Overview
We believe that problem-solving lies at the heart of computer science. We aim to make this one of the most exciting and forward-thinking courses you can study.
Computer science in our opinion underpins almost all the science and technology that we rely on in the modern world. It is responsible for some of the most powerful problem-solving strategies known to mankind – the Internet, smart devices, artificial intelligence, robots and much, much more.
If you are interested in how computers work and are designed, this course, upon successful completion, should enable you to progress from your undergraduate degree to a master’s level qualification.
We aim to explore practical applications in industry, commerce, research and everyday life, and a combination of theory and practice in traditional areas of computer science, including programming and algorithms, computer architecture, networking, system design and implementation. You should also explore some of the new and exciting areas of development in this ever-changing field such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science techniques, mobile app development and cryptography in software security.
Please note the January 2021 intake is only applicable for Computer Science BSc (EECU032).
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation & Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)
Computer Science MSci/BSc (Hons) were accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) for the 2019/20 intake. Following changes which have been made to improve the courses, we are applying for re-accreditation for entrants of 2020/21 onwards. We anticipate that our application for re-accreditation will be successful. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these courses, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Our Facilities
Cisco Lab
The Cisco lab is used for working with general networking and towards accreditation by CISCO. Optional modules allow students to work in the lab to develop skills in preparation for the CISCO certification exam.
Virtual Laboratories
Provide a cutting edge virtualisation environment that can be used to create entire virtual networks, complete with services, users and even attackers. Students can access this environment from anywhere on or off campus.
Sigma Centre
An award-winning Mathematics Support Centre which provides a wide range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments.
What our students say...
In my opinion the support and quality of education at Coventry is superb, from lecturers to the faculty registry support teams I have been well nurtured to my academic goals. What I have learnt has geared me perfectly to start my career in a Computer Science field, especially having achieved a First Class honours. The course focused not only on theoretical aspects, but also heavily involved practical implementations both in software and hardware topics.
Since finishing the course I have been able to secure a job as a Software Consultant. Coventry University is a quickly-developing university especially in its STEM subjects, and I would highly recommend any aspiring student to consider applying to study here.
Course information
This degree will explore the subject of computer science and should allow you to broaden your understanding as the course progresses. This should then enable you to decide at a later stage which subject areas best reflect your interests or career aspirations, and tailor your studies with an appropriate choice of specialist modules.
Coventry University has a reputation for teaching excellence thanks to our activity-led approach to learning, which features simulation of real-world problems and technical collaborative projects.
91%
of students in work or doing further study within six months after finishing.
Discover Uni, 2020
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We have been ranked joint first amongst Modern Universities in England for career prospects - Guardian University Guide 2021
In more detail...
We have a syllabus that keeps up with current technology trends, so you can stay abreast of emerging technologies like graph databases, mobile app development and artificial intelligence (AI) concepts. We will explore the basis of computer science, using industry-standard equipment including robots, virtual and physical servers, chromebooks and mobile devices, as well as Microsoft software and industrial strength collaboration coding platforms such as GitHub.
Our current commercial links should provide you with opportunities to experience the process of working in a team to create a system for a client with all the constraints and requirements this entails*. For example, recent projects have involved robot simulators, data mining with IBM, database development, virtual reality and assistive technology.
You should have the opportunity to develop specialised skills and knowledge in the areas of intelligent agents, mobile applications, open source development, concurrent and real-time applications on the undergraduate programme, as well as neural networks, machine learning, cloud computing, distributed technologies and intelligent information retrieval on the master’s programme. You can also attempt to gain additional industry-recognised certifications through the Microsoft and CISCO Academy Programmes as part of the universities Add+vantage scheme at no additional cost.
Our current staff have experience of working in the fields of machine learning, networking or data science for well-known organisations such as Maplesoft, Praeposit Limited for e-learning and Jaguar Land Rover, and others who are conducting internationally-rated research in fields such as web and mobile development, artificial intelligence, distributed systems and computing for the creative industries.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- An opportunity to demonstrate your portfolio of work to potential employers at the free-to-attend annual Coventry New Wizards Showcase.
- Option to join the CISCO Academy Programme leading to an industry-recognised CISCO Certified Networked Associate (CCNA) qualification at no extra cost (CISCO related Add+vantage modules will need to be chosen in order to participate
- A free-to-join Computer Club for all students, which organises a range of extracurricular activities such as LAN gaming, robot programming challenges and hackathons, to experience the most up-to-date technologies
- Regular free-to-attend guest lecturers from current practitioners, which, in recent years, have included senior professors from Sheffield, Lincoln and Birmingham universities and the European Bioinformatics Centre Cambridge (subject to availability).
