Computing Science BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Two Computing Science students working at computers

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

Year of entry

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

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

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026


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 computing 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 you should study this course

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, 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.
  • We've 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.
  • Learn in our Cyber Lab, a dedicated teaching space designed to give you a practical learning experience for conducting research, testing and experimentation related to computing science and cyber security.

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 participating 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.

Cyber security experts from CU Scarborough - part of Coventry University Group - shared the tricks of their trade in a bid to help the people in the town equip themselves with ‘digital armour’ that can help safeguard them from scammers. (2023)

National security network Security Awareness Special Interest Group (SASIG) hosted their first networking event at CU Scarborough on Tuesday 4 July 2023.

The SASIG event was accessible to SASIG members and cyber security students who registered, and was organised by SASIG Events in collaboration with North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC).

"For SASIG to hold their first national networking event in North Yorkshire at CU Scarborough highlights the strength of our cyber security course, gives our cyber security students who have registered to the event access to industry experts and shows that Scarborough is fast becoming a major player and a centre of excellence within the cyber sector."

Jackie Mathers, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor at CU Scarborough, 2023
A group of course tutors smiling at the camera.

How you'll learn

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

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The Assessment methods may include:

  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments.

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 entry requirements:

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.

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.

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

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

  • Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

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.

Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees-£7,950 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - as UK per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£18,300 per year
Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university 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.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

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

Tuition fees 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: £400+ per trip.
  • 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

Our purpose-built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium and includes:

  • Our Cyber Lab - a dedicated learning space designed to give you a practical learning experience for conducting research, testing and experimentation related to computing science and cyber security.

Facilities include:

  • indoor social spaces, including a café
  • a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
  • open-access computers, free wi-fi
  • student support and careers advice teams.

The campus itself is located next to Scarborough’s Sports Village, a complex that includes an Olympic Legacy swimming pool, a sports hall, a fitness suite, all-weather pitches, and the Scarborough Athletic Football Club ground.

The campus is a 10-minute walk from the East Yorkshire seafront. North Bay is Scarborough’s Blue Flag beach, meaning it is one of the best in Europe for cleanliness both on the sand and in the water, facilities, and safety.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


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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