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. You will make use of websites, social media and blogs, and specialist software.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to explore other areas through your option choices and your major project.

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

• Fundamentals of Computer Systems

  The module introduces you to the computer organisation, architecture, hardware and software components comprising a computer system.

• 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 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 Databases

  This module will introduce you to the concepts used in database design and use. This includes modelling and validation techniques used in analysis and design, and use of SQL to extract information from database systems.

• 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*

• Database Management Systems
• Introduction to Functional Programming
• User Experience Design
• Embedded Systems
• Logic and Formal Specification
• 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 in industry. This enables you to develop your specialist skills and provides invaluable experience.

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

Options*

• Data Mining
• Usability Evaluation
• Specification and Refinement
• Object-oriented Design and Architecture
• Intellectual Property Law and IT
• Enterprise Data Management
• New Horizons in Computing
• Programming Languages, Concurrency and Client-server Computing
• Advanced Mobile Application Development

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

Brighton's digital economy 

Home to over 1,000 companies in the digital sector, Brighton is well established as one of the UK’s leading centres for creative media technology.

The university is the lead academic partner of the Digital Catapult Centre Brighton, which helps entrepreneurs and small businesses bring their digital services and products to market. Innovative projects developed by the centre include a national 5G testbed, backed by the University of Brighton, to help small businesses across the UK develop new products and services that can benefit from 5G technologies.

The testbed further enhances Brighton's growing international reputation for creativity and innovation, particularly in the digital sector which now contributes to over £1bn per year to its economy.

As a student you can find internships and a doorway to job opportunities across the city through Wired Sussex, a local membership organisation for companies and individuals working in the digital sector.

Each year you’ll also get to enjoy the Brighton Digital Festival which brings together the city’s arts and digital cultures and communities. The festival welcomes around 47,000 visitors and features more than 150 events.

Student View 

Umair Khalil

“I chose to study at Brighton because the curriculum taught at the University 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 at the University. 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.

The knowledge I have gained here has been invaluable in equipping me for life outside of University.”

International requirements

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

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 £1,230 for home students and £2,060 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2019–20.

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.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or DBS checks, or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. 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. Before you apply check with the school that provides your course using the contact details in the Find out more tab (at the end of this page) for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Local area

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map