Course Structure

First Year

All first-year students are introduced to programming (Java) and to the fundamentals of Software Engineering and Computer Science.

You'll also study the mathematical foundations of computer science. You'll learn about networks and computer architectures. Some first-year modules are free-choice, so you can pick a topic from across the University. You could use this opportunity to pick up a language, pursue an interest, or try something new. If you are taking computer science with/and maths then your time is split fifty-fifty between computer science and maths modules in your first year.

Second Year

All students progress to functional programming as well as learning about database technology, graphics and robotics. Mathematical aspects are explored in logic, computation and pattern recognition topics. More advanced aspects of software engineering such as systems analysis and design are covered. You will also learn about some of the professional, legal and ethical issues involved in computing.

Most students have their first experience of working for an external client in the second year, through the Software Hut project.

Computer Science and AI students also take the Software Hut, a Psychology topic, or a Philosophy topic.

Third and fourth years

The third year offers a greater choice of topics. We encourage you to focus on the subjects that interest you the most. You may be interested in computer games technology or computational biology. You might want to explore how computers interact with speech and language. Many third-year students carry out a research project. If you're studying Computer Science with a language, you spend the third year abroad. 

MComp and MEng students progress to more advanced material in the fourth year. You will have the opportunity to take part in running Genesys Solutions. There will also be a lot of research-led topics to choose from – current topics include virtual reality, computer games technology, computer security, iPhone software development and speech processing by mind and machine. 

Students with a keen interest in research can opt for Darwin – a major group research project. 

A year in industry

You have the opportunity to include a year in industry (a work placement year) as part of your degree. Even better, "with Employment Experience" is added to the degree name, thus giving full credit to the added experience.

A degree with Employment Experience offers the chance to spend one year on work placement and provides an opportunity to experience the work that you like in practice. Apart from experiencing how to solve real world problems, you will be able to develop your transferable skills, put academic theory into practice and - very importantly - substantially increase your value on the job market.

We have a dedicated officer who can help you find a placement. You'll be paid a salary and your University fees are reduced for that year.