BSc Computer Science and Mathematics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

BSc Computer Science and Mathematics — University of Exeter

Program Overview

Exeter's BSc Computer Science and Mathematics is an interdisciplinary degree for students who want to combine traditional mathematical techniques with cutting-edge computer science applications, developing both the theory and the practical skills to design real computer systems. It suits students who love the logic and rigour of mathematics just as much as the hands-on problem-solving of computing, since the two fields feed into and shape each other throughout the course.

Curriculum structure

In Year 1, students build strong foundations in both disciplines through modules like Programming, Mathematical Structures, and Mathematical Methods, alongside Object-Oriented Programming, setting up the technical and mathematical grounding for later specialisation.

Year 2 moves into rigorous software development and mathematical practice, with modules such as Software Development, Linear Algebra, and Artificial Intelligence and Applications, while the Team Project module gives students real experience collaborating the way professional teams do.

Students on the four-year route can take a paid Industrial Placement year, spending it working on real projects with an employer before returning to complete their final year with practical industry experience, while three-year students can opt for a paid Commercial and Industrial Experience module over a vacation period instead.

By the Final Year, everything comes together in the Individual Literature Review and Project, where students research, design, and build a substantial software system of their own, with options like Computer Vision, Cryptography, and Number Theory letting them specialise across both computer science and mathematics.

Focus areas: Mathematical techniques, programming and software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the theoretical foundations that connect computing and mathematics.

Learning outcomes: Graduates leave with practical skills in specifying, designing, and implementing computer systems, backed by strong mathematical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and technical competence, well prepared for careers requiring either or both disciplines.

Professional alignment: Exeter is a partner to the Alan Turing Institute, with teaching drawing on academics and industry practitioners connected to it, and the department maintains excellent teaching links with major computer-related industry partners including IBM, The Met Office, NATS, and Motorola.

Reputation (employability rankings): Exeter is ranked Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science, 17th in the Complete University Guide 2027, with Computer Science graduate prospects ranked joint 9th in the UK.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Exeter's BSc Computer Science and Mathematics gets you applying theory to real problems from day one, working across dedicated computer science labs and rigorous mathematical practice with real support built into every step. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, with weekly tutorial classes and fortnightly example classes in first year giving you around 16 contact hours a week, plus lunchtime mathematics surgeries run by postgraduate students when you need extra help. Assessment blends examinations with coursework, and by second year you're working in a genuine Team Project, building the kind of collaborative and technical skills that carry straight into industry. Here's what that looks like in practice:

Purpose-built computer labs: the Babbage lab, seating 60 students, and the Lovelace lab, seating 120, are sensory-friendly, quieter environments with fold-down monitors on every desk and shared display screens for group teaching and collaborative work.
Wide-ranging computing facilities: access to a wide range of machine types and software ecosystems alongside world-class computer science labs.
Group project work: the Team Project module has students collaborating on real problem-solving in a group setting, mirroring how software and mathematical teams actually work in industry.
Optional industrial placement: the four-year route gives students a full paid year embedded in a company, working on a substantial live project, with previous industry partners including IBM, The Met Office, NATS, and Motorola.
Optional vacation placement: three-year students can take the paid Commercial and Industrial Experience module over a vacation period, earning credit while gaining real work experience.
Independent research project: in the final year, the Individual Literature Review and Project lets students research, design, and build their own substantial software system from start to finish.
Institute partnership: Exeter is a partner to the Alan Turing Institute, and students are taught by academics and industry practitioners connected to it.
Virtual learning environment: an interactive, computer-based platform hosts all module details, learning outcomes, and discussion forums.
Breakout and collaboration spaces: a dedicated breakout space next to the Babbage lab, with wraparound whiteboards, is set up specifically for seminars and group discussion.
Mathematics support surgeries: lunchtime drop-in sessions run by postgraduate students give extra help with mathematical problems and questions outside of scheduled teaching.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Exeter's BSc Computer Science and Mathematics graduates leave with a rare combination of mathematical rigour and computing expertise that opens doors across specialist tech fields and beyond. It's a degree that leads into roles like Software Developer, Cyber Security Professional, Business Analyst, and Financial Accounts Manager, with graduates well prepared for careers requiring either or both disciplines:

Career support services: the university's Career and employability webpages provide dedicated guidance, and students can build hands-on experience through the optional Commercial and Industrial Experience module during a vacation period before third year.
University-industry partnerships: the department maintains excellent teaching links with major computer-related industry partners including IBM, The Met Office, NATS, and Motorola, backed by strong employer relationships that help students find suitable placements.
Long-term reputation value: Exeter is ranked Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science, 17th in the Complete University Guide 2027, with Computer Science graduate prospects ranked joint 9th in the UK, giving the degree strong, lasting recognition with employers.
Graduation outcomes: Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record, with graduates excelling in specialist computer science fields as well as across a broad range of other sectors, from business IT systems and mobile communications to the safety-critical systems that control planes, trains, and power stations.

Further Academic Progression: Students who want to keep building on both sides of their degree have a natural next step at Exeter through the integrated MSci Computer Science and Mathematics route, allowing them to deepen their expertise at masters level before entering the workforce or research. The strong mathematical and computing foundation built during the degree also leaves graduates well positioned to pursue further postgraduate study in either discipline.