Computer Science BSc Hons

BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Lancaster University delivers a powerful blend of practical learning, high‑tech facilities, and real-world experience:

From the moment you begin, you’ll be immersed in modern, newly refurbished labs with 24/7 access to six Ubuntu-based computer clusters designed for practical sessions and group work. These labs are divided into pods to encourage collaboration and creativity, and even offer remote access so you can work from anywhere on campus.

Experiential learning here brings your coursework to life through:

Weekly practical workshops:
About a 50:50 split between lectures and hands-on lab sessions every week building systems, refining theoretical concepts, and solving real problems.

Year 2 team group project:
A collaborative group assignment where you design and deliver working software, mimicking professional environments and honing teamwork and project management skills.

Final-year individual project:
A capstone challenge supervised by academic staff which  delivers a major, original piece of software or research, building on all your skills.

Industry placement options:

MSci with Industrial Experience:
A dedicated 10-week industry placement in Year 4, embedded into the course and sourced by the university—previous students have partnered with Microsoft, Dolby, and GCHQ.

BSc students:
Flexible study paths allow switching to the MSci route or arranging summer internships via university links to firms like IBM, Google, Microsoft, Jaguar Land Rover, and BAE Systems.

Active student tech community:

You'll be able to join LUHack (ethical hacking), Computer Science Society, Women++@InfoLab, and enjoy guest lectures, workshops, funding for your own tech ideas.

Research-integrated curriculum:

Opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge projects and contribute to faculty research throughout your degree.

Strong career support:

The Careers & Employability Service and Lancaster Award program help with CVs, mock interviews, employer connections, and company hires healding 90–100% employment rates post‑graduation.

Lancaster’s BSc (Hons) in Computer Science launches you into a wide array of high-impact roles with about 90% of graduates are employed or in further study after 15 months, with a median salary of ~£34,000 at that point, growing to roughly £34–£61 k by five years post-graduation. Common positions include Software Developer, Cyber Security Specialist, Data Scientist, and IT Operations Analyst.

University services that support employment

Lancaster Award:
Recognizes work experience, employability training, volunteering and campus leadership.

Business Engagement Team:
Sourcing paid internships, 10-week placements, and arranging 9–12‑month MSci placement years and partners include Microsoft, Dolby, GCHQ.

Careers Service:
Offers one-to-one coaching, CV/interview prep, employer networking events and career fairs.

Employment stats & salary figures

• 90% employment or study 15 months after graduation

• University-level data shows £35,000 at 15 months, £34,500 at 3 years, £45,500 at 5 years

University–industry partnerships

Lancaster works with top-tier employers like Dolby Digitals, Google, Microsoft, PwC, NHSr, BAE Systems and more for jobs, placements and guest lectures.

The Knowledge Transfer Team supports student entrepreneurship and commercialisation of tech ideas.

Long-term accreditation & reputation

Lancaster is a gold-rated TEF and ranked among the UK’s top 15 universities in national league tables.

The university is part of the N8 Research Alliance, with strong computing, AI and cybersecurity research.

Graduation outcomes

Graduates are hired in 'highly skilled' IT roles: software developers, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, NHS Digital graduates, and cyber specialists.

Some begin careers with The Hut Group, Raytheon, Darktrace, BBC, Dolby Digital, BAE Systems, NHS, and more.

Further Academic Progression:

After your BSc, you have many paths ahead:

• Continue to the MSci (4‑year) with an industry placement and advanced project work

• Pursue a 1-year MSc in specialised areas (AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science) either at Lancaster or other top institutions

• Undertake PhD research in cutting-edge fields supported by Knowledge Transfer and N8 partnerships

• Launch entrepreneurial ventures using Knowledge Transfer support or explore professional conversion courses