G400 B.Sc. Computer Science

A degree in Computer Science will not only enable you to learn about applied computing and technology (which will equip you for many careers), but will also give you an in-depth introduction to the scientific and mathematical foundations of computing. This will ensure you can gain employment with the very best companies, including those involved with the scientific research and development of future computing technologies.

This degree is BCS accredited for CITP, Chartered Engineer (CEng) and also Chartered Scientist (CSci).

Outcomes

All our degrees aim at fostering confidence, conveying knowledge and developing expertise in computing:

Further Information

The course focus is on the methods and techniques that support the development of software-intensive systems. It comprises an in-depth introduction to the scientific and mathematical foundations of the subject, and relevant technologies, including Java, C++, XML, PHP and .NET. There is coverage of hardware, so you are able to understand the latest modern processors. Modules that build upon these foundations address topics in multimedia and computer graphics (Java 3D), computer security and distributed computing. There is extensive coverage of software engineering, including modelling techniques (UML), software specification and design, quality assurance, and project management.

In addition to the subjects covered in the Computing degrees, you will also learn about logic and scientific problem solving which will ensure you can tackle the challenges of the workplace in truly organised way. You will also be able to understand the fascinating work undertaken by companies such as Intel who use logic to verify the correctness of processors. You can learn alternative programming paradigms such as functional programming (Haskell): these languages are also used in the development of exciting new embedded systems. You will be able to choose from a wider range of third year optional modules than is the case for the Computing degree (G405) that typically include algorithms and security, cryptography, programming language semantics, and communicating processes.

Our approach to teaching includes lectures and laboratory classes together with small group tutorials and problem classes. Innovative software demonstrations may be given during lectures, as well as more traditional presentations. Students are given assistance with coursework, but are expected to undertake significant private study, exploring information sources independently. They are aided by state-of-the-art web-based module materials, automated feedback and marking systems, on-line tests and electronic coursework submission. Coursework contributes to your marks, especially in practical modules, but we place emphasis on traditional academic examinations. You must undertake a project in both the second and third years.

In the second year project, you will be part of a team of students working together to develop software that has been commissioned by a real client. You will learn to work with, and manage, a team. Each team works within a teaching framework, broad enough to allow you to work flexibly and innovatively, but moderated to ensure that teams are performing and progressing. You will learn to prepare written reports, and give a group presentation (these are skills that employers rate very highly). Our approach to the second year project has been commended by members of our Industrial Advisory Board.

The third year project is a chance to follow your own interests in depth, with one-to-one supervision. We suggest a wide range of project titles but you are free to come up with your own ideas. Popular recent BSc Computer Science projects have included 3-D games, voice communication over the internet, programming robots, and a variety of sophisticated e-commerce sites, such as stock portfolio managers or car auction sites. More unique projects include software for garden landscaping or a guitar tablature editor. Projects involving topics such as theorem proving are usually only undertaken by students of computer science.

At the end of your degree, you will have both a thorough grounding in the core subjects of computer science, and detailed knowledge of your chosen higher level topics. You will have gained valuable transferable skills in problem-solving and written and oral communication. Having successfully graduated from a rigorous and intellectually demanding degree programme, you will be ideally prepared for starting a career or enrolling in a postgraduate degree.

Entry Requirements

For many of our applicants, our entry requirements are 300-320 UCAS Tariff points, together with at least GCSE Mathematics grade C and preferably grade A or B. For Computer Science it is also preferable to have A-level Mathematics, although this is not essential; we will teach you the mathematics you need to know. However, we are willing to consider many alternative qualifications, and in particular applications from mature students are welcomed. Direct entry into the second year is possible with suitable advanced qualifications, such as BTEC HND. Direct third year entry is not permitted.

We welcome international students and the typical offers below include international qualifications.

Typical Offers (Guidance Only)

A/AS Levels: ABB or equivalent from two A-Levels and two AS-levels. For G400 it is desirable, but not essential, to have A-level Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30-32 points.
Indian HSSC: Pass 12th grade with 80% overall. Good SSSC grades required.
European Baccalaureate: Pass with 70% overall.
Apolyterion: Pass with a mark of at least 18 out of 20. A good grade in Mathematics is also normally required.
Access: Pass with a substantial number of distinction credits at level 3, normally a minimum of 54 (new credits).
BTEC National Certification/Diploma: DDD.
Foundation Years: Pass with an average of 65%.

Structure of the Degree Programme

In the first year we cover a number of core topics in Java programming and program development environments (such as Eclipse), along with database systems and internet technologies (development environments such as Dreamweaver, and coding such as PHP and HTML, together with databases such as Access and SQL), and basic discrete mathematics for applications. In addition, we offer you a fascinating introduction to hardware processors, as well as scientific problem solving, logic, and artificial intelligence. You will be able to learn about the logic that underpins many fascinating applications such as processor verification, computer learning and mechanised reasoning. You will also learn a variety of study skills, organisation and management techniques ensuring that you can complete your degree effectively and are best placed to enter the real world of work.

In the second year, you will take 90 credits of taught modules and undertake a group project worth 30 credits. The group project is a key feature of the second year, and we provide an extensive introduction that covers further organisational skills, and teaches you about computing law and professional practise. You will also take a module on software engineering and design that utilises the very latest tools and techniques. There are modules on computation, networks and operating systems, and multimedia and computer graphics. A good knowledge of networking is extremely useful in today’s world of distributed computing; and students find our module on multimedia both exciting and challenging. In addition, we offer you a module on automata, which are models of computation that enable us to better understand some of the fundamentals of computing. For example, some of the latest research by Microsoft uses automata to better understand the new and fascinating ideas of chemical computers. You can also learn functional programming; such languages are used in the production of mobile embedded systems and also in computer verification systems.

In the third year, you will take a total of 80 credits of options, and an individual project worth 40 credits. Typically, options will include more advanced topics in: computer security, where you can learn the latest techniques for protecting important data; distributed systems, covering issues such as multi-threading and transactional interactions; compression methods for multimedia, where you find out how to store thousands of songs on a small music player; web technologies, where you learn how to write advanced web service programs; and a module on techniques for ensuring software quality. Because of the additional background that you will have on foundational aspects, other options will be available to you: algorithm design; cryptography, where you can learn about the latest methods for encrypting data; communication and concurrency, where you can learn about techniques for designing and understanding concurrent systems; and advanced techniques for software specification and design. You will also be able to choose from a wider range of projects, including those requiring more sophisticated AI knowledge, and mathematical techniques in advanced graphics.

Please note that our programmes are subject to constant review and improvement. The list of available modules is published every year and may differ from that of previous years.

G410 M.Comp. Computer Science

The 4 year MComp degree in Computer Science will further raise your expertise and understanding to a point where you could start a career at a more senior level, possibly involving planning and decision-making, or embark upon a doctoral programme in computer science.

Besides a project worth 30 credits, modules in the fourth year include 90 credits of options including topics in: advanced software engineering, studying topics such as system re-engineering, model-driven development, domain specific languages and advanced web technologies; further algorithms, covering bioinformatics and game theory; service-oriented architectures, with applications to financial services; and advanced networking and distributed systems.

	computer science
	HOME	MAP	CONTACT

computer science

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS