Enter OTP
Aston’s BSc (Hons) in Computer Science offers a dynamic blend of core computing principles including programming, algorithms, and digital systems with specialist topics in cybersecurity, AI, mobile development, and data science. From day one, you'll learn numerous languages and tools like Java, Python, PHP, MySQL, Unity, Android development alongside soft skills like project management, teamwork, and communication, ideal for proactive learners, this degree blends technical theory with practical application, sets you up for placements, and leads to professional accreditation like Chartered IT
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll begin with core modules such as Introductory Programming for Digital Science, Fundamentals of Digital Systems, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Internet Applications and Databases, plus Foundations of AI & Data Science. These modules teach you how to code, understand hardware basics, build web/database systems, and frame cybersecurity and AI concepts in real-world contexts.
Year 2
In Year 2, you focus on team-based engineering through Team Project, alongside modules like Software Engineering, Data Structures, Algorithms and Object‑Oriented Programming, Programming Language Concepts, HCI, and Secure Networks & Operating Systems. You’ll learn how to collaborate, architect software, and deepen your skills in usability, security, and programming paradigms.
Year 3 (Placement Year – Optional)
If you opt for an integrated placement year worth 120 credits. You’ll gain hands-on experience in industry or international study, supported by Aston’s careers team, and develop professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and contextual understanding of technical solutions.
Final Year (Year 3/4 Honours)
You’ll complete a 45-credit Individual Project and a Software Project Management module, plus select 60 credits from optional modules such as Natural Language Processing, Distributed Systems & Blockchain, Mobile Development, Computer Animation, Secure Network and Operation Systems, Data Mining, among others. This allows you to specialise and demonstrate autonomy in your project work.
Assessment Format
Aston uses a variety of assessment methods designed to mirror real-world computing practice:
Coursework & Programming Assignments: Across all years, you’ll complete regular lab tasks, coding assignments, and team project deliverables.
Lab Reports & Presentations: Especially in HCI, cybersecurity, and software management modules.
Written Exams: Typically in core theory-based modules like data structures, algorithms, and digital systems.
Team Projects: The Year 2 Team Project evaluates both your software outcome and your collaboration process.
Individual Honours Project: Final-year work is assessed via your written report, code implementation, and project presentation.
Balanced Feedback & Organisation: 78% of students rate assessment and feedback positively; overall course satisfaction is also high (around 80%).
Focus areas:
Programming • Digital systems • AI & data science • Cybersecurity • Software engineering • Team and individual projects
Learning outcomes:
Develop, test, and deploy software; apply cybersecurity and AI concepts; collaborate on real systems; manage and deliver complex projects; research and produce technical solutions independently.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree is BCS-accredited, granting pathways to Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status. You'll gain practical engineering experience via group projects and a major honours project aligned with industry standards.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Ranked among top 15 UK universities for graduate prospects, with average first-year graduate earnings of £33,200 (Complete University Guide, 2023).
Aston is highly regarded for industry engagement, vibrant student life, and strong support services in Birmingham.
The delivers immersive, practical learning through industry-grade tools, real-world projects, and career support:
Right from the start, you’re set up for success: all incoming CS students receive a free high‑spec laptop preloaded with essential software, yours to keep. Campus labs are modern, open 24/7, and include dual-monitor workstations, AR/VR headsets, AI-driven robots, and even a driving simulator—perfect for building portfolios using cutting-edge tech:
Your experiential learning would include:
Daily supervised labs:
Throughout each year, you'll attend demonstrator-led sessions using Java, Python, C/C++, AI tools, and VR/AR equipment—embedded into core modules for hands-on learning.
Year 2 software project:
You’ll collaborate on real software engineering tasks, applying Agile methods and delivering working products, shaped by input from the Careers & Enterprise team.
Individual final‑year project:
A major 45-credit capstone, supervised by faculty. You can tackle areas like mobile development, enterprise systems, computer graphics, or data mining, using AR/VR and AI tools.
Optional placement year (Year 3):
Opt for a paid, professional placement (UK or international), supported by the award-winning Placements Team with guidance, CV clinics, mock interviews, and access to exclusive roles.
Summer internships & career support:
If you stay on campus, summer internships remain an option, supplemented by employer events, CV workshops, and mock assessments year-round.
State‑of‑the‑art digital tools:
From AR/VR headsets to AI robots and a driving simulator—plus free software suites on your laptop—your toolkit is fit for most tech industry roles.
Industry engagement & mentors:
Aston’s enterprise links (IBM, Microsoft, Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover, NHS, etc.) deliver guest talks, hiring events, and enterprise support via the Hazan Venture Lab.
Campus computing & library:
In addition to 24/7 CS labs, the 4-floor library offers 700+ study spaces, 40+ digital research databases, and laptop support technicians.
Aston University’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates enjoy excellent career prospects, with approximately 95% in employment or further study within 15 months, earning a median salary of £36,100 after five years. Graduates typically secure roles such as Software Engineer, Technical Analyst, IT Consultant, or Systems Developer.
Here’s how Aston sets you up for success:
University services that support employment
Award-winning Careers & Placements Team, named ‘Best University Careers Service’ (2020) and ‘Best Placement Service’ (2022), offers personalised coaching, CV/interview prep, workshops, and a careers portal (Aston Futures) accessible for up to 3 years post‑graduation.
Strong emphasis on placements: over 70% of students take a paid professional placement year, supported by the Internships and Industry Fund (up to £1,500).
Employment stats & salary figures
95% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months
Average graduate earnings reach £36,100 at five years, placing Aston in the UK’s top 15 universities for graduate earnings
Early-career median salary around £27,500 at 1 year, £30,500 at 3 years, and £38,500 at 5 years
University–industry partnerships
The Computer Science Industry Club connects students directly with tech employers through events, mentoring, and job/placement pipelines, benefiting from strong corporate links.
Top recruiters include Vodaphone, Coca-Cola, IBM UK, Microsoft, Capgemini, Cisco, HP, Intel, HSBC, Unisys, PwC, Jaguar Land Rover among others.
Long-term accreditation & reputation
The BSc is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), leading to eligibility for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.
Aston holds a TEF Gold rating, ranks 38th nationally (Times & Sunday Times), and 12th in the UK (Guardian), with graduate prospects among the top 20.
Graduation outcomes
Graduates go into roles like graduate programmer, software engineer, systems analyst, technical consultant, and IT compliance consultant.
Employment rate six months after graduation is high (~87%) with average starting salaries of £36k.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc, you can pursue:
An integrated MEng or MSc in advanced fields (AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering)
A stand-alone MSc or professional postgraduate diplomas in niche areas
PhD research, supported by Aston’s industry-funded teams and research-active faculty
Conversion or professional courses (e.g. fintech, enterprise, or teaching qualifications), leveraging Aston’s high graduate outcomes.
A level: BBB. International Baccalaureate Overall: 31. The 12th Standard minimum of 75%. IELTS: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component.UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherA Level: BBB (any subject) or BBC including one STEM subject International Baccalaureate (IB): 31 with 555 in higher level subjects, or 29 overall with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level subjects including 1 STEM (c) subject.Offers optional Industrial Placement Year. Tuition Fees: £2500ProgrammerSystems analystSystems engineerTeacherSoftware EngineerData scientistsCyber Security Analyst
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