BSc(Hons) Computer Science
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Page last updated 6 July 2020
Introduction
Learn from tutors who run our exceptional research in artificial intelligence (AI) and be at the forefront of the AI boom. Build intelligent algorithms and explore the evolving world of Internet of Things (IoT).
Accreditations and partnerships:
Why study computer science?
Computer science is vital to the economy, in the UK and worldwide.
From online retailing and music, to satellite navigation and computer games, intelligent computer-based solutions transform every part of our lives.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) means that jobs that didn't even exist a few years ago are being created to meet demand.
It's an exciting field offering endless opportunities for skilled graduates to contribute to all aspects of society.
Why UWE Bristol?
BSc(Hons) Computer Science shows you how to analyse complex problems, design the algorithms to solve them, and write the programs that put these solutions into practice.
There's a strong AI focus, and you'll learn from world-leading experts, studying and applying AI in a range of environments.
You'll develop a solid foundation in object-oriented software development, and create algorithms that use data structures to manage huge volumes of data. Learn how to design and develop innovative programs ranging from mobile apps to desktop applications and enterprise systems.
Choose from modules that enable you to work with industry mentors, or that explore cutting-edge ideas such as the Internet of Things.
Attend talks from professionals and apply your learning through hands-on projects that solve real-world problems.
Bristol is recognised as a high-tech 'super-cluster', with over 50,000 people employed in the industry. You'll be able to work alongside some of them by undertaking a work placement, with companies such as Microsoft, IBM or GCHQ.
Where can it take me?
A successful graduate can expect a starting salary of £26,000 to £35,000 as a software developer or engineer, depending on the sector.
You could become a software engineer, web and software developer, business analyst, IT project manager or an IT consultant.
Graduates of this course have gone on to work in companies including HPE, Rolls Royce, BAe and the MoD.
Watch: The learning and teaching experience
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year one
You will focus on the foundational skills and knowledge that you will use as you progress through the course.
You will study:
- Introduction to Object Oriented Systems Development
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Principles of Computing
- Computer and Network Systems.
You will also be introduced to the relationship between computers and systems, and those who use them, along with the core techniques of computer science.
Year two
You will study:
- Design and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms
- Object Oriented Systems Development 2
- Intelligent Systems.
Plus, optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):
- Data, Schema and Applications
- Software Engineering
- Internet of Things
- Operating Systems.
Placement year (if applicable)
If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two.
You'll complete a placement learning module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
Final year
You will study:
- Digital Systems Project
- Enterprise Systems Development
- BioComputation
- Ethical and Professional Issues in Computing and Digital Media.
Plus, two optional modules from:
- Professional Experience, International Experience or Professional Development
- Requirements Engineering
- Advanced Databases
- Cryptography
- Entrepreneurial Skills
- Mobile Device Development
- Advanced Topics in Web Development 2
- Cloud Computing
- Readings in Artificial Intelligence.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
Learning and Teaching
We encourage you to become a proactive, independent learner.
Learn through a mix of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, virtual learning environments, laboratory-based practical work, and independent project work.
Attend regular lectures with senior business people. Past speakers include eminent industry figures such as the former Chair of IBM, Larry Hirst.
To help you apply for graduate work, we arrange for employers to visit and give you advice on CV writing and interview techniques.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 31% | 69% | 0% |
| 2 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 3 | 16% | 84% | 0% |
*calculated from compulsory and option module choices (where applicable) each year
Showcase your work
Demonstrate your inventions at our annual degree show.
Past exhibits include a security application that uses facial recognition to track people in a building and an online pinboard for sharing videos, text and other data.
Assessment
Modules are usually assessed with an exam and two pieces of coursework. However, some are assessed by exam only and others by coursework only. Others use different methods such as in-class tests.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 44% | 56% | 0% |
| 2 | 50% | 44% | 6% |
| 3 | 18% | 73% | 9% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Life
Features
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Engineering Council.
Placements
Students who get work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you highly employable on graduation.
Our students have worked for companies ranging from dynamic start-ups to medium size organisations like Gamma Telecom and large corporations like Microsoft, IBM and GCHQ.
Placements are varied, with opportunities to work on projects involving data visualisation and analytics; products in the pharmaceutical, chemical, insurance and energy sectors; pure research in areas such as semantic nets; or AI applications in the aerospace industry.
You'll get help to find your placement and support throughout from department staff and our award-winning careers service.
Fieldwork
We arrange field trips to inspire you and help you see computer science applied in industry.
Go on a guided tour of Bletchley Park, where Turing and his colleagues helped break Germany's Enigma code during World War 2.
Visit the CERN in Geneva, where the Higgs Boson was detected for the first time using the Large Hadron Collider and the World Wide Web was invented.
Attend international conferences held in the UK or abroad.
Visit our partner institutions abroad, meet students and experience learning in different environments and cultures.
Study facilities
Our industry standard facilities will help you develop practical skills and bring ideas to life.
Access over 500 workstations in UWE Bristol's 24-hour computing laboratories. Create and test software in Windows, Linux and Unix operating systems on our dedicated servers.
Collaborate with classmates and develop strategies and presentations in our well-equipped studios, designed to reflect a real-world development environment.
A mix of traditional and creative learning environments will enable you to learn essential knowledge and real-world skills, standing you in good stead for your professional career.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Careers
Careers / Further study
As a graduate, you'll be able to go into a range of computing jobs.
Software development companies, commercial and industrial organisations and research laboratories all need your skills to solve demanding problems created by new technology.
Roles include software engineer, web and software developer to business analyst, IT project manager and IT consultant.
There are also careers in technical support for sophisticated computing systems and their applications.
Get inspired
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
Fees
Full time course
Full time course with placement year
Indicative Additional Costs
Supplementary fee information
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the four year course and then transfer to the three year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs
This refers to items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
The majority of optional field trips are covered by Faculty funds, however, for high-cost international visits you will be expected to make a contribution which will vary on a trip-by-trip basis depending on location and duration.
Entry
We are pleased to confirm that our New students webpages are now available for students starting this course in September 2020. Here you can find links to useful information about registering, course start dates, arriving on campus what to expect before and when you arrive.
We automatically send a message via your Welcome website plus an email to notify you once your Preparing to Study information is available. It is important that you regularly check your Welcome website for new messages.
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 120
- GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Literature or Language and Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as alternatives to GCSEs.
- English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit http://uwe.ac.uk/englishlanguagerequirements
- A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required. Please list the units you are taking in your application. For further advice on acceptable units please email us.
- Access: No specific subjects required.
- Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
Entry requirements
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Computer Science (with Foundation Year).
International applicants
For country specific entry requirements please find your country on the Country Information pages. If you are an international student and do not meet the academic requirements to study this course, you can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.
If you are applying to study at UWE Bristol and require additional support to meet our English language requirements, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
For further information
- Email: admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333