BSc(Hons) Computer Science (with Foundation Year)
This course is open for applications
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 which 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.
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year zero (foundation year)
You'll study:
All routes:
- Computational Thinking and Practice
- Information Practitioner Foundations
- Creative Technology Studies
- Web Foundations.
You usually need to pass your foundation year before going into Year one.
Year one
You'll focus on the foundational skills and knowledge that you will use as you progress through the course.
You'll study:
All routes:
- Artificial Intelligence 1
- Computer Systems Architecture
- Foundations of Computing
- Principles of Programming
- Web Development and Databases.
You'll 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'll study:
All routes:
- Advanced Algorithms
- Operating Systems
- Systems Development Group Project.
General route:
- Advanced Software Development
- Artificial Intelligence 2
- Internet of Things.
Artificial Intelligence route:
- Advanced Software Development
- Artificial Intelligence 2
- Machine Learning.
Smart Devices route:
- Digital Design
- Embedded Systems Programming
- Internet of Things.
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'll study:
All routes:
- Digital Systems Project
- Distibuted and Enterprise Software Development.
Plus optional modules as follows:
- Professional Development or Professional Studies in Computing*
- Mobile Applications or Autonomous Agents and Multi-Agent Systems
- Advanced Systems Programming or Security Data Analytics and Visualisation.
*Students who complete a placement year do not take either of these modules.
General route:
- Advanced Databases.
Artificial Intelligence route:
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence.
Smart Devices route:
- Communications and Protocols.
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'll inform you.
"My computing industrial placement at Cisco Systems offered me exposure to the industry, real-world experience and professional contacts, enhancing my career prospects. I'm now working as a Software Engineer at Sophos, who create cyber security and networking solutions." Dominic, Computer Science graduate.
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.
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.
Learn more about assessments.
Features
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
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 staff within the School 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.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Computer Science and Creative Technologies facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Life
Accommodation
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
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; Sandwich course
Indicative Additional Costs
Supplementary fee information
*The UK Government recently proposed that tuition fees for Home students will increase by 3.1% to £9,535 from 1st August 2025. This increase is subject to Parliamentary approval and the vote is expected to take place later this year.
Any tuition fee which is impacted by this change will be updated following approval.
Please see GOV.UK for further 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 five year course and then transfer to the four 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
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 72
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- GCSE: Grade C/4 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
- 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. Please visit our English language requirements page.
- A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
- Access: No specific subjects required.
- Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
- Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
- Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
- Cambridge Technical: No specific subjects required.
- T Levels: No specific subjects required.
Entry requirements
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Computer Science.
International Applicants
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.ukInternational/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644