Computer Science BSc(Hons)

  • Overview

    Information and communications technologies are the basis of many systems in all aspects of life. At the centre of these systems are software components whose correctness and reliability are crucial. The specialists who develop these software components need to be skilled in the design of algorithms and data structures, and knowledgeable about the hardware with which the software will interact.

    This course develops such specialists in software/hardware interface design, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges presented by the expanding use of the internet.

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 6 years

    With placement year 4 years

    UCAS code G400

  • Course content

    Course structure

    A distinctive feature of the programme is the third year which is usually spent on a paid professional placement in a leading organisation. This enables students to use their accumulated specialist skills, and provides invaluable experience when approaching the job market on graduation.

    Areas of study

    This course is part of the computing undergraduate programme which offers a range of different specialist degrees. A common first semester allows you to become familiar with the different specialisms before making a final choice about which one to follow.

    Among the subjects explored are object-oriented software design and implementation, formal specification, computer systems architecture and operating systems.

    Syllabus

    Year 1: common modules
    Programming
    Databases
    Web Design
    Internet Applications
    Requirements Analysis
    Human Computer Interaction
    Professional Practice
    Computing Context

    Year 1: course-specific modules
    Mathematics
    Maintaining Computer Systems

    Year 2
    Object-oriented Software Design and Implementation
    Specification and Reasoning
    Computer Systems Architecture
    Models of Machines and Computation
    Languages and Machines
    Operating Systems
    User-centred Design for Interaction
    Research Methods

    Year 3
    Placement

    Year 4
    A major project
    Specification and Refinement
    Rigorous Object-oriented Modelling
    Computer Graphics Algorithms
    Real-time Systems and Concurrency
    Options

  • Entry requirements

    Typical entry requirements Help
    individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    BBB.

    BTEC
    DMM.

    International Baccalaureate:
    32 points.

    Access to HE Diploma
    pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 18 credits at merit or above. Level 3 units in computing required.

    GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
    at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

    Foundation degree/HND
    may enable you to start the course in year 2 or 3. HNC may also count towards direct entry.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

  • Location

    Location Help Moulsecoomb

  • Career opportunities

    Graduates with this degree have become software developers and real-time system designers.

    Visit the careers centre website.

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

    To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

    Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    BSc(Hons) Computer Science  [J4EG011]
    UK/EU 9,000 GBP
    Island Students 9,000 GBP
    International 12,900 GBP

    When on a placement (sandwich) year, students pay a reduced fee in the placement year of this course. This is currently £750 for Home and Island Students and £1,760 for International students. This fee is likely to increase with inflation.