BSc in Computer Science

Do you want to develop the skills needed to be a leading IT professional? Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science course will develop your skills in producing computer systems solutions. You will gain a sound mathematical and scientific understanding alongside developing the professional attitude needed in the industry.

While studying for your Computer Science degree with us, you’ll also have access to dedicated industry-standard facilities in a fully equipped lab running the latest software. Plus, we’re home to Cisco Systems, a Microsoft Academy Centre and Amazon Web Services Academy (AWS), so you can rest assured, knowing your university course will prepare you for a successful career in the industry.

What's covered in this course?

Studying computing with us puts you at the heart of an exciting, innovative community. You will study the fundamental concepts of computer science in your first year, including computer programming, data structures and algorithms, information systems, computer networks and computer architecture.

Part of your first-year assessment will involve taking part in our annual Innovation Fest, where students get together to solve society’s problems with creative technology. Previous projects have included medical assistance drones, accessible gaming controllers, and smart housing solutions. The event brings together students, academics and industry guests, so it’s a great way to have fun, build experience and network, and win prizes!

In your second year, you will consolidate your learning by studying advanced subjects that emphasise software engineering skills. You will also be introduced to topics such as operating systems, cyber security, discrete mathematics, and web application development.

In your final year, you will broaden your understanding of computer science by studying specialised subjects like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and wearable computing. In addition, you will complete an individual project in order to demonstrate your technical skills and general employability in preparation for career progression. The individual project simulates typical graduate workplace tasks that require in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific area of computer science. This will include consideration of wider issues and the ability to manage activities and resources, and to generate, implement and report on solutions to meet task objectives.

During your course, you’ll have the opportunity to take a sandwich placement year between your second and third years. This is something we recommend highly, as it will give you an invaluable opportunity to hone your expertise, try out a potential career path and get relevant work experience that is valued by many employers. It will also boost your CV.

Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by our expert teaching staff, all of whom have a wide range of research and industrial experience in areas such as computer security and software engineering, which they use to enhance the curriculum.

This Computer Science course has been carefully designed to provide you with a comprehensive academic background that combines the professional skills that will set you apart from your peers.

You’ll be based in the Millennium Point building in our City Centre Campus, where you’ll have at your fingertips an array of professional-standard facilities with which to develop your key practical skills and consolidate your academic learning.

Thanks to our strong partnerships with the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) and the Oracle Academy, you’ll have enviable access to leading industry knowledge. This is complemented by the Cisco Systems and Microsoft Academy Centre, both situated in-house.

Professional placement year

This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).

Why choose us?

Brand new facilities at STEAMhouse - This state-of-the-art building will become the new home for the School of Computing and Digital Technology from the start of the 2022 academic year. Based at our expanding City Centre Campus, this unique centre will give you access to outstanding facilities and teaching spaces, as well as opportunities to collaborate with people and businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects. State-of-the-art facilities - You will be based at our Millennium Point building, at the City Centre campus that has recently had £6.5 million invested in IT facilities. You’ll be able to undertake work in artificial Intelligence, human-computer interaction, mobile and web application development and project management. Home to Microsoft Academy Centre - We are one of Microsoft’s top UK university-based academics and a member of the Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance. This means we are able to use various Microsoft software products and online resources for research. Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT – The course meets standards set by the profession. Industry connections - We are also a Cisco ASC and one of only ten Cisco Instructor Training Centres in the UK. We have strong industry links with companies such as Apple, Oracle, LPI, Microsoft and AWS, to ensure that the course content remains up-to-date and is relevant to employers. Gain vendor certificates - Including LPI 1 Beta certification and Cisco networking certificates, while studying for your degree.

With around 29,000 students from 100 countries, (HESA Student Record 2020/21 © Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited) Birmingham City University is a large and diverse place to study. We put students at the heart of everything we do, giving them the best opportunities for future success.

The University for Birmingham

We put £270 million into the regional economy and support thousands of jobs in the area. We're investing £340 million in our estate, including a major expansion of our city-centre campus at Eastside, providing students with an enviable range of facilities.

Social responsibility

At Birmingham City University we are committed to transforming students’ lives and enhancing opportunity through education and advancement. We play a key role in supporting the economy and public sector in Birmingham and the West Midlands, as the University for the city of Birmingham.

Whether developing research to enable people to lead healthier lives, decrease bullying in schools or help talented children in South Africa reach their musical potential, Birmingham City University undertakes a wide variety of work to ensure that we operate as a socially responsible University.

On Monday 17 September 2018, we announced that staff had voted for Acorn’s Children’s Hospice and Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid to be the University’s Chosen Charities.