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Computer Science BSc (Hons)

Broaden your prospects with a firm foundation in the practice and theory of core computing principles, with a focus on software development, database design, web technologies and security.

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Overview

With the digital era continuing to develop rapidly, the role of computing and its impact on our lives is more important than ever. New and innovative computer technologies are constantly being unveiled, with software engineers, systems developers, programmers and analysts playing a vital role in their creation and development.

Benefiting from more than 50 years of successful teaching, our Computer Science course focuses on modern approaches to software systems development, allowing you to explore both the theoretical and practical skills needed to understand programming language concepts, software design methods, secure web systems, computer architecture and computer networks.

The course prepares you for a wide variety of career opportunities, from programming and developer roles to software engineering, with computer technology closely linked with an extensive range of industries such as medicine, education, entertainment, security and architecture.

Key features

  • Our diverse curriculum provides students with an equal balance of theory and practice and is embedded with contemporary technologies designed to tackle modern multi-core platforms.
  • Important professional issues are covered including computer ethics, law, and security. Final year study includes big data, machine learning, and AI.
  • Tailor your learning to your career ambitions through a range of optional third year modules, including: Functional Programming, Advanced Web Development, Fuzzy Logic and Inference Systems, and Privacy and Data Protection.
  • Explore professional opportunities with an optional placement year. Previous Computer Science students have spent their third year in industry working in roles such as Placement Developer, Cloud Reliability Developer, Solution Engineer and Business Analyst Intern for organisations including Next, Leicestershire Police, Oracle, IBM and The Walt Disney Company. 
  • Graduates have gone on to work for companies such as ITN, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, BT, RBS, HSBC, DNEG and Experian.
  • Gain valuable international experience as part of your studies with our DMU Global programme. On previous trips, Computer Science students met tech entrepreneurs in San Francisco and put their hacking skills to the test at New York’s Spyscape Museum.
  • Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.

 

News stories

Computer Science graduate takes strides with global fin-tech company

San Francisco trip prepares DMU students for tech industry

Microsoft crowns DMU students as winners in 2022 UK University Cloud Challenge

DMU degree enables grad to make valuable contributions during Covid-19

 

Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT

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  • UK
  • EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G400

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding: 

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Book an Open Day

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G400

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding: 

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

 

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

I found a new beginning

The tutors that believed in Tennessee and shared their industry experience took her from foundation degree to software engineer – now she's helping the next generation.

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Entry criteria

  • A typical offer is 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
  • BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM

Plus five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications include:

  • Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification.

We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course

  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ points
  • T Levels Merit

Portfolio Required: No

Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer 

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

 

English language

If English is not your first language then an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

 

Structure and assessment

Education 2030

We want to ensure you have the best learning experience possible and a supportive and nurturing learning community. That’s why we’re introducing a new block model for delivering the majority of our courses, known as Education 2030. This means a more simplified timetable where you will study one subject at a time instead of several at once. You will have more time to engage with your learning and get to know the teaching team and course mates. You will receive faster feedback through more regular assessment, and have a better study-life balance to enjoy other important aspects of university life.

Read more about Education 2030
 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

 

 

First year

Block 1  - Database Design and Implementation:
Learn to structure, access, and protect data in relational databases using SQL for various businesses and organizations.

Block 2 - Fundamental Concepts of Computer Science:
Introduce key computer science concepts, software modelling, UI design, and ethical thinking as a foundation for further studies.

Block 3 - Computer Programming:
Acquire skills in problem analysis, design, and coding for trustworthy software development with an emphasis on coding principles and testing.

Block 4 - Operating Systems and Networks:
Build a foundation in computer architecture, operating systems, and networks, covering both theory and practical application.

Second year

Block 1  - Object-Oriented Design and Development:
Focus on designing and testing medium-scale software systems using an object-oriented approach, incorporating Java SDK libraries.

Block 2 - Data Structures and Algorithms:
Explore data structures and algorithms, including stacks, queues, trees, and sorting techniques, with a focus on coding practices and performance.

Block 3  - Web Application Development:
Learn about front-end and back-end web technologies, covering user interface design, security, and usability factors.

Block 4  - Agile Development Team Project:
Engage in a simulated agile software development environment, working in teams to create software solutions with an emphasis on collaboration.

Third year

Block 1  - Software Development:
Methods and Standards: Delve into methodologies, regulations, agile approaches, and project management tools in software development, with a focus on standards and security.

Block 2  - Big Data and Machine Learning:
Apply machine learning techniques to Big Data using tools like Apache Spark, covering supervised and unsupervised learning with practical applications.

Block 3 / 4  - Development Project:
Demonstrate practical skills, innovation, and analysis through a self-directed project with guidance from a supervisor.

Optional Modules (Choose One):

Block 3 / 4  - Functional Programming:
Learn fundamental concepts of functional programming and apply them to practical problem-solving using modern programming languages.

Block 3 / 4  - Advanced Web Development:
Deepen your understanding of full-stack web development, including front-end technologies, back-end scripting, and data persistence.

Block 3 / 4  - Fuzzy Logic and Inference Systems:
Explore fuzzy logic's handling of uncertainty and create specialized fuzzy inference systems through practical lab work.

Block 3 / 4  - Privacy and Data Protection:
Study the balance between maintaining business effectiveness and legal compliance in handling sensitive information, with a focus on privacy and data protection regulations.

See detailed module information


Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.


 

Teaching and assessment

On this course, you will benefit from Education 2030 - DMU’s new way of delivering courses. Through block teaching, you will focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once.

The teaching methods delivered on this course include staff directed learning via lectures, tutorials and laboratories, in addition to student-centred resource-based learning (including web-based resources), collaborative and group working, individual learning and student-centred learning via individual research / literature review.

Students will be assessed via a range of methods including time constrained phase tests, portfolios of work, programming and other laboratory exercises, viva voce examinations, project work, individual work and group work.

 

 

Facilities and features

 
Placements
Placements
Placements
 

Computer Science Laboratories

Our Computer Science laboratories provide computer workstations for students to use, with four interconnected computing laboratories with HP PCs running Windows/Linux.

All the machines are connected to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work. Many of the software packages are open source, which means students can download and run the software needed for their course work while at home. The laboratories also include study spaces where you can work individually or in groups.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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Graduate Careers

Computer Science graduates have gone on to work as associate software engineers, computer engineers, systems engineers, database managers, software developers and web developers for companies including HSBC Bank, Sainsbury’s, MMT Digital, RR Donnelley and Serck Controls.

Graduates can also continue their academic careers by embarking on postgraduate study in either research or taught areas, which provides opportunities for further specialisation and the enhancement of existing skills.

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#DMUglobal

Our innovative international experience programme aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through #DMUglobal, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Our Computer Science students have visited top tech companies in San Francisco to get an insight into the skills and talent needed for careers in the technology sector, as well as visited New York’s Spyscape museum to test out their espionage and surveillance skills.

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Placements

Work placements are offered as part of this course as one of the best ways to boost your skills and experience while studying, as well as improving your chances of gaining a graduate level job.

We have links with organisations both in the UK and internationally, and the placements team will help you find a placement to suit your interests and aspirations. Students on this course have taken part in placements at companies including Syngenta, Jagex, PepsiCo, HSBC Bank, Honda Racing Corporation and Avis Europe.

Computer Science student Judyta Dabek secured a year-long placement as an automation trainee at Rolls-Royce. She said: “It’s an inspiring place to work and a very important opportunity for me. I’m learning how to use different programming languages and documentation, as well as developing my research skills and knowledge of law and ethics, all of which will broaden my career opportunities after university.”

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