Computer Science BSc (Hons)

UCAS code I743

Duration

3 Years

4 Years

4 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

You’ll gain far more than just a Computer Science degree with us. We equip students with the skills and practical experience to become highly employable.

From the industry-standard facilities you’ll use, through to opportunities to gain Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco certifications, we know what makes the difference.

And as most of our Computer Science students opt for a paid placement year, you’ll have the chance to work in industry before you graduate. These exciting placements can be with companies locally, nationally or as far afield as the US and Singapore.

It’s just one element of the amazing industry links you’ll encounter. We also have guest lectures and academics who are AWS-certified educators. GradEX, our Final Year Graduate Show, is also where students ‘sell’ their projects to a panel of industry judges.

The course will give you a solid foundation in all major aspects of computing. It includes digital technologies, network concepts, cyber security, programming, software development and cloud computing. From web design and user experience through to mastering programming languages, such as JavaScript and Python, you’ll see how everything knits together.

You’ll do everything from a real-world perspective, with opportunities to complete live briefs and set up your own simulated companies. It means you’ll become agile and flexible – qualities valued by graduate recruiters.

Our facilities also include the latest equipment you’ll find in industry. Use our learner labs to experiment and create networks. Or explore the cloud environment with your own AWS account. And in our Collision Space, we have a video wall and group project desks to give you the feel of a real workplace.

This hands-on experience is one of the reasons why we’re ranked in the Top 25 for student satisfaction in Computer Science (2023 Guardian League Tables).

From the industry-standard facilities you’ll use, through to opportunities to gain Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco certifications, we know what makes the difference.

And as most of our Computer Science students opt for a paid placement year, you’ll have the chance to work in industry before you graduate. These exciting placements can be with companies locally, nationally or as far afield as the US and Singapore.

It’s just one element of the amazing industry links you’ll encounter. We also have guest lectures and academics who are AWS-certified educators. GradEX, our Final Year Graduate Show, is also where students ‘sell’ their projects to a panel of industry judges.

The course will give you a solid foundation in all major aspects of computing. It includes digital technologies, network concepts, cyber security, programming, software development and cloud computing. From web design and user experience through to mastering programming languages, such as JavaScript and Python, you’ll see how everything knits together.

You’ll do everything from a real-world perspective, with opportunities to complete live briefs and set up your own simulated companies. It means you’ll become agile and flexible – qualities valued by graduate recruiters.

Our facilities also include the latest equipment you’ll find in industry. Use our learner labs to experiment and create networks. Or explore the cloud environment with your own AWS account. And in our Collision Space, we have a video wall and group project desks to give you the feel of a real workplace.

This hands-on experience is one of the reasons why we’re ranked in the Top 25 for student satisfaction in Computer Science (2023 Guardian League Tables).

From the industry-standard facilities you’ll use, through to opportunities to gain Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco certifications, we know what makes the difference.

And as most of our Computer Science students opt for a paid placement year, you’ll have the chance to work in industry before you graduate. These exciting placements can be with companies locally, nationally or as far afield as the US and Singapore.

It’s just one element of the amazing industry links you’ll encounter. We also have guest lectures and academics who are AWS-certified educators. GradEX, our Final Year Graduate Show, is also where students ‘sell’ their projects to a panel of industry judges.

The course will give you a solid foundation in all major aspects of computing. It includes digital technologies, network concepts, cyber security, programming, software development and cloud computing. From web design and user experience through to mastering programming languages, such as JavaScript and Python, you’ll see how everything knits together.

You’ll do everything from a real-world perspective, with opportunities to complete live briefs and set up your own simulated companies. It means you’ll become agile and flexible – qualities valued by graduate recruiters.

Our facilities also include the latest equipment you’ll find in industry. Use our learner labs to experiment and create networks. Or explore the cloud environment with your own AWS account. And in our Collision Space, we have a video wall and group project desks to give you the feel of a real workplace.

This hands-on experience is one of the reasons why we’re ranked in the Top 25 for student satisfaction in Computer Science (2023 Guardian League Tables).

