About this course

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On this computer science degree, you'll learn how to design and build software programs and systems. You’ll find out about the latest advances in areas like machine learning, cyber security and computer vision. This will prepare you for success in a fast-moving industry.

This BSc Computer Science course will teach you about the essentials and give you the flexibility to follow your interests through specialist modules. You’ll gain the knowledge to develop technologies that can make a difference to people’s lives in topics such as:

algorithmics
data management
software design and modelling
interaction design
cyber security

You don’t need any previous computing experience to join the course – you can choose your own level for the first programming module. We can give you plenty of support if you are a complete beginner, or set something more challenging if you’re already a proficient programmer.

You’ll study in state-of-the-art teaching labs with the latest equipment and high-quality displays, as well as dedicated labs for project work.

There’s also an informal lab, with group-work areas, projectors and whiteboards. This acts as the department’s social hub – a place where you can have lunch and meet up with students from across the department to work on academic or personal projects.

Our Southampton-based degree is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of:

fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer
partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer

Study Computer Science in Malaysia

We are developing a computer science degree course for our Malaysia campus. Accreditation for this Malaysian-based degree is being sought from the BCS and the IET.

Find out more about our Malaysia courses and how to apply

Accreditations

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

British Computer Society (BCS)

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Changes due to COVID-19

Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

ODT

Download 2022-23 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

A*AA or AAAA including mathematics (minimum grade A). Alternatively, A*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*)

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about A-levels

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAA including mathematics or A*AB including mathematics (minimum grade A)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

RQF BTEC

Additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

All our computer science degree courses share the same compulsory modules in years 1 and 2, making it easy to switch between them. In the third year, you can tailor your degree by choosing optional modules.

The breadth of our research means you’ll have wide range of options to choose from. With computer science and electronics being part of the same department, you’ll have easy access to modules in these complementary disciplines.

Year 1 overview

You’ll study the logical and mathematical theory underpinning computer science. You’ll also gain an understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware.

As an introduction to software engineering, you’ll cover data structures and algorithms. You’ll also look at the principles of programming, including using object-oriented approach and software engineering processes.

You’ll apply your knowledge by working on practical projects. For example, you’ll build algorithms and data analysis tools, and develop software user interfaces.

Year 2 overview

You’ll deepen your understanding of computer science by studying topics, such as artificial intelligence, communication protocols and the TCP/IP layered model.

A group project will give you first-hand experience of working in a team, and of communication and scale in software engineering.

Year 3 overview

An individual project is a chance to conduct in-depth research in an area of computer science that interests you, under the supervision of an academic with expertise in your chosen field. This could involve designing, building and testing a software or computer system. Themes covered by past students include:

smart home cyber security
fake news recognition
how gesture-sensing technology can be used in healthcare

You’ll get to choose from a wide range of optional modules, including game design and development, web infrastructure and robotic systems.

There are also options outside the department. You could study a language, take modules from other disciplines such as law or business, or choose from a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Algorithmics

This is a core module for computer science and software engineers. It teaches the basic data structures and algorithms which underpins modern software engineering. Without these algorithms most software would be hopelessly slow to the point of unusability...

Computer Systems I

This module aims to give students an understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware and of the principles of operation of computers and peripheral devices. In addition, the module aims to give an overview of the main families of microprocessors an...

Data Management

This module aims to: - Explain the role of database systems in information management - Introduce students to standard UNIX tools and techniques (e.g., vi editor, ed, sed and awk) - Develop the student's skills in the effective use of Unix tools for do...

Foundations of Computer Science

Professional Development

The aim of this module is to help students develop an understanding of the fundamental professional, ethical, and legal issues and how they are being developed and applied. The lectures and associated courseworks will involve an active approach to the ...

Programming 2

The aim of this module is to teach the students advanced programming techniques using Java in order to support its use on other modules. C will also be taught in order to introduce explicit memory allocation and the use of pointers.

Programming I

This module aims to introduce students to the principles of programming using an object oriented approach, and to provides them with the programming skills necessary to continue the study of computer science. Java is used as the introductory language.

Software Modelling and Design

This module aims to introduce students to the software engineering process, its tools, skills, and techniques, particularly modelling, validation and design. The focus will be on a principled, object-oriented process from requirements modelling and analys...

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Distributed Systems and Networks

The networking aspect of this module will expose students to the principles of layered communication protocols, the architecture of the Internet, and the principles of how the components of the TCP/IP layered model are designed and operate. The distribute...

Intelligent Systems

This module aims to give a broad introduction to the rapidly-developing field of artificial intelligence, and to cover the mathematical techniques used by this module and by other artificial intelligence modules in the computer science programme

Interaction Design

Programming III

This module aims to introduce students to recursion and to the principles of recursive, applicative and functional programming. In it, they will use various functional abstractions to control the complexity of programming, and will use abstraction mechani...

