Manchester Metropolitan University’s Computer Science degree blends rigorous theory with practical application, developing strong programming, systems, AI, and data science skills through hands-on projects and industry integration. Fully BCS-accredited and offering an optional Year in Industry, it suits students seeking technical depth, professional growth, and research-led learning in a top-ranked UK university.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Core Concepts & Foundations
Programming 1: Foundations
Databases
Mathematical for Computing
Web Development
Computer Architectures
You’ll gain fluency in Python/Java, strengthen logical reasoning and algorithms, and explore interaction design and computing systems. This year also includes a Group Engineering Project simulating industry practice, working collaboratively to build robust software using real-world methodologies.
Year 2 – Advanced Topics
Algorithms & Data Science
Operating Systems
Networks
Computer Graphics
Ethical Hacking
Includes a Thematic Group Project that will allow you to further develop your project management, team working and communication skills by applying those skills to a given industry, or research, inspired project.
Year 3 – Optional Year in Industry
A full-time, paid placement with partners such as IBM, Airbus, BT, and regional tech firms
Worth 120 academic credits (not classified in final degree)
Strengthens professional skills and industry readiness through immersive work-based learning
Year 4 – Specialisation & Independent Project
A major Individual Project supported by academic staff as well as a focused research study in a specialist area where you'll have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge computational research informed by world-leading theoretical and applied research.
Additionally, you'll study advanced modules like:
AI
Mobile Computing
User Experience and Interaction Design
Distributed Computing
This year enables students to specialise in emerging or personalised technical areas.
Assessment Format
Years 1–2: Programming coursework, lab reports, formal exams, technical essays, and group deliverables
Group Project: Assessed via technical achievement and team dynamics
Year in Industry: Evaluation based on reflective writing, employer feedback, and skills portfolio
Final Year: Judged through a project report, software artefact, and final presentation
Focus areas:
Programming & Data Structures • Systems & Networking • Security & AI • Data Science • Software Engineering • HCI • Formal Logic • Industrial Placement
Graduate outcomes:
Apply computational methods to build resilient software
Design secure and optimised systems
Collaborate on engineering-scale development
Carry out technical research independently
Communicate clearly and adapt to evolving technologies
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Fully BCS-accredited, meeting the academic requirements for:
Chartered IT Professional (CITP)
Partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) recognition
Emphasis on project-based learning, group collaboration, and professional preparation
Access to cutting-edge facilities in robotics, real-time systems, computer vision, and HCI
Reputation & Employability Rankings
Ranked 21st in the UK for Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2025)
Top 10 nationally for research impact in Computer Science (REF 2021)
Strong placement partnerships and employer integration throughout the course
Graduates go on to roles in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, data analysis, and technical consultancy
Manchester Met’s Computer Science degree offers an immersive, industry-responsive education—combining project-based learning, modern facilities, and strong placement support. With hands-on labs, a professional software pipeline, and proximity to MediaCityUK, it’s an ideal choice for students aiming to apply technical skill in real-world environments.
Facilities & Learning Environment
Dalton Building provides advanced, tech-enabled spaces for study and development:
Modern PC labs with Windows/Linux workstations
eSports-ready Games Lab
UX Lab with VR headsets and eye-tracking
Collaborative drop-in zones and bookable study pods
Students access specialist software such as:
Adobe Creative Suite
Android Studio
Unreal Engine
Git, Python, C/C++, and database platforms all integrated into coursework
Experiential Learning Highlights
Weekly Labs & Project Work
Core modules combine lectures with demonstrator-led labs—applying knowledge in:
Java, Python, C/C++
Operating Systems & Networks
Databases & Web Development
Cybersecurity & Mobile Apps
Team-Based Projects
Starting from Year 1, students collaborate on group software projects—mirroring agile industry processes and simulating real development environments.
Final-Year Capstone Project
A substantial individual or group project where students build professional-grade systems, often aligned with personal interests or emerging technologies.
Placements, Internships & Career Development
Optional Sandwich Placement
Full-time paid placement in Year 3
Minimum 36 weeks in industry
Enhances skills, confidence, and long-term employability
Short-Term Internships & Extra Activities
Embedded term-time internships
Summer placements through the Careers Centre
Hackathons, gaming events, and Computing Society opportunities build a tech portfolio and social network
Industry Integration & Community Engagement
Course co-designed with local tech firms to reflect evolving employer needs
Located in Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor, near MediaCityUK, providing access to hundreds of digital employers
Excellent student support, with high satisfaction in teaching and learning (~80–86%)
Networking events, guest speakers, and CV coaching enhance real-world readiness
Manchester Metropolitan University – BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates launch into strong tech careers. 15 months after graduating, around 85% are employed or in further study, with 75% in highly skilled roles. By 15 months, 100% of UK-resident CS graduates are working in England. Popular roles include:
Software Developer or Engineer
Web Developer / IT Consultant
Data Scientist or Analyst
Systems Analyst or Cyber‑Security Specialist
University services that support employment
Sandwich placement year (third year): Offers 9–12 months of industry experience, with strong support. Graduates with placements earn around £27k after one year, about £2k higher than non-placement graduates.
Careers & Employability Service: Provides job fairs, CV/interview coaching, access to the My Career Hub portal, and support up to 5 years post-graduation.
Employer engagement: Includes workshops and company projects from firms like Microsoft, IBM, KPMG, BBC, and NHS, as well as a strong local tech and start‑up ecosystem in Manchester.
Employment stats & salary figures
85% employed or studying at 15 months
100% of UK-resident graduates employed in England by 15 months
Median salaries:
≈ £27k at 15 months
≈ £28.5k at 3 years
≈ £33k at 5 years
75% work in highly skilled roles:
60% in IT professional jobs
10% in business/associate roles
Remainder in engineering and teaching positions
University–industry partnerships
Strong local ecosystem: Manchester’s tech sector, including MediaCityUK and the Oxford Road Corridor, offers rich opportunities for collaboration and placements.
Top employer ties: Partnerships with British Petroleum, Microsoft, Siemens, KPMG, and others connect students to sandwich and summer internships.
Long-term accreditation & reputation
MMU emphasizes vocational, career-ready training, with recognition for supportive teaching and strong placement outcomes.
Though not part of the Russell Group, MMU boasts 30% world-leading research strength and robust student support.
Graduation outcomes
90–95% report that their job fits their career plans
75% use their degree skills
85% find their work meaningful
Testimonials often highlight supportive staff, a welcoming student experience, and the fact that placement routes frequently lead to full-time roles.
Further Academic Progression
Continue to a Year-in-Industry integrated degree, gaining immersive industry experience and boosting employability
Pursue MSc programs in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or Software Engineering at MMU or Russell Group universities
Embark on PhD research, leveraging MMU’s research centres and Manchester’s innovation hub
Achieve professional accreditation (e.g., Chartered IT Professional (CITP) via BCS), supported by MMU’s career and placement experiences
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