Top 40
UK university for four years in a row
The Guardian University Guide 2024
1st
in the UK for student satisfaction in Computer Science
Complete University Guide 2024
92%
positivity for staff support
your learning
National Student Survey 2024
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Overview
Explore the science behind computer systems
Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science course builds your knowledge of the inner workings of computer systems through both theoretical and practical modules to provide you with the skills you need to succeed in your future career.
Study the key aspects of computer science
You will learn a wide range of computer science elements and principles, as you gain an in-depth understanding of the intricacies and connections between various systems and how they come together to power the modern world around us.
Study a wide range of specialist areas, including:
- Algorithms and data structures
- Database systems
- Mathematical principles
- Programming languages and software development
- Web and mobile applications
- Cyber security
- Artificial intelligence.
Apply your learning to practical projects
Throughout your degree, you will use your newly-acquired skills and knowledge to inform your work on various practical projects, which prepare you for your future career within a professional context.
Learn from our team of computer science experts
Our team of dedicated, highly qualified computing science experts are here to help support you throughout your studies, as they get to know you and your needs to help ensure you can thrive.
Gain vital industry experience with work placement opportunities
We can support you in finding and applying for a suitable year-long work placement between your second and third years of study, which gives you the opportunity to put your studies in practice, improve your CV and develop your professional network ahead of your career within the industry.
Prepare for your future career
In our highly digital age, most industries rely on computer systems and developments, which means graduates with knowledge of these areas are in high demand.
We help prepare you for your future career, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed by employers to help you stand out and allow you to thrive within a professional space.
On this course you will:
- Understand the complex science behind computer systems through theoretical and practical modules.
- Apply your learning through practical projects related to industry needs.
- Have the opportunity to undertake a year-long industrial work placement.
- Learn from our team of expert and experienced teaching staff.
- Gain the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career after you graduate.
The Course
Gain an in-depth understanding of computer science principles
Year One
Your first year introduces you to the fundamentals of computer science as you begin to explore aspects of algorithms, data structures, programming and mathematics.
Year Two
In your second year, you will focus on more specialist aspects of computer science, such as cyber security and mathematical modelling.
You will also explore the applications of your learning in professional and business contexts, with modules that focus on developing systems for clients, professional practice and project management.
Year Three
Your third year sees you work towards a final project that acts as a culmination of all your learning throughout your studies.
In addition, you will study more advanced computer science principles such as artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems and creative computing.
Modules
Select a year
Algorithms and Data Structures
An algorithm is a sequence of steps for performing some process, and a computer program is not an algorithm but a representation of an algorithm. This module explores how to create effective algorithms, quantify their efficiency and classify them independently of any computing system or language.
Business Information Systems
Within this module, you will explore the relationship of technology with business.
As well as creating an understanding of what an information system (IS) does, you will examine how an IS may influence business structures, assist in the decision making within an organisation and some of the tools that can be used to improve information handling.
Computer Science Fundamentals
This module will introduce general models of computation such as finite state automata and Turing machines and their relationship to classes of languages. You will use these models to explore the limits of the power of computers.
Database Systems
In this module you will explore relational databases. You will be introduced to database software, design, creation, management and programming. Topics include conceptual entity-relationship design, logical database design and physical database creation.
Discrete Mathematics
The content of all the mathematics modules follows the overarching principle of developing students’ technical ability, development of knowledge into areas of mathematical structure, proof and formality, continuity, discrete procedures, limiting processes, mathematical modelling and interpretation of space. This module’s content will be taken from mathematical techniques/areas such as languages, automata, and grammars; finite-state and Turing machines; ordered sets; lattices; set theory; functions; countable and uncountable sets; combinatorics; recurrence relations.
Networked World: Systems and Architectures
This module introduces and explores the technical components, concepts and techniques that underpin the digital world, including hardware, software and networking infrastructure.
Object-Oriented Programming (Java)
On this module you will be introduced to the paradigm of Object Oriented Programming (OOP) and the specifics of Java code.
Procedural Programming
On this module you will discover the concepts involved in procedural programming from a software development prospective. You will identify core principles for writing code in Python and use these in practical situations. During practical work you will use various tools to assess requirements, design, create and test a program (including error handling) within a business situation.
Cyber Security Fundamentals
This module will help students understand the cyber-physical systems fundamentals and practical issues regarding the application of cyber-physical systems.
Some emerging cyber-physical systems applications related to IoT, robotics, autonomous systems and Industry 4.0 will be introduced and discussed. The module will enable the student to understand the relevant control theories and cyber-physical system-specific computing and communication challenges.
Design & Analysis of Algorithms
Algorithms and algorithmic problem solving are at the heart of computer science. This module introduces you to the design and analysis of algorithms. You will learn how to quantify the performance algorithms, as you learn the techniques for designing efficient algorithms, including efficient data structures for storing and retrieving data.
Developing Real Systems for Customers
This module uses the knowledge and skill you have gained throughout your degree to develop and deliver a real computer system.
Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis
This module introduces formulating numerical problems and building models to address and derive numerical solutions. It also provides you with the knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical principles appropriate to interpret numerical findings and draw justified conclusions.
Professional Practice
This is an optional module for full-time students only. You will give a short illustrated seminar presentation (artists’ talk) to selected Year One and Two students, mapping the development of the critical context underpinning your own work and the development of your own material practice, relating it to relevant theory and artists who’ve inspired the work, presenting your plans for when you graduate. You then produce a 1,000 word Self-Reflective Commentary that formalises the content of the seminar into a coherent text which articulates your own cumulative individual research and its resolution into the body of art practice presented for exhibition. You will also produce a ‘professional pack’ including CV and business card, photo documentation and a short exhibition statement.
