analytics problems using appropriate tools e.g., Apache Spark that avail ML libraries. As this is done ML algorithms will be introduced and then applied. The focus is therefore not so much on the technical details of the algorithms but rather the ability to implement them and use them within analytics. The module covers supervised and unsupervised learning techniques with a specific application to data mining. 

Lectures will be used to discuss concepts, theories, and applications including machine learning algorithms and data analytics tools. Practical sessions will be used to undertake practical aspects of the module to solve selected data analytics problems from a wide range of areas. 

  • Lecture/Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Seminar: 7 hours 
  • Practical: 35 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 70 hours 
  • Consolidation: 64 hours 
  • Reading: 40 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 3/4: Development Project

This project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate practical and analytical skills present in their programme of study; to work innovatively and creatively; to synthesise information, ideas, and practices to provide a quality solution, together with an evaluation of that solution. 

The project is primarily self-directed with guidance and support from an assigned supervisor.

  • Lecture: 4 hours 
  • Supervisor meetings: 5 hours  
  • Self-directed study: 231 hours  
  • Assessment: 60 hours

Block 3/4: Functional Programming (Optional)

This module provides you with the fundamental concepts of FP and looks at how these have been provided within a modern programming language. You will gain practical experience, using a modern programming language to solve a practical problem using FP techniques. The core principles are transferrable between functional programming languages.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. 

  • Workshop: 30 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 64 hours 
  • Consolidation: 64 hours 
  • Reading: 40 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours

Block 3/4: Advanced Web Development (Optional)

The module aims to further develop key concepts and techniques for designing, evaluating and implementing interactive web applications. Providing a thorough grounding in the rapidly evolving area of full-stack web development, incorporating front-end web technologies, back-end server-side scripting, and data persistence techniques. The module also considers how information can be accessed and presented from remote sources via web-service protocols.  

The module will comprise lectures and reading about different aspects of human computer interaction, and a combination of paper-based tutorial and computer-based lab activities practising the use of a range of different techniques for understanding requirements, developing designs and performing usability evaluations.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. 

  • Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 3/4: Fuzzy Logic and Inference Systems (Optional)

Fuzzy logic is a mathematical model for handling uncertainty, it is able to provide a means in order to successfully inference from abstract and subjective notions. Fuzzy logic adopts the perspective that the world and humanistic understanding are inherently vague and not precise. This module will present the core and fundamental concepts of fuzzy logic, from theory to application. The ability to create specialised fuzzy inference systems will be achieved and so too will the ability to articulate on thought processes needed to create such systems. 

The module will make heavy use of practical lab work, where the students will be able to refine their understanding of the topics covered. The labs will also allow for the students to start on the coursework, which will be evolve after each session, incorporating more fuzzy theory. 

  • Lectures: 13 hours 
  • Practical: 52 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 19 hours 
  • Assessment: 216 hours

Block 3/4: Privacy and Data Protection (Optional)

There continues to be a growth of databases holding personal and other sensitive information in multiple formats including text, pictures and sound. The scale of data collected, its type and the scale and speed of data exchange have all changed with the advent of ICT. Whilst the potential to breach privacy continues to increase organisations are subjected to a considerable amount of legislation governing privacy and data protection. This module examines the balance between maintaining business effectiveness, legal compliance and professional practice in the field of IT/IS.

A range of learning strategies will be used to facilitate student learning in this block module.  Sessions will be used to introduce major topics drawing together material from a variety of sources.

Students will be encouraged to read widely, using the reading list as a starting point and library resources and the internet for further information. The module website will provide essential module information such as a week-by-week teaching plan.

  • Lecture: 40 hours  
  • Seminar: 90 hours  
  • Self-directed study: 90 hours  
  • Assessment: 80 hours 

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Our diverse curriculum provides students with an equal balance of theory and practice and is embedded with contemporary technologies designed to tackle modern multi-core platforms.

Important professional issues are covered including computer ethics, law, and security. Final year study includes big data, machine learning, and AI.

You'll be able to tailor your learning to your career ambitions through a range of optional third year modules, including: Functional Programming, Advanced Web Development, Fuzzy Logic and Inference Systems, and Privacy and Data Protection.

Teaching and assessment

The teaching methods delivered on this course include staff directed learning via lectures, tutorials and laboratories, in addition to student-centred resource-based learning (including web-based resources), collaborative and group working, individual learning and student-centred learning via individual research / literature review.

