Computing Science BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Two Cloud Computing students using a computer

Computing science is the study of the theory, experimentation, and engineering used in the design and use of computers.

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

Course code

I102 / I103 / I104

Start date

November 2024
January 2025
March 2025
May 2025
June 2025


Course overview

The rise in digital technology has increased the demand for highly skilled professionals with a thorough understanding of key computing technologies, combined with the practical skills to solve software issues.

  • This course will provide you with the opportunity to explore Computing Science from both an academic and a practical perspective.
  • You will draw upon and develop a detailed knowledge of subject-related theory, technology, development methods and a range of professional and intellectual skills.
  • The degree is designed to introduce you to work in this exciting and constantly changing field. Throughout the programme, we teach the academic, professional and personal skills required to develop within this evolving industry.
  • With a computer science degree, you can explore a range of specialisms depending on your career goals. Industries looking for talented programmers include AI, computer security, machine learning, healthcare, and financial services.

Why CU London

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.


What you'll study

Year one introduces you to the core fundamentals that underpin computing science. You will explore the importance of IT security, and the risks posed to computer systems globally. In addition, you will develop your professional problem-solving skills, as you understand the basic principles of programming.

Most of the modules contain a practical element so you receive the best combination of theoretical and practical learning.

Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing Science.

Modules

Year two builds on the knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. Now that you are working to a higher level, you will begin building your knowledge and understanding of computer hardware and web development. It also covers programming concepts with a deeper investigation of algorithms and the importance of data security in today’s world.

Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing Science.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

In year three you will explore hardware and software networking and popular operating systems at an advanced level. You will look to enhance your critical understanding of Information Technology as an enabler for organisations and the complex and fast-changing trends in a business context. You will gain technical skills in relation to big data and service management.

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.


How you'll learn

Our teaching methods are varied, offering several teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students.

In addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules should develop knowledge and skills including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Assessment methods vary and include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments, which take place at the end of each six-week block.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. 

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 per year Not available
EU £7,950 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment.

You will have access to our Library and Learning Services, which hosts multiple study areas and loanable laptops, fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites. Our laboratories are home to industry-standard equipment, so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.


Careers and opportunities

On completion, you should be able to:

  • Use an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to computing science.
  • Develop practical skills to solve complex workshop-based problems.
  • Appraise a problem and debate alternative, sustainable solutions.
  • Key practical and transferable skills to enhance their long-term employability or to progress to specialist, postgraduate study.

Globally recognised, the technology industry boasts several compelling benefits. In addition to impressive graduate prospects and elevated salaries, computer science graduates could have numerous opportunities in a diverse range of fields.

This varied industry means you can expand into several specialist areas. Possible career paths include Mobile and Software Application Development, Video Game Designing, Database Administration, Web Development, Network and Computer Systems Administration and IT Security.


How to apply

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