Computer Science BSc(Hons)

Course structure

This course is part of the computing undergraduate programme which offers a variety of specialist degrees. If you develop a particular specialism during year 1, you will be able to switch to a degree which accurately reflects your interests.

You will learn independently through guided activities such as reading, practical skills development, assessed coursework, and project work supported by a supervisor.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through our applicant portal.

Year 1 

Beginning with a broad introduction to computer science and software engineering, you will study topics that cover programming, databases, web development, artificial intelligence, maths and professional skills. 

Modules

• Introduction to Programming

  This module is the entry-level programming module and will introduce you to the fundamental concepts and skills required to write simple programs in a high-level language.

• Introduction to Cyber Security

  This module will provide you with an understanding of cyber security and privacy. It will also provide you with the skills and mechanisms required to build and maintain secure information systems that can protect people, business, and data from malicious attacks.

• Computing Technologies

  This module will enable you to gain an understanding of the basic principles underlying the operation of fixed and mobile computing devices, including the storage and retrieval of data.

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

  This module introduces you to the basic concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It presents AI principles, techniques and technologies through real world examples.

• Introduction to Web Development

  This module will introduce a range of current web technologies, equipping you to build basic standards-compliant static and interactive web pages.

• Working in the Computing Industry

  This module introduces you to the professional roles and working practices in computing and business information technology (IT). The module integrates an introduction to the university learning environment and a foundation in academic study skills.

Year 2 

In your second year, you will study software hardware design in more depth. You will apply your foundation knowledge to more specialised areas of computer science, including intelligent systems, object-oriented software design, operating systems and data structures. 

Modules

• Intelligent Systems
• Object-oriented Development and Testing
• Data Structure and Operating Systems
• Integrated Group Project

Options*

• Introduction to Functional Programming
• Embedded Systems
• Web Application Development
• Mobile Application Development

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

You have the option of a year’s paid placement after your second year. Going on a placement builds confidence, can help you decide what how you want to specialise in your final year, and strengthens your CV.

Our students have been on placement with companies including Lighthouse Systems, IBM, AstraZeneca, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, EDF Energy and 15below.

Final year

In your final year, you consolidate what you have learnt in a major computing project, and will specialise in the subjects that interest you most by choosing option modules.

Modules

• Computing Project
• Object-oriented Design and Architecture
• Programming Languages, Concurrency and Client-server Computing

Options*

• Data Mining
• Usability Evaluation
• Virtual Reality Systems
• Intellectual Property Law and IT
• New Horizons in Computing
• Advanced Mobile Application Development

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Student view 

Umair Khalil

I chose to study at Brighton because the curriculum taught here reflects what is being used and practiced within the current industry.

My experience here has been exceptional, challenging and rewarding. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone with a technical background who is not afraid to challenge themselves and who aspire to be involved in a hugely prosperous industry.

The course remains up-to-date with the current technologies and theoretical approaches. The guest lectures have been crucial in understanding how some of the content taught at the university can be instrumental to some of the tasks undertaken by large companies.

The staff have been extremely supportive since the minute I arrived. They have all helped to push me out of my comfort zone and have always provided me with the advice and tools to help me succeed in a very demanding industry and shown me how I can maximise the opportunities open to me in and out of the university.

International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visas and immigration advice

Course fees

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,290 for home students and £2,076 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included, while studying a course in the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics are listed here.

• You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.
• In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but students may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost. Find out about standard printing costs.
• Costs of up to £50 are included in the fees for students on engineering courses to pay for materials for their final year projects. On rare occasions where material costs exceed £50, they will need to be paid for by the student.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2020–21.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK/EU students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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-time 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.

Local area

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps