Computer Science

This is a Connected Degree

Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Overview

Develop technology that will define the future.

On this BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree, you'll build a solid foundation of core computer science concepts – everything from program design, data structures and algorithms, networking and operating systems to cyber security.

Further strengthen your knowledge on an optional placement, following past students who've gained industry insight at global organisations like IBM and BAE Systems.

BSc or MEng?

The 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) and 4-year integrated Master's degree (MEng) share many of the same modules in years 1–3.

The MEng allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with an extra year of undergraduate study, which can further enhance your career prospects. In the final year of your MEng, you'll study advanced topics and complete an interdisciplinary project to get practical experience in the field.

Course highlights

• Specialise in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, robotics, data mining, cryptography and the Internet of Things (IoT).

• Take part in fast-paced hackathons and visit companies with specialist computer science departments.

• Learn from experts researching artificial intelligence that could save lives and winning awards for prototype software to predict a Covid-19 diagnosis.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP.

Careers and opportunities

More than 40,000 'open' roles advertised in April 2021 asked for related computer science skills and qualifications. And 90% of our graduates who are in work 15 months after they graduate are in highly skilled, professional-level occupations.

The skills you get on this course will set you up for a career implementing the latest computer science concepts in innovative global companies.

Our graduates have worked for companies such as:

• BAE Systems

• Aviva

• Capita

• NHS

• Penningtons Manches Cooper

• Honeywell / Trend Controls

• MASS

• DQ Global

• Servicenow

Roles you could go onto include:

• applications engineer

• data analyst

• systems analyst and developer

• information security analyst

• artificial intelligence and machine learning engineer

• research and development (R&D) scientist

You could also become a qualified teacher by taking the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) pathway – you'll save an extra year of study and get a £9,000 bursary.

Placement year opportunities

Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation or set up your own business, giving you the change to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.

We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

Year 1

Core modules in this year include:

• Architecture and Operating Systems
• Core Computing Concepts
• Database Systems Development
• Networks
• Programming

There are no optional modules in this year.

Year 2

Core modules in this year include:

• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Discrete Mathematics and Functional Programming
• Operating Systems and Internet working
• Programming Applications and Programming Languages
• Software Engineering Theory and Practice

Optional modules in this year currently include:

• 3D Computer Graphics and Animation
• Big Data
• Data Analytics and Visualisation
• Ethical Hacking
• Computing Undergraduate Ambassador
• Security and Cryptography
• Web Programming

Year 3

Core modules in this year include:

• Distributed Systems and Security
• Individual Project (Engineering)
• Theoretical Computer Science

Optional modules in this year currently include:

• Advanced Networks
• Artificial Intelligence
• Business Analytics
• Complex Problem Solving
• Digital Enterprise and Innovation
• Graphics and Computer Vision
• Internet of Things
• IT and Internetworking Security
• Project Management
• Robotics
• Security and Cryptography

Placement year (optional)

After your second or third year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Previous students have secured placements at high-profile organisations that include IBM, Airbus and Veritas. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

• multiple choice tests
• in-class exercises
• written exams
• mini projects
• presentations
• written reports
• review articles

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:

Year 1 students: 33% by written exams and 67% by coursework
Year 2 students: 58% by written exams, 3% by practical exams and 39% by coursework
Year 3 students: 22% by written exams and 78% by coursework

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Computer Society