BSc(Hons) Computer Science (with Foundation Year)

In this module, you'll explore a range of specialisms within computing and digital technologies, including computer science, cyber security, games technology, business computing and music and audio technology. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, ethical hacking, digital forensics, sound design and games development. You'll investigate industry roles and research areas, analyse job advertisements, reflect on your current skills and identify development needs. This will help you connect your interests with future study, career pathways and an emerging specialism.

Through programming activities, this module will introduce you to computational thinking and structured problem-solving. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, breaking problems into logical steps, identifying patterns, designing algorithms and using variables, data types, control flow and functions. You'll explore system design concepts such as modelling, flowcharts, feedback loops and behaviour prediction, then apply them by building and testing a small control solution. As you debug and refine your work, you'll reflect on your learning strategies, problem-solving approaches and iterative development practice.

This capstone module will bring together the knowledge and skills you've developed during your foundation year. You'll plan, develop and present a tangible artefact connected to your chosen specialist area, taking responsibility for your time and resources. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, idea generation, project scoping, milestone planning, risk management, progress tracking and iterative development. Regular feedback and reflection will help you evaluate your process, design decisions and outcomes, while preparing a professional demonstration will strengthen your confidence and communication skills.

This module will develop the communication, critical thinking and academic research skills you'll need in professional and higher-level study contexts. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, adapting messages for different stakeholders, professional writing, visual and oral communication, storytelling and persuasive argument. You'll learn how to locate and evaluate credible academic and industry sources, reference them appropriately and use artificial intelligence ethically. Through problem-solving and group work, you'll practise recognising bias, supporting claims with evidence, presenting recommendations and reflecting on your communication strengths and development needs.

This module will give you a broad foundation in computing theory and computer systems. Topics are likely to include data representation, number systems, logic, Boolean algebra, data structures, algorithms, computer organisation, assembly programming, operating systems, networking and basic security. Practical programming and systems activities will help you connect theoretical ideas with real-world applications. Alongside your technical development, you'll strengthen communication, documentation, teamwork, presentation and reflective skills while exploring career pathways, ethics, sustainability and professional practice across the computing industry.

In this module, you'll explore how people interact with technology and how interfaces can be designed around their needs. You'll study foundational Human-Computer Interaction concepts in relation to sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity. Practical activities will introduce interviews, surveys and observations, alongside sketching, storyboarding, wireframing and the creation of low and high-fidelity prototypes. You'll learn how to translate research insights into requirements and evaluate interfaces through heuristic reviews and user testing, while developing ethical research, communication, teamwork and reflective practice.

This module will introduce the principles and technologies used to develop web applications and manage their data. You'll explore client-side and server-side scripting, responsive web design, media queries and approaches to creating static and dynamic pages for desktop and mobile use. Database topics will include entity modelling, schema design, SQL, NoSQL, data storage and manipulation. Guided by the Software Development Life Cycle, you'll also consider legal, ethical, social and professional issues and learn how web security techniques can support the development of secure applications.

This module introduces the foundational concepts, techniques and ethical considerations associated with artificial intelligence. You'll examine different types of AI problems, including optimisation, prediction and modelling, while exploring approaches to knowledge representation, machine learning and search. Topics may include supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning, expert systems, rule-based approaches, neural networks and route-planning algorithms. Alongside investigating AI techniques, you'll consider questions surrounding ethics, bias and the wider social implications of intelligent systems, developing a strong foundation for further study in artificial intelligence.

This module introduces the concepts, techniques and programming principles that underpin software development. You'll explore imperative, functional and object-oriented programming approaches while developing practical skills in designing, implementing and testing software. Topics may include variables, functions, recursion, arrays, memory management, file handling, data structures and algorithm complexity. You'll also learn problem-solving techniques, debugging, code review and version control, alongside consideration of software vulnerabilities and defects. By the end of the module, you'll have developed a solid foundation in modern programming practice.

This module will explore how operating systems manage computing resources and how system-level security can be applied. You'll examine processes, memory, storage, users, permissions and other core services, considering how these elements interact within a secure computer system. Practical work will develop your ability to configure, monitor and analyse operating-system behaviour, identify vulnerabilities and apply appropriate controls. You'll strengthen your understanding of system architecture, access management and security principles while learning to diagnose problems and evaluate the protection of operating environments.

In this module, you'll work collaboratively to develop a substantial software system. You'll apply systems development methods to plan, design, implement, test and review a shared solution, taking responsibility for both your individual contribution and the team outcome. The project will help you practise requirements analysis, project organisation, communication, version control and integration. By responding to technical and team challenges, you'll develop professional collaboration, problem-solving and reflective skills while gaining experience of delivering software through a structured development process.

This module will extend your software development knowledge through advanced programming concepts, tools and practices. You'll investigate approaches for designing, implementing and testing more complex software, considering qualities such as maintainability, reliability, reuse and performance. Practical work will help you select appropriate techniques, structure solutions and diagnose problems using professional development environments. You'll strengthen your ability to evaluate design and implementation choices, work with increasingly sophisticated software components and produce robust solutions to challenging development problems.

In this module, you'll deepen your understanding of artificial intelligence through more advanced concepts, methods and applications. You'll explore how intelligent systems represent knowledge, reason, learn or make decisions, and consider the suitability of different approaches for particular problems. Practical work will help you implement, test and evaluate AI techniques while reflecting on their limitations and wider implications. You'll strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills and develop greater confidence in selecting and applying AI methods within complex computing contexts.

This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a substantial individual project in a specialist area of interest. You'll investigate a topic beyond the scope of taught modules, either through an extended technical project or a research-focused study that leads to the development of a hardware and/or software artefact. Working with academic supervision, you'll develop skills in independent research, project planning, critical evaluation and technical problem-solving. Along the way, you'll learn how to select and apply appropriate methods and tools, communicate your ideas effectively, and reflect on the decisions and processes that shape your project.

In this module, you'll build on your knowledge of programming and software development to create robust software solutions for complex organisational environments. You'll explore business process analysis, requirements engineering and enterprise software architecture, learning how to translate business needs into scalable technical solutions. Through practical development activities, you'll gain experience of modern web application frameworks, API development, containerisation technologies and agile delivery methods. Alongside developing industry-relevant technical skills, you'll examine the legal, ethical, social and professional considerations involved in designing, building and maintaining enterprise software systems.

This module will help you connect your computing studies with professional practice and future career development. You'll explore contemporary issues affecting the computing sector, including professional responsibilities, workplace expectations and the relationship between technology, organisations and society. Through research, reflection and communication activities, you'll consider your own skills and identify areas for continued development. The module will strengthen your professional awareness, critical thinking and ability to communicate informed viewpoints, supporting your transition into employment or further study within computing.