- Support for seeking short and long-term placements with technology companies to gain the experience employers desire*. Past students have worked for Microsoft UK Ltd, Intel and Accenture, as well as a range of medium sized companies in web, media and the creative industries
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Our main study themes are:
- Programming: The underlying concepts and algorithms, which should enable you to apply the programming techniques that are appropriate for the problem encountered. You should have opportunity to develop core skills in programming by learning and applying syntax, problem-solving strategies, and theory common to most programming languages. We also examine professional practices associated with the industry, including key software development concepts such as testing code, version control, functional decomposition and event driven programming, as well as how to interact with non-technical users and clients.
- Computer Architecture, Networking and Operating Systems: We investigate and analyse the origin, structure and use of the fundamental components of computers, how they represent data, operating systems (OS) used and networking approaches. We will explore basic OS concepts, such as processes, memory management, drivers and file systems. We also explore the main features of Linux, Windows, UNIX and Mac OSI, among others.
- Database Systems, Data and Information Retrieval: Exploring how to identify the database approach that best reflects the application and the use of a variety of data analytic approaches.
- Software System Modelling and Project Management: A practical guide to the software development processes will be offered with associated tools and techniques for modelling and project management. We consider modern iterative process models using Agile and object-oriented (OO) modelling methods and tools, including techniques for requirements engineering and analysis, architectural design and detailed software design with patterns, completed with implementation, testing and integration.
- Latest Computing-related Technologies and Development: We explore the latest technologies and development in the areas of web technologies, mobile apps, AI, concurrent and real time systems, and contribute to the open source community through the development of software and the production of large scale complex software.
The programme allows you to study full-time over three years to achieve the Bachelor’s level, providing successful completion, or four years if you wish to progress to the master’s level in October of the academic year. With the work placement or study abroad option*, you will study full-time over four years to achieve the Bachelor’s level, providing successful completion, or five years if you wish to progress to the master’s level.
You have the option of extending your studies by taking a sandwich year in the form of an industrial training placement or study abroad between Years 2 and 3.* If you choose the professional work placement, this will take the form of a full year placement. For example, one student recently worked in IT support and was responsible for data queries, reporting and computer/servers’ assembly for Faurecia, a global automotive supplier which produces the seats for the BMW in Oxford. Alternatively, if you choose to study abroad, you could spend a half year in education and the other half on work placement*. In 2015/16, one of our students was enrolled at Beuth University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, Germany and studied various modules in business, such as supply chain management, presentation and business English, in addition to completing a work placement at Dell in the areas of systems and information technology in Botswana.
Theory and lab-based classes should give you an opportunity to develop your knowledge of a wide range of computer science theory and practice, and how this can be used in creating software for use in the real world. The course aims to adopt an engaging approach to teaching through use of videos, quizzes, real-world examples and interactive learning.
Throughout the course, great emphasis is placed on the practical development of work, with a significant portion of your time being spent on: assisted lab tasks, which may involve programming, date analysis and retrieval or computer architecture; seminars discussing topics like algorithms, machine learning or open source programming; or project-based sessions, which may cover Hadoop to perform parallel data analysis, creating code with an open source community or new apps.
You will have opportunities to take part in challenging individual and group projects dealing with questions at the cutting-edge of computer science. Regular free-to-attend external talks, by our academic and research staff, as well as visiting lecturers, should bring you the latest issues on a wide range of topics, which have recently covered security, artificial intelligence, software development and robotics (subject to availability).
We aim to organise a wide range of optional field trips in the UK or abroad*, with past students visiting Bletchley Park, the central site for Britain's codebreakers during World War II, and the Internet of Things Expo in London.
As well as industry placements provided via the sandwich year route, we also look to facilitate research internships*. The internships typically last for eight to twelve weeks and have previously involved students conducting research into robots, neural networks and cryptography. Internships are subject to competitive application.
Teaching methods can include: lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, group projects, workshops and practical laboratory sessions, supported by an extensive suite of labs staffed by experienced staff.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, internship, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Meet our staff
Yih-Ling Hedley
Our Senior Lecturer in Computing, Yih-Ling has taught a number of subject areas, primarily in software engineering and web applications development as a lecturer at the School of Computing, Electronics and Maths at Coventry University. Yih-Ling is currently working on a project through the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) scheme in mobile applications and systems integration in the Java Enterprise framework.