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Science

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Science

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Work placements

Each year, we place around 200 students with leading names in computing, both in the UK and abroad. Firms include Sky, CERN, BAE Systems, BMW and IBM, along with AWS, Cisco and Juniper. Students have also been placed with companies such as Options IT, which keeps the infrastructure running for the London Stock Exchange.

If you do your placement with a large business, you could spend time at up to three locations – spanning the globe. Destinations have included Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and the US.

Closer to home, we also work with lots of companies offering students experience as software developers, web designers and junior programmers. They include bet365 and TopCashback.

Course content

Throughout the degree, you’ll take a variety of modules, giving you a broad knowledge of Computer Science.

If you choose to take a Foundation Year, we’ll build up your academic skills so you are ready to join the main degree programme. You’ll study topics in key areas, including emerging technologies and the fundamentals of computer systems development.

The first year of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree course includes aspects of software development and digital technologies, as well as delving into networking and cloud technologies.

In the second year, core modules will make up 50% of your studies and will include tackling commercial computing and databases and data structures. For the rest of the time, you can tailor your course to your future career ambitions.

In your final year, you’ll delve deeper into your specialisms, as well expanding further on your general computing knowledge.

Your course will culminate in a Final Project, which will be negotiated with your course leader. This is a great opportunity to explore a topic in depth and also good preparation if you want to continue studying at postgraduate level.

Students do all sorts of things for their Final Project, from going into aspects of web design through to exploring biometrics for cyber security. Some are inspired by their placement experience and even complete their project with support from their placement provider.

Throughout the degree, you’ll take a variety of modules, giving you a broad knowledge of Computer Science.

If you choose to take a Foundation Year, we’ll build up your academic skills so you are ready to join the main degree programme. You’ll study topics in key areas, including emerging technologies and the fundamentals of computer systems development.

The first year of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree course includes aspects of software development and digital technologies, as well as delving into networking and cloud technologies.

In the second year, core modules will make up 50% of your studies and will include tackling commercial computing and databases and data structures. For the rest of the time, you can tailor your course to your future career ambitions.

In your final year, you’ll delve deeper into your specialisms, as well expanding further on your general computing knowledge.

Your course will culminate in a Final Project, which will be negotiated with your course leader. This is a great opportunity to explore a topic in depth and also good preparation if you want to continue studying at postgraduate level.

Students do all sorts of things for their Final Project, from going into aspects of web design through to exploring biometrics for cyber security. Some are inspired by their placement experience and even complete their project with support from their placement provider.

Throughout the degree, you’ll take a variety of modules, giving you a broad knowledge of Computer Science.

If you choose to take a Foundation Year, we’ll build up your academic skills so you are ready to join the main degree programme. You’ll study topics in key areas, including emerging technologies and the fundamentals of computer systems development.

The first year of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree course includes aspects of software development and digital technologies, as well as delving into networking and cloud technologies.

In the second year, core modules will make up 50% of your studies and will include tackling commercial computing and databases and data structures. For the rest of the time, you can tailor your course to your future career ambitions.

In your final year, you’ll delve deeper into your specialisms, as well expanding further on your general computing knowledge.

Your course will culminate in a Final Project, which will be negotiated with your course leader. This is a great opportunity to explore a topic in depth and also good preparation if you want to continue studying at postgraduate level.

Students do all sorts of things for their Final Project, from going into aspects of web design through to exploring biometrics for cyber security. Some are inspired by their placement experience and even complete their project with support from their placement provider.

Professional body accreditation

This course is accredited as 'Tech Industry Gold' by the Tech Partnership Degrees. This identifies courses defined and backed by the Tech industry for quality and relevance to technology careers. Tech Industry Gold degrees blend the technical, business and interpersonal skills most valued by employers.

Professional body accreditation

This course is accredited as 'Tech Industry Gold' by the Tech Partnership Degrees. This identifies courses defined and backed by the Tech industry for quality and relevance to technology careers. Tech Industry Gold degrees blend the technical, business and interpersonal skills most valued by employers.

