BSc (Hons) Computer Science

LJMU’s Computer Science degree delivers an immersive, career-focused education through cutting-edge labs, structured hands-on learning, and rich industry engagement. With strong employer partnerships and paid placement options, it prepares students to graduate with confidence and real-world capability.

Facilities & Learning Environment

• Specialist Labs: Nine purpose-built labs housing over 400 high-spec Windows/Linux workstations and dedicated servers, located at the Byrom Street and James Parsons Buildings designed to reflect modern industry environments.

• Avril Robarts Library: A four-storey learning hub offering 308 PCs, group and quiet study zones, IT support, and 24/7 access during assessment periods.

• Secure Remote Access: SSH and 2FA-enabled computing clusters allow students to remotely access software environments, code repositories, and virtual machines from anywhere.

Experiential Learning Highlights

• Weekly Lab Sessions: Every module is reinforced with demonstrator-led, hands-on labs using Java, Python, C/C++, Linux, web dev tools, cloud platforms, and network/cybersecurity environments.

• Blended Learning: A structured format of 1-hour lectures followed by 2-hour labs supports flexibility and deep conceptual understanding, mixing online and campus-based delivery.

• Work-Based Learning: Many modules feature client-style briefs, team assignments, and employer-aligned projects to simulate real-world scenarios and build practical confidence.

Placements & Internships

• Optional Sandwich Year: A 12-month placement after Year 2, with organisations such as IBM, Microsoft, Sony, GSK, Barclays, and more. Highly encouraged, this is a standout feature supporting high graduate employability.

• Discovery Internships: University-funded 100-hour internships during Year 2 or 3 offer hands-on experience with local businesses, paying a living wage and providing valuable career insights.

• Short-Term Internships: 30-hour to 6-week placements available via the LJMU Careers Service and Handshake platform. These flexible options strengthen your professional CV while studying.

Industry Engagement & Research Integration

• 450+ Employer Partnerships: Strong curriculum input and placement connections with organisations such as HM Treasury, Merseyside Police, IBM, Microsoft, and Sony.

• Applied Research-Led Teaching: Staff expertise in cybersecurity, software engineering, networked systems, and games tech feeds directly into modules, allowing students to learn from active researchers.

• Innovation Teaching Lab (in development): In collaboration with Barclays and the Knowledge Quarter, this planned facility will offer live-industry collaboration and enterprise-linked computing spaces on campus.

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science program at Liverpool John Moores University combines rigorous academic training with practical experiences and strong industry connections. Almost 100% of LJMU’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with placement) graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, 80% of those roles classed as highly skilled

This pathway prepares you for roles such as:

• Software Engineer / Developer

• Systems Analyst / IT Consultant

• Data Engineer / Machine Learning Specialist

• Cybersecurity or Network Engineer

University Services That Support Employment

• Year-long paid industrial placement in Year 3, supported by the Student Futures service and dedicated placement teams

• LJMU ranks 14ᵗʰ in the UK for work placements

• Career guidance includes:

  • CV and interview preparation

  • Employer fairs

  • Ongoing mentorship throughout placements

Employment Stats & Salary Figures

• 100% of placement-year students go on to work or further study within 15 months

• Median salary at 15 months: £29,000 (range £26k–£35k)

• Average salary at 5 years: ~£34,500

University–Industry Partnerships

• Strong links with over 450 organisations, including:

  • Microsoft, Barclays, IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, Sony, Experian, Merseyside and Cheshire Police

• Placement opportunities span global and local employers

• State-of-the-art computing labs with over 400 high-spec workstations enhance practical learning

Accreditation & Long-Term Value

• BCS-aligned curriculum, informed by industry and integrated into course modules

• Graduate earnings up 9.8% in a single year

• High uptake of skilled roles post-graduation

Graduation Outcomes

• Around 70% of graduates use degree-acquired skills in their roles

• 76% find the course intellectually stimulating

• LJMU holds a strong national reputation for placement support and earnings growth

Further Academic Progression

After your BSc (Hons), you can:

• Pursue an MSc in fields like AI, Cyber Security, Data Science, or Software Engineering

• Progress into research through an MSc by Research or PhD, supported by LJMU’s research labs and industry ties

• Use your BCS-aligned training and industry experience to work toward Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status

• Join professional conversion pathways in fintech, consultancy, or technology education, with continued Student Futures support