BSc Hons Computer Science

BSc (Hons) Computer Science at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) delivers a practical, industry-aligned, and career-ready learning experience:

Facilities & Learning Environment

• CISCO Networks Laboratories offering network configuration and security exercises in a sandboxed environment.

• The Imaginarium – a creative studio for multimedia, games, UX, and VR development.

• University-wide labs: ~800 PCs across teaching labs, library, and residences with 24/7 access and strong Wi‑Fi .

• High-performance UNIX/Linux servers and virtualization: Use dedicated systems for cloud-style computing, large-scale simulations, testing, and plugin installations .

• Joint Application Development Lab for recorded group workshops and collaborative software development sessions.

Experiential Learning Highlights

Here’s how your skills will grow hands-on throughout the course:

• Weekly demonstrator-led labs (from Year 1) in languages like Java, Python, C++, databases, web apps, AI, cybersecurity, network configuration, and game development with client interaction.

• Group software projects: Build interactive games using 3D graphics and work as part of a team on client-driven assignments in flagship modules.

• Research-led mini-projects: Engage with real research, e.g., AR museum prototypes under staff supervision.

• Capstone individual project in Year 3: Design and implement your own system and choose from AI, IoT, security, or graphics using full lab access.

Placement Year & Internships

• Optional Year in Industry (Sandwich placement) after Year 2:

  • 48-week, paid placements in the UK and sometimes abroad in locations like Europe, the USA, Australia, and Japan.

  • Supported by the Careers & Employability Team, including CV prep, interview practice, and supervisor check-ins .

• Short-term internships: Paid term-time or summer placements through UCLan Futures, the Careers team, and local partnerships.

Industry Links & Career Readiness

• BCS membership included: All students get membership, mentor access, and employability tools.

• Strong regional partnerships: Employers like NHS, BBC, BAE Systems, Siemens, Fujitsu, and D3T regularly recruit, and alumni report that the department is well-connected.

• Ongoing employability support: Career counseling, job fairs, mock interviews, alumni mentoring, and job portals via UCLan Futures.

University of Central Lancashire's BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates establish strong early careers: approximately 81% are in employment or further study within 15 months, with around 67% in highly skilled roles. Typical roles include:

• Software Engineer / Developer

• Systems Analyst / IT Consultant

• Data Specialist / Technical Project Lead

• Cybersecurity or Network Engineer

University services that support employment

• Career and Employability Services: One-on-one career counselling, CV/interview workshops, mock interviews, job fairs, and access to platforms like CareerEDGE and Handshake.

• Placement pathways: After Year 2, you can undertake a 48-week industry placement in the UK or abroad (e.g., Europe, Australia, Japan, USA), supported with CV prep and employer sessions.

• Project-based curriculum: You’ll work on real-world group projects from Year 1 to your final capstone, developing teamwork, project management, and client-facing skills .

• BCS accreditation: The degree follows BCS guidelines, offering pathways to MBCS, CITP, and partial CEng status plus free BCS membership and mentor support.

Graduation Outcomes & Alumni Success

• 81% employed or in further study at 15 months; 67% in highly skilled roles.

• Median salaries: ~£21k at 15 months, ~£23k at 3 years, rising to £27k after 5 years.

• Graduates work across software, cybersecurity, data, and IT consultancy sectors; sandwich placements have led to full-time offers and soft-skills growth.

University–industry partnerships

• Placement hosts include UK-based and international companies (e.g., Fujitsu Germany, D3T, Amazon, Jaguar, Arm).

• Active BCS mentor involvement, guest industry speakers, and career fairs connect students with employers throughout their studies.

Long-term accreditation & reputation

• Accredited by BCS with CITP, MBCS and partial CEng recognition .

• Course-based achievements include success in national competitions (e.g., Aardvark Swift “Search for a Star”) .

• Ranked in top 100 for UK Computing subjects; University places within Guardian’s or Complete University Guide’s Computer Science rankings.