BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with Foundation Year option)

Core Units

• Academic Study Skills for Engineering and Technology: You will gain the fundamental academic and research skills required for degree level study. The unit will introduce you to a broad grounding in literature searching, literature review, data collection, methodological approach, data analysis and interpretation and ethical practice. It will also support you to begin to develop a critical and analytical approach to your work and identify areas for personal development.
• Introduction to Computers: This unit will enable you to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of computer technology and its role in the modern world. It will also cover a range of practical computing skills and techniques you will need to be prepared for studying at degree level.
• Mathematics for Engineering and Technology: Mathematics develops analytical and problem-solving skills and provides the knowledge to solve engineering and coding problems. This unit will provide you with confidence in mathematics and enable you to perform calculations on a range of scientific data from engineering, creative technologies and computing disciplines.
• Introduction to Information Systems Analytics: Most computer applications are part of a greater system focused on the needs of an organisation. It is therefore important to understand an organisation’s processes, needs and objectives allowing appropriate systems to be designed and implemented. This unit covers the approaches and methods by which such factors can be investigated, modelled and understood, within the context of computing technology.
• Introduction to Programming: In this unit you will develop a basic knowledge and understanding of computing programming and demonstrate basic coding and problem solving skills through the design, build and testing of a small application.
• Foundation Year Engineering and Technology Project: You will design, carry out and report on an engineering or technological investigation, based on an agreed topic chosen by the unit leader. You will carry out a research task for further investigation. With a focus on global context and sustainability, the student will also produce a literature review.

Core units

• Computer Fundamentals - understand the concepts and terminology of computing, networking, communications, security, and virtualisation. 
• Mathematics for Computing - this unit will equip you with the mathematical knowledge for modelling and solving real-world computing problems.
• Programming - develop the skills and understanding to implement software solution to different problems whilst gaining hands-on experience in programming and testing. 
• Data Management - develop practical expertise in database querying and the application of the database design techniques.
• Introduction to Reliable Computing - gain an introduction to the concepts of modelling and system analysis in a team approach.

Elective units

• Computing and Society - learn about mapping computer techniques, concepts and principles in line with sustainability.  

Core units

• Communications and Networking - gain an understanding of the theory and practice of data communications and computer networks.
• Software Engineering - learn about the theory and practice of software engineering such as the software development process.
• Systems Analysis and Design - Explore the nature of software development with an emphasis on ‘upstream’ development and discover the challenges associated with the process. 
• Data Structures and Algorithms - learn about the theory and applications of fundamental data structures and algorithms, implementing them in real world applications. 
• Technological Innovations in Computing - gain practical knowledge of current and emerging technological innovations, building on previous programming knowledge in a team approach.

Elective Units

• Software Business - gain a deeper understanding of the unique aspects of software business, the various business models and innovations. Suited to those interesting in setting up a software company. 

You’ll complete a minimum 30-week work placement which can be carried out anywhere in the world. The placement year offers a chance to gain experience and make contacts for the future.

Although you will be enrolled onto the four-year degree (including the placement), you can opt out of the placement element to complete your degree in three years.

Core Units

• Computability and Complexity - learn how to address practical computational problems effectively through the demonstration of an algorithmic approach
• Systems Development - gain a critical understanding of the design, development and deployment of enterprise grade applications to allow organisations to scale their IT provisioning in an agile way. 
• Individual Project - the Individual Project is an opportunity to pursue a topic of your choice. You’ll identify a problem and then select and implement a solution to solving that problem.  

Option units

• Deep Learning and Applications - gain an introduction into Deep Learning approaches and their applications for Machine Learning tasks. 
• Digital Innovation and Transformation - learn the skills, techniques and technologies that are necessary to develop a digital portfolio based on digital transformation in business innovation efforts. 
• Data Visualisation and Storytelling - develop the skills of data/information visualisation and visual analytics so that you can design efficient and effective data visualisations. 
• Internet and Wide Area Networks - ​investigate the networking aspects such as design principles, implementation in practice, analysis and evaluation of large-scale networked systems. 

Elective units

• Digital Futures - drawing from technical, legal and social disciplines, learn about the role of digital technology in society and how it affects the individual.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry.