Read full profileThis course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, essays, project and group work, practical exams (e.g. presentations and tests), and formal examinations.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: the underlying technology, design methods, programming languages, international standards and practices required to practise in the domain of computer science; the cultural, commercial, social, ethical, legal and professional issues connected with the creative and IT industries and professional practice within them; and emergent technologies and a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art systems, methodologies and problem solving techniques.
- Program using different computing languages by applying existing and new algorithms.
- Design and produce large scale software systems using industry and internationally recognised methodologies and tools.
- Understand the theoretical basics of computer science and its application to the development of software systems.
- Contribute to teamwork effectively and ethically, addressing the prominent computing, social and commercial issues.
- Select and apply appropriate tools and techniques for design, analysis, development and integration of software systems.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your class time will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures). In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 17 contact hours per week in the first and second years dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.
If you have a desire to travel, it is possible to spend a period abroad for part of your studies. Past students have previously spent as short as two weeks working on a project in China or as long as a whole academic year to study abroad. The opportunity for a sandwich placement means we will also aim to support you in finding an internship anywhere in the world and in seeking financing for that experience. Past students have found placements in Europe working for Toyota.
We offer you the chance to participate in optional field trips to a number of different overseas locations, which have previously included China, Poland, Spain and Finland. For example, students participated in an HSBC project in China in 2014 and 2015.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, internship, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say...
Coventry University has given me the opportunity to explore my interests in greater depth, with guidance from knowledgeable and enthusiastic lecturers and access to cutting-edge facilities.
If you haven't met the entry requirements, you may still be able to progress onto a degree by studying a foundation course.
What our alumni say...
The course develops your skills through a scientific and practical approach, allowing you to choose from an ever-growing array of career paths, and helping you to secure a bright future with continuous personal development.
Fees and funding
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.Course essentials - additional costs: This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas. This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Reduced course fees for EU students
The UK Government has confirmed that EU students who are starting their course in September 2021 and onwards will be classified as an international student. To support our EU community who are affected by this change, Coventry University are providing an EU Member State Transition Bursary.
Students ordinarily domiciled in an EU Member State who prior to the 2021/22 academic intake qualified for UK fees (home fee status), are eligible for the EU Member State Transition Bursary. This will bring fee levels for those students across the Group into line with those of UK students for courses starting in the 2021/22 academic year.
Review more details on our EU Member State Transition Award/Bursary page.
What our students say...
In my opinion the support and quality of education at Coventry is superb, from lecturers to the faculty registry support teams I have been well nurtured to my academic goals. What I have learnt has geared me perfectly to start my career in a Computer Science field, especially having achieved a First Class honours. The course focused not only on theoretical aspects, but also heavily involved practical implementations both in software and hardware topics.
Since finishing the course I have been able to secure a job as a Software Consultant. Coventry University is a quickly-developing university especially in its STEM subjects, and I would highly recommend any aspiring student to consider applying to study here.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The practical nature of the course aims to place an emphasis on your future employability, with an aim to developing a wide range of technical, analytical, design and professional skills, many of which are may be gained from activity-led learning projects and placement experiences. The technical content is usually regularly reviewed and updated to reflect what is currently important and in demand in industry.
Your final year project will give you an opportunity to familiarise yourself with working professionally in industry in a chosen specialist field. This should allow you to build up a portfolio of evidence which can be presented at future job interviews to help demonstrate the expected expertise.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Our graduates have gone onto a variety of careers for computer scientists from which you could find yourself working in the private and public sector in areas such as software engineering, health, communications, education, life sciences, physical sciences, finance and manufacturing.
Recent graduates who have developed successful careers in software security and project management include Naomi Holborough working as Security Engineer for Hewlett-Packard (HP), Vlad Ichim as IT manager for Revive! Auto Innovations (UK) Ltd.
What our alumni say
The University helped me a lot; I liked the support from teachers and what they do to promote women in engineering. In my second year of University, I was tasked with a full year project on the development of teaching materials for robot simulators. My initial role was of a lead programmer, as well as project manager, I was tasked with trying out different robot simulators such as Visual NXT, designing worksheets and content for a website appropriate for 13-17 year olds to learn basic programming and programming an actual NXT robot in the later stages.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