Professional body accreditation

This course is accredited as 'Tech Industry Gold' by the Tech Partnership Degrees. This identifies courses defined and backed by the Tech industry for quality and relevance to technology careers. Tech Industry Gold degrees blend the technical, business and interpersonal skills most valued by employers.

As an ethical hacker, I can’t believe the risks people routinely take when they access the internet in public

News

Christopher Hawkins, Lecturer in Cyber Security & Computer Science, writes for The Conversation

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Entry requirements

We use UCAS points in our offer-making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

International and mature students with different qualifications and experience are also encouraged to apply.

Ideally you will be educated in Maths to grade C (Grade 4) at GCSE or above, however, if you do not have this we recommend you to contact the University so we can advise you.

  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

We use UCAS points in our offer-making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

International and mature students with different qualifications and experience are also encouraged to apply.

Ideally you will be educated in Maths to grade C (Grade 4) at GCSE or above, however, if you do not have this we recommend you to contact the University so we can advise you.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

This course will benefit from a range of specialist and non-specialist labs available in the Mellor Building. Specialist labs available are an isolated Cyber Security lab (with Encase, XRY and other Cyber and Forensic tools), Software Engineering lab (with APP development and methods software), Mobile and devices lab (with simulators and physical devices), Web computing lab (with sripting, programming, and creative software), Usability lab (with eye-tracker software and user cameras), Data Analytics lab (with Database and Analytic tools), two Networking Labs (with Juniper, Amazon Web Services, and CISCO technologies), and An Artificial Intelligence and Robotics lab (with robots and robotics arms). In relation to non-specialist labs there 4 available within the Mellor Building. There is also a SMART Zone where students can use a wide array of 3D metal and plastic printers. 

Software Development Tools

You'll have access to development environments for desktop, mobile and enterprise applications. Plus access to our mobile/smart devices development lab, with a variety of mobile devices for testing.

Careers

Our Computer Science graduates are snapped up by employers as their skills are in high demand. Some get offered jobs through their placements and join the firms full-time after they complete their degree.

With a need for thousands more software developers in the UK, it’s a specialist field with huge opportunities for our graduates. Cloud technologies are another major growth area.

Many of our graduates also go on to work for tech companies as junior engineers. But there are so many roles that fit seamlessly with a Computer Science background.

Possible careers including becoming a computer systems analyst, database administrator, computer hardware engineer, computer network architect, web developer, UX designer or computer programmer.

As our Computer Science degree is BCS-accredited, you can also apply to become a member of the BCS upon graduation.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

This course will predominently teach you through formal lecture session and practical classes. Lectures will deliver theoretical knowledge to you. Practical sessions will be used to take this theory and put it into practice and may take the form of programming or technology related activity, presentations and seminars, and 'live' brief exercises. 

This course will predominently teach you through formal lecture session and practical classes. Lectures will deliver theoretical knowledge to you. Practical sessions will be used to take this theory and put it into practice and may take the form of programming or technology related activity, presentations and seminars, and 'live' brief exercises. 

This course will predominently teach you through formal lecture session and practical classes. Lectures will deliver theoretical knowledge to you. Practical sessions will be used to take this theory and put it into practice and may take the form of programming or technology related activity, presentations and seminars, and 'live' brief exercises. 

Assessment

This course has a rich diet of assessment methods, of which each is chosen to map to the teaching and expected learning. On this course you will undertake assessments of the following: Class tests (up to 1 hour, Examinations (up to 2 hours), Practical assignment work (individual or group-based), Portfolio of work, Report (individual or group-based, and Presentations (individual or group-based)

This course has a rich diet of assessment methods, of which each is chosen to map to the teaching and expected learning. On this course you will undertake assessments of the following: Class tests (up to 1 hour, Examinations (up to 2 hours), Practical assignment work (individual or group-based), Portfolio of work, Report (individual or group-based, and Presentations (individual or group-based)

This course has a rich diet of assessment methods, of which each is chosen to map to the teaching and expected learning. On this course you will undertake assessments of the following: Class tests (up to 1 hour, Examinations (up to 2 hours), Practical assignment work (individual or group-based), Portfolio of work, Report (individual or group-based, and Presentations (individual or group-based)

Learning support

Tutors will support students throughout their modules in class time. Outside of this there will be support sugery sessions, additional class activities, as well as the option to request individual 1-2-1 sessions.