If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively, please contact us for assistance.

A placement should be a highly rewarding experience for you and the employing company and we do our best to ensure that everyone involved feels that they have got the most that they can from the experience.

Placements provide a great opportunity to make your first career steps and enhance your employability while you’re completing your studies. You’ll get the opportunity to:

• Put the theory learnt throughout the course into professional practice
• Enhance your study and help you decide on subject options (where appropriate)
• Learn a wide range of skills such as time management, problem-solving and team work (all of these are important to succeed in any career)
• Make contacts, as it is not uncommon for our students to be offered permanent positions to return to after graduating
• Gain a real insight into how the industry operates in roles that would be almost impossible to achieve for an outsider
• Many of our students, during their placement, are given responsibilities normally associated with graduate trainees.

You will begin your placement after completion of your second year of study and you must complete a minimum of 30 weeks.

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Co-ordinator. 

They’ll help you plan your placement, so make sure you get the right experience for you. That includes offering help and support if you need to move to another part of the UK – and even another country – to get the most out of your time.

We’ve also built close industry links over the years – so our network of employers that are keen to work with placement students is always growing. Or if you’d prefer to arrange your placement independently, we can offer advice on how to do that too.

• Microsoft
• The Walt Disney Company
• JP Morgan Chase
• Adobe Systems Europe Ltd
• Panasonic
• BMW Mini
• The Football Foundation
• Cyprus Police, Astrobank, Dept of Information
• HoiPoi Development (Japan)
• Axenic (New Zealand)

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website. 

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

You will need to be hard-working and committed to your studies, be a good team player, and able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

We select candidates for this course by looking at your application; there are usually no interviews or selection activities needed. For that reason, make sure your application really stands out from the crowd, and leave us in no doubt as to why you should be joining BU. You can find some handy hints about filling in your UCAS form on our how to apply web pages.

We look at individual applications and make a tailored offer based on your potential to succeed on the course considering a range of factors, including your academic achievements, work and other experience, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview or a portfolio review. Typically, we make an offer at the bottom of the tariff range.

AccessBU gives you the chance to tell us more about you and your life experiences if you haven’t had the same educational opportunities as other applicants. If you are eligible for AccessBU, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS Tariff Points below the published tariff.

Our offer-making will typically be based on your most recent qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will confirm your place.

Among the jobs you can go into are:

• Business Information Specialist
• Digital Project Manager
• IT Analyst
• Software Developer
• Andriod Developer
• Network Technician
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer.

You can find our former computing students working for a variety of organisations, such as: 

• Accenture
• Airmax
• Altaire Ltd
• Bank of America
• Bistech BT
• Capgemini
• Codepainters
• Ebase Technology Ltd
• FDM Group
• Gamma
• Geeks Ltd
• Hewlett Packard
• IBM
• Kingfisher IT Services
• Matrix Solutions
• Redweb
• Siemens
• Squire Technologies
• Unity5
• Urban Science
• Web Reality

This course is accredited by the BCS and you will also have the chance to complete the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification courses during your degree, making use of the facilities and resources at the BU Cisco Certified Local Networking Academy.

To be awarded Chartered IT Professional status from BCS you will need to complete a year of further learning beyond graduation and meet other criteria, details of which can be found on the BCS website.

Once you have completed an undergraduate Honours degree, you can further develop your education by studying for a postgraduate degree. Please visit our postgraduate section for further details about our range of Master’s degrees.

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course, including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

• Materials for laboratory and mandatory field-based teaching activity
• Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement if this is part of your course of study.
• A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
• The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
• Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, integrated social media and advanced video features.
• IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
• Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
• Disability and additional learning support, according to individual circumstances.
• The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
• 24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team.

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

• Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, visit our website for information regarding hardship funds.
• Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website.
• Travel costs to and from the University campus. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately.
• Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses.
• Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas) if this is part of your course of study. Further information is available on funding your placement year page.
• Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable).
• Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study.
• SportBU membership. 

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

If you need to repeat one or more units during the course of your studies (with or without attendance) the pricing will be pro-rata of the full time fee.