Programming Language Concepts

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts underlying all programming languages, to introduce a broad range of programming language styles and features, and to provide the theoretical foundation that they will need in orde...

Software Engineering Group Project

This module aims to give students experience of working in a team, and of the problems of communication and scale in software engineering. It will consolidate and integrate the techniques and concepts introduced in earlier courses (principally COMP1216 So...

Theory of Computing

This module aims to provide a broad and stimulating introduction to the theory of computing

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

Advanced Software Modelling and Design

This module builds on the Part 1 Software Modelling and Design Course by looking at structured requirements engineering in more detail, by addressing scaling of formal modelling with Event-B through refinement and also looking at verification techniques f...

Computer Systems II

This module will introduce you to the general principles and practices of developing software that interacts directly with the hardware and its physical environment. Software has found its way into almost any electronic device with a typical household ...

Principles of Cyber Security

You must study the following module in year 3:

Part III Individual Project

The individual project gives students the opportunity to gain both detailed knowledge and practical experience in a more focussed area than generally possible elsewhere in their degree programme. Most projects are in the nature of a challenging enginee...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

Advanced Computer Architecture

This module covers the development of modern computer architectures for servers, workstations, hand-held devices, signal processing and embedded systems from the introduction of the four-stage RISC pipeline to the present day.

Advanced Computer Networks

This module is designed to be a follow-up module to the computer Science or ITO second year introductory networking module. The wireless networking part reviews wireless technologies and their application in areas such as IoT and sensor networks. The mod...

Advanced Databases

This module builds on the first year Data Management module to give students a deeper and broader view of the issues involved in database management systems, some of the most complex software in common use.

Causal Reasoning and Machine Learning

Cloud Application Development

During the first two years of the degree students gain experience in a variety of 'traditional' programming languages in procedural, functional and object-oriented flavours. This module addresses the design and use of scripting languages for a contemporar...

Computational Biology

Modern biology poses many challenging problems for the computer scientists. Rapid growth in instrumentation, and our ability to archive and distribute vast amounts of data, has significantly changed the way we attempt to understand cellular function, and ...

Computer Vision

The challenge of computer vision is to develop a computer based system with the capabilities of the human eye-brain system. It is therefore primarily concerned with the problem of capturing and making sense of digital images. The field draws heavily on ma...

Engineering Management and Law

This module will provide students with an introduction to management and law – knowledge and skills which can be applied to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. The learning outcomes address: managerial decisions, commercial aspects of eng...

Foundations of Machine Learning

Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The subject is a rich mixture of concepts from function analysis, statistical modelling and computational techniques. The module will cover the fundamental principles...

Game Design and Development

Games design and development is an increasingly important and sophisticated topic, that draws together many of the core aspects of Computer Science and Software Engineering. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of game design, gives them pr...

Machine Learning Technologies

Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The module will cover the practical basis of how learning algorithms are can be applied. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratory-bases sessions. Exclusions...

Natural Language Processing

This module gives students an introduction to natural language processing (NLP) algorithms and an understanding of how to implement NLP applications.

Operational Research

The module introduces the operational research approach for modelling and solving engineering and management problems.

Optimisation

The module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of optimization techniques. It covers linear programming as well as nonlinear programming. This module is suitable to those who want to apply computational optimization methods to their proble...

Real-Time Computing and Embedded Systems

This module gives a broad introduction to development of real-time and embedded systems

Robotic Systems

Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems. This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including k...

Security of Cyber Physical Systems

The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).

Social Computing Techniques

Web Architecture and Hypertext Technologies

Web and Cloud Based Security

This module will teach the principles of security in web and cloud based systems and how these principles apply in a range of different applications.

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

30%

Scheduled learning & teaching

70%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
design and problem-solving exercises
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

54%

Written exam

37%

Coursework

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Nicholas Gibbins is the course leader.

Careers

With a degree that is highly respected in industry, you’ll have great job prospects in an expanding global marketplace – in the UK alone the digital sector is creating jobs twice as fast as other parts of the economy.

Most of our graduates go straight into computer science jobs in high-tech companies; potential roles include software engineer, app developer, web developer or systems analyst.

Companies actively seek to recruit our graduates, knowing that they will start contributing as soon as they enter the workplace.

Whether you want to work in programming and software development, or you’re keen to work with organisations to manage IT projects or oversee their information systems, this versatile degree will help you to achieve your aims. It is also a great foundation for further study at master's degree or PhD level.

You can get placements and employment with local, national and international employers, with our help.

Our Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:

Apple
Sony
Cisco Systems
Audi
Microsoft

This degree is accredited by the British Computer Society and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £25,000.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

Computer Science (BSc)