Students will be assessed via a range of methods including time constrained phase tests, portfolios of work, programming and other laboratory exercises, viva voce examinations, project work, individual work and group work.

Accreditation

This course has been fully-certified by the British Computer Society (BCS). The BCS accreditation is a mark of quality assurance and means our course content and provision has been assessed by academics and employers to ensure it meets the rigorous standards set by the profession.

Graduating from a BCS-accredited course will help you to stand out in the world of work, and also enable you to have your qualification recognised globally. Upon completing this course, you will meet the criteria (in part* or in full) to become professionally registered with BCS as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP), Registered IT Technician (RITTech), Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

*Partial CITP accredited degrees are not recognised under the Seoul Accord agreement

BCS Logo

Accredited by BCS; The Chartered Institute for IT

Accreditation from BCS provides you with independent assurance and recognition of the quality of our computing education. Your course content and provision are assessed by academics and employers, aligned with IT industry frameworks and benchmarked against other educational institutions, to ensure they meet the rigorous standards set by the profession.

Students choose to study BCS-accredited degrees knowing they’ll gain the right set of technical, personal and professional skills for the evolving tech industry — while employers can be confident that graduates are prepped and ready to make an impact in their business.

Computer Science in the spotlight

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Our facilities

Our Computer Science laboratories provide computer workstations for students to use, with four interconnected computing laboratories with HP PCs running Windows/Linux.

All the machines are connected to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work. Many of the software packages are open source, which means students can download and run the software needed for their course work while at home. The laboratories also include study spaces where you can work individually or in groups.

What makes us special

Three students working together around a laptop

Block Learning

With block teaching, you’ll learn in a focused format, where you study one subject at a time instead of several at once. As a result, you will receive faster feedback through more regular assessment, have a more simplified timetable, and have a better study-life balance. That means more time to engage with your 51³Ô¹Ïapp community and other rewarding aspects of university life.

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51³Ô¹Ïapp Global

Our innovative international experience programme 51³Ô¹Ïapp Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.

Through , we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

Accounting and Finance students have recently visited the financial district of New York where they learned about the financial institutions there and gained an understanding of how the most recent financial crisis unfolded.

Where we could take you

computer science graduate careers

Graduate Careers

Computer Science graduates have gone on to work as associate software engineers, computer engineers, systems engineers, database managers, software developers and web developers for companies including HSBC Bank, Sainsbury’s, MMT Digital, RR Donnelley and Serck Controls.

Graduates can also continue their academic careers by embarking on postgraduate study in either research or taught areas, which provides opportunities for further specialisation and the enhancement of existing skills.

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Placements

Explore professional opportunities with an optional placement year. Previous Computer Science students have spent their third year in industry working in roles such as Placement Developer, Cloud Reliability Developer, Solution Engineer and Business Analyst Intern for organisations including Next, Leicestershire Police, Oracle, IBM and The Walt Disney Company.

Take your next steps

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Find out how to apply

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Open Days - Book your place

Course specifications

Course title

Computer Science

Award

BSc (Hons)

UCAS code

G400

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September 2024

Duration

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,250

Additional costs

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds.

  • Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and Maths

Plus one of the following:

  • A typical offer is 112 UCAS points. You need to study at least two subjects at A Level or equivalent (e.g. BTEC)
  • T Levels - Merit
  • BTEC National Diploma - Distinction/Distinction/Merit
  • BTEC Extended Diploma - Distinction/Distinction/Merit

Plus five GCSEs grade C or above including English or equivalent

Alternative qualifications include:

  • Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE overall 112 UCAS tariff with at least 30 L3 credits at Merit.
  • English and Maths GCSE required as separate qualification. Equivalency not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course.
  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ points.

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Scholarships

51³Ô¹Ïapp offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International student scholarships

Find out about available international scholarships or visit our fees and funding page for more information.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

Additional costs

There are no compulsory placements or trips associated with this programme, however, you will have the option of participating in 51³Ô¹ÏappGlobal trips either as part of some of the modules or as an extra-curricular activity. These trips are subsidised by the university and the cost and the subsidy varies by location.

Students have the opportunity to take a paid or unpaid placement year in industry before their final year. Placements are full-time jobs and are available in a wide variety of sectors include private, public and not-for profit.

If you wish to undertake a placement year facilitated by 51³Ô¹Ïapp fees are reduced to £650 (£750 for international students) for the year. This covers your access to all 51³Ô¹Ïapp services during your year away from the university, support from your academic supervisor and professional staff, as well as all the preparation support provided in advance.