Additional support

On joining students with additional needs will have these assessed prior to starting their modules to determine how additional support can be put in place for them. Where possible staff will always make reasonable adjustments to provide the best learning experience possible.

Feedback

Students will receive provisional feedback on each of their assessments within 20-days. Provisional grades are fed into progress and award boards in order that student achievement can be gauged. After each board students will receive formal notification as to how well they are doing and that they have passed all modules. If they do not pass all modules a retrieve opportunity will be presented to them. 

Students will receive provisional feedback on each of their assessments within 20-days. Provisional grades are fed into progress and award boards in order that student achievement can be gauged. After each board students will receive formal notification as to how well they are doing and that they have passed all modules. If they do not pass all modules a retrieve opportunity will be presented to them. 

Students will receive provisional feedback on each of their assessments within 20-days. Provisional grades are fed into progress and award boards in order that student achievement can be gauged. After each board students will receive formal notification as to how well they are doing and that they have passed all modules. If they do not pass all modules a retrieve opportunity will be presented to them. 

Independent learning

For each of your modules you will undertake activities outside of classes to enhance inclass learning. This can include programming tasks, design activity, groupwork, reading, research, and testing activities. 

For each of your modules you will undertake activities outside of classes to enhance inclass learning. This can include programming tasks, design activity, groupwork, reading, research, and testing activities. 

For each of your modules you will undertake activities outside of classes to enhance inclass learning. This can include programming tasks, design activity, groupwork, reading, research, and testing activities. 

Staff

The team within the Department are all specialist in Computer Science and its attendant sub-disciplines. You will be taught by Professors, Doctors, as well as staff that have a wealth of industrial experience. You will find that staff will hold certifications, and are qualified as instructors in AWS - Amazon Web Services, Cisco, XRY, Encase or Microsoft.

Dr David Dyke

Course Director

David's expertise focuses on control engineering, electrical circuit analysis, analogue electronics and hardware-based digital electronics. His research interests focus on social implications of technology and the use of AI for power systems design.

David's profile

Stephen Cahill

Senior Lecturer

Steve is a Networks and Server Specialist who focuses primarily on teaching Virtualisation and Infrastructure Modules. His area of interest is primarily Hardware Platforms and Monitoring Systems.

Fiona Knight

Senior Lecturer

Fiona is a senior lecturer in Computer Science, specialising in web development, user interfaces and mobile application development. She is a second-year leader for Computer Science, and is a specialist on the web and software development routes.

Fiona's profile

Dr Carolin Bauer

Senior Lecturer

Carolin has been working for Staffordshire University for a number of years in her capacity as a senior lecturer. She is currently the Course Leader for the MSc Software Engineering course.

Carolin's profile

Dr Justin Champion

Senior Lecturer

Justin has worked for the University for a number of years as a Senior Lecturer in Networking. He is a member of the university's CISCO teaching team and has a wide set of experiences within this field, and has mostly specialised in the area of…

Justin's profile

Dr Mostafa Tajdini

Senior Lecturer

Mostafa is Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course at Staffordshire University as well an active researcher in Cyber and Network Security. His main area of the interest is Intrusion Detection/Prevention System in IPv6 and Phishing Attack.

Mostafa's profile

Dr Benhur Bakhtiari Bastaki

Senior Lecturer

Benhur is Course Leader for BSc Artificial Intelligence. His is an active researcher and his current areas of interest are artificial intelligence, machine learning, ambient intelligence, ubiquitous sensing, contextual information and data mining.

Benhur's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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