Project Management
This module introduces you to the essential tools and methodologies for managing an effective project, including the Prince2 and Agile methodologies. You will explore techniques for change management and version control. You will have the opportunity to explore project planning and use Project Management software. You will be assessed through a 3,500-word portfolio.
Web Application Development
This module is an introductory module for those with little or no knowledge of websites. You will be introduced to the principles of HTML, CSS, PHP and effective design, and have opportunities to complete practical work by analysing and improving a current website.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is a developed field within computer science and is rapidly evolving. The foundations of this field have roots in the work of Alan Turing investigating the boundary between human intelligence and computers.
Technologies developed in the field of artificial intelligence have found their way into everyday life and form services and infrastructure that we rely on, on a day to day basis. Such services and infrastructure include internet search, predictive text, speech recognition and automation.
This module covers the foundations of the topics in artificial intelligence and considers its uses in a wide range of applications.
Computational Science
In this module, you will explore computational science, an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of science, computer science and mathematics. Computational science combines simulation, visualization, mathematical modelling, programming, data structures and symbolic computation with various scientific disciplines.
Creative Computing
This module will provide you with a detailed appreciation of human visual and audio perception. You will learn fundamental techniques for programming with visual and audio media, gaining proficiency in combining these techniques with an understanding of perception to produce new audio and visual media projects.
Cyber-Physical Systems
This module will help you understand the cyber-physical systems fundamentals and practical issues regarding the application of cyber-physical systems.
Some emerging cyber-physical systems applications related to IoT, robotics, autonomous systems and Industry 4.0 will be introduced and discussed. The module will enable you to understand the relevant control theories, cyber-physical system-specific computing and communication challenges.
Data Science and Analytics
This module introduces you to data science and analytics, overview challenges and solutions in this area, present approaches to data mining and techniques suitable for new information discovery.
Visualization tools and performance metrics are also considered within the module.
Final Year Project
The final year project brings together theoretical understanding and the practical skills acquired from other modules.
The project involves producing a software product from conceptualisation through to successful evaluation and producing a report to demonstrate the output of the research.
The module has a crucial role within the programme of study. It provides the opportunity for students to undertake programme related research and develop an artefact in an appropriate context. The module is designed to make a significant contribution to the professional and intellectual development of students.
Mobile Application Development
This module will introduce essential topics in mobile application development, as well as some advanced topics, using mainly an open source platform. You will explore the current trends of mobile application design and development, and analyse the unique design and deployment issues you must consider when developing applications for mobile devices.
Teaching and Assessment
Feel the support of our expert and experienced staff
Teaching
You will attend scheduled classes such as workshops, lectures and seminars, alongside some independent study.
As well as working independently, you will work on some projects and seminars in groups, developing your communication and teamwork skills while creating work with other students.
Smaller class sizes to help your development
Our commitment to smaller class sizes allows you to feel more confident to discuss your ideas in a supportive environment and allows your tutors get to know you and how best to aid your development.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a range of assignments that could include:
- Coursework
- Project work
- Written exams.
Experience
Learn across our historic Bishop Otter campus and state-of-the-art Tech Park
Bognor Regis campus
Our Bognor Regis campus boasts our £35m Tech Park, beautiful Georgian architecture and is within walking distance of the sea.
Bishop Otter Campus
Part of your course will be held on our historic Bishop Otter campus in the heart of Chichester.
Expert staff
Our industry-experienced staff get to know you and your learning needs to help you thrive.
Computing labs
You will be surrounded by latest equipment and technology, with access to labs with Macs, PCs and LCD screens.
Learning Resource Centre
TThe Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
Work Placements
Prepare for your career with practical placements
You can apply for a year-long industrial placement during your degree.
As well as giving you an opportunity to put your studies into practice and use the skills you develop on your course, undertaking a placement helps to improve your CV and shows employers that you have already completed work in industry when you graduate.
Placements years usually take place between your second and third years of study. You will spend one year working with a company in industry before returning to the University to complete your final year. This effectively extends your studies by one year.
The placement will be a paid position, with pay at or above the National Minimum Wage.
Placement years are competitive. We will support you in finding and applying for a suitable placement, but we are unable to guarantee placement years.
Study Abroad
Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad
As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies as you enrich and broaden your educational experiences.
Students who have undertaken this in the past have found it to be an amazing experience to broaden their horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, experience further travel and to immerse themselves within a new culture.
You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to ensure that you get the best out of your time studying abroad.
Careers
Discover what you can do after you graduate
A computer science degree can take you into specialist jobs such as software development or into areas of engineering and science. Computer scientists are required in most business activities, so you could pursue a range of roles after you graduate.
Our approach ensures that you develop the additional skills that are highly valued by a wide range of employers across many industries, such as project management, team work, communications and autonomy.
Further studies
You could decide to continue your studies to postgraduate level.
Our postgraduate degrees include:
- MSc Digital Marketing
- MSc Computer Science
- MBA
- PGCE
- PhD/MPhil research.
Course Costs
Course Fees 2024/25
UK fee
International fee
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
Entry Requirements
Typical offer:
UCAS
A levels
BTEC
Access to HE Diploma
International Baccalaureate
IELTS
Contextual offers
We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background.
When we receive your application we consider your personal circumstances and the factors surrounding your achievements to see if you are eligible for a contextual offer. This is an offer with a reduced entry tariff – typically the equivalent of 16 fewer UCAS points (two A-level grades).
Find out more about our contextual offers.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Click the ‘Apply now’ button to go to relevant UCAS page.
Many qualifications have a UCAS Tariff value. The score depends on the qualification, and the grade you achieved.
Head to the UCAS Tariff Points web page where you can find a tariff points calculator that can tell you how much your qualification and grades are worth.
