Oxford Brookes’ Computer Science degree balances applied learning with theoretical depth building coding fluency, systems expertise, and problem-solving agility. With full BCS accreditation, a strong final-year project, and an optional industrial placement, it equips students to step confidently into software, security, and cloud computing careers.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Foundations & Core Skills
Problem Solving and Programming
Computer Science Applications
Object-Oriented Programming
Professional Programming Practice
Mathematics for Computing
You'll learn to code in various programming languages while mastering algorithmic thinking, debugging, and computing fundamentals through practical labs and version-controlled development environments.
Year 2 – Advanced Topics & Software Development
Applied Software Engineering
Software Development with C and C++
Web App Development
Data Structures & Algorithms
Foundations of Security
Enterprise Engineering
Foundations of Computation
You'll dive into secure software practices, develop enterprise-ready systems, and explore low-level computing and cybersecurity through structured group projects and supported labs.
Year 3 – Optional Industrial Placement
Undertake a 12-month, credit-bearing internship with software or tech firms
Apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment
Receive academic supervision throughout
Return with enhanced project skills and career direction
Final Year – Specialisation & Independent Project
Computing Project (30 credits): You'll Deliver a substantial technical solution under supervision
As well as take on advanced modules including:
Artificial Intelligence
Secure Programming
Secure OS & Network Principles
Cloud Computing & IoT
Advanced Interfaces
Advanced Object-Oriented Programming
This year shapen your expertise in your area of interest whether intelligent systems, secure platforms, or cloud-based infrastructure.
Assessment Format
Coursework & Exams: Most modules are assessed through a balanced mix of practical coursework, labs, and written exams. If they include written examinations, these are worth 30%, 50% or 70% of the module.
Module-specific variation: Some modules rely entirely on coursework; others follow in-class applied testing
Capstone assessment: Final-year project marked via technical report, implementation, and presentation
Focus areas:
"Programming & algorithms • Software engineering (OOP, C/C++) • Web & enterprise systems • Security & secure development • AI, cloud & IoT • Major final-year project"
Learning outcomes:
Build robust applications across multiple languages
Apply theoretical computing to practical design
Develop secure and scalable cloud systems
Construct intelligent and IoT-enabled solutions
Present independent technical research with confidence
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Fully BCS-accredited, the program meets academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status
Industry-aligned curriculum with strong applied computing emphasis
Optional placement year boosts employability and real-world relevance
Reputation & Employability Rankings
Ranked 6th in the UK for teaching (The Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024)
Ranked top 25% of global universities evaluated in QS World Rankings 2026
87% of full-time undergraduate students are in work or further study 15 months after graduation
Oxford Brookes’ Computer Science programme delivers hands-on, experiential learning in modern labs and innovation spaces. With dedicated technical support, applied engineering projects, and strong placement links, students build career-ready confidence across software, systems, and autonomous technologies.
Facilities & Learning Environment
You'll learn in industry-relevant environments at the modern Headington campus:
Specialist Labs & Suites: VR cave, robotics labs, high-spec computing suites, and collaborative study zones integrated into teaching
IceCube Innovation Hub: Royal Society–backed maker space that supports prototyping, peer collaboration, and creative computing
Project Environments: Work on embedded systems, cloud platforms, IoT hardware, and security networks using real tools and platforms
All facilities support your development from foundational programming to complex final-year capstones
Experiential Learning Highlights
Hands-on learning is core to the Oxford Brookes experience:
Weekly demonstrator-led labs: Practice programming in Java, C/C++, and Python; develop full-stack web systems; build and test IoT and VR/AR applications
Formula Student Autonomous Team: Contribute to one of the UK’s top student-led autonomous racing projects—designing, coding, and racing self-driving cars
Year 2 Applied Software Engineering: Collaborate in teams to deliver software systems using professional methods and modern development tools
Placements & Career Readiness
Optional Placement Year (Year 3): Spend 12 months in a paid computing role with support from university placement advisors and academic mentors
Summer Internships: For those not taking a full sandwich year, 4–12 week paid internships are available through Career Services
Employer Network: Recent students have worked with Microsoft, IBM, NHS, UK Atomic Energy Authority, and PepsiComany with securing job offers post-graduation
Final-Year Project Work
Computing Project (30 credits): Undertake a supervised individual project in an area like AI, cybersecurity, cloud/IoT, or software engineering
Design, code, test, and present a full solution, supported by academic mentors and industry-standard practices
Learning Culture & Societies
Active Student Societies: Join groups like Computing, Women in Tech, or Gaming Society for community events, skill development, and networking
Innovation Challenges: Take part in internal and external hackathons, IceCube challenges, and live briefs linked to tech employers
Supportive Culture: Students report strong encouragement from staff and peers, helping to build both technical and personal confidence
Oxford Brookes Computer Science graduates enjoy high employability and strong salary progression, stepping confidently into technical and analytical roles. With robust career support, industry partnerships, and a placement-driven approach, students build lasting value from their degree. About 87% of Oxford Brookes University BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months, with around 75% in highly skilled roles such as:
Software Engineer / Developer
Systems Analyst / IT Consultant
Data Scientist / Machine Learning Specialist
Cybersecurity / Network Engineer
University Services That Support Employment
Integrated careers guidance which includes:
One-to-one advising
CV and interview workshops
Online resources
Ongoing support during and after your degree
Access to:
Placement years, summer internships, and an optional sandwich year
BrookesEDGE programme offering real-world client projects and work-based learning
Employment Stats & Salary Figures
87% of graduates in employment or further study 15 months after graduation
~75% in highly skilled roles
Median salaries:
~£28,500–£32,000 at 15 months
~£34,500 at 3 years
~£44,000 at 5 years
University–Industry Partnerships
Strong employer connections, including:
BMW, Cisco, Sony, Sophos, British Telecom, Visa
Partnerships fostered through:
Placement schemes
Internships
Guest lectures
Mentoring and industry projects
Mentoring schemes link students with professionals to build career insight and networks
Long-Term Accreditation & Value
Accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS)
Meets academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status
Industry-informed curriculum ensures development of job-ready, professional skills
Graduation Outcomes
~75% of graduates say their work is meaningful and aligned with their studies
~85% are in highly skilled roles
Continued career support through:
BrookesEDGE
Alumni networking
Long-term careers services
Further Academic Progression
After completing your BSc, you can:
Progress into a Master’s (MSc) in AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, or Software Engineering
Pursue an MSc by Research or a PhD, supported by Brookes’ research-led teaching and practical lab experience
Work toward Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status using your BCS-accredited degree and work placements
Explore professional or teaching conversion paths, including:
IT consultancy
Fintech careers
Secondary school IT education
With ongoing career development support
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