4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Program OverviewThe University of Dundee’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience and Design) blends core computing—programming, systems, web, databases—with a specialist focus on UX research, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design. You’ll learn through real-world, hands-on projects, working closely with industry mentors and emerging technologies, ideal for students passionate about crafting intuitive and engaging digital experience
You will be taught in an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and impact as well as havibg the opportunity to be part of a community of students and staff that work together to understand how computers can change the world, and what your own part in this will be. You can join our student computing societies.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You'll build a solid computing foundation with modules like Front-End Website Development, Introduction to Software Development, Mathematics for Computer Science, Unix Systems, and more. These classes include programming labs, web design tasks, and workshops that introduce core computing and design thinking principles
Year 2
You'll dive deeper with modules such as Introduction to AI & Machine Learning, Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Database Systems, and User Interface Design. You also undertake team-oriented development in the Industrial Team Project, applying UX practices in collaborative builds
Year 3 (Honours)
In year 3, you prepare for industry with Information & Network Security, Accessible User Experience, Design Methods, and a substantial Industrial Team Project. You’ll also complete modules like Information Analysis & Reporting and Contemporary UX & Interactions, all supported by industry practitioners
Year 4 (Honours)
You’ll execute a 60-credit Honours Project, choose from electives like Data Visualisation or Contemporary UX, and produce high-quality, research-informed design artefacts. Year 4 realises your UX and design capabilities in an independent, substantial project setting
Optional Placement Year (4- or 5-year pathway)
Available through the optional Industrial Placement module, you can gain professional experience in industry before returning to complete your final year
Assessment
Assessment blends practical coursework and exams each year. In Years 1–2, you’ll complete regular assignments such as programming tasks, lab reports, interface design and database implementation plus end-of-semester exams. From Year 3 onward, evaluations include group industrial projects and your major final-year project, assessed through prototypes and written reports.
Focus areas
"UX research, interaction & accessible design • Front-end & back-end development • Systems, networks & security foundations • Team-based industrial projects • Honours UX design project • Optional industrial placement"
Learning outcomes
Master user-centric design and research methodologies
Build interactive and accessible digital interfaces
Understand computing systems and back-end integration
Complete independent, substantial UX design or development work
Collaborate in industrial-style project teams
Gain practical industry experience through placement
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is non-BCS-accredited but is industry-led—supported by AWS Academy, GitHub Campus Global, and overseen by professionals from Amazon, Microsoft, Scottish Enterprise, and Chevron, ensuring alignment with current engineering competencies.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Ranked Top 5 in the UK for Computing in the Guardian University Guide 2025, Dundee graduates are highly sought after by employers, earning roles such as software engineers, application developers, and full-stack developers.
From day one as CS student, you’ll work in Dundee’s dedicated computing building which is open 24/7, including award-winning labs equipped with dual-monitor PCs, Macs, Arduino kits, servers, SSH access, wireless zones, and even one of Scotland’s only Microsoft Surface tables. Remote access means your development work continues seamlessly from anywhere.
Here’s what you’ll experience throughout the degree:
Regular practical labs & workshops:
Integrated into core modules (e.g., Unix Systems, Embedded Systems, Front-End Web, Software Engineering), you’ll use languages like C/C++, Java, Python, web stacks and work on real coding, networking, and embedded systems projects.
Group projects & industrial context:
In Years 3 & 4, you’ll collaborate on industrial team projects and can choose the Technology Innovation Management module to build and pitch real products in teams, working with local firms and meeting actual clients.
Summer work placements:
Optional 12-week summer placements offer exposure to real industry settings with previous students interning at Google, NCR, NHS Tayside, SAPEC (Portugal), STAR Dundee, Toshiba, RBS, and many more.
Individual Honours project:
In Year 4, you'll tackle a substantial final-year project, coding significant software solutions, research-driven apps (e.g., SpaceWire systems), and have the chance to present at conferences or industry showcases.
Industry-linked seminars & guest lectures:
Regular sessions with companies like IBM, Microsoft, Mozilla, Yahoo!, and NCR tie directly into coursework and assessable outcomes.
Digital tools & partnerships:
You'll gain skills via AWS Academy and GitHub Campus Global, ensuring familiarity with cloud, DevOps, and collaborative development workflows.
Specialist UX labs & computing hubs: You'll use modern software and hardware across dedicated studios on Dundee City Campus—perfect for prototyping, interaction design, and user-centered development
Cross-disciplinary support from DJCAD: Gain access to award‑winning design facilities through Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design for visual design, usability testing, and creative technologies
University of Dundee Computer Science BSc (Hons) graduates have strong early success: 91% are in employment or further study within 15 months, with 87% in graduate-level roles. Starting salaries typically range from £27 k–£31 k, rising to £34 k–£37 k within five years. Graduates often become Software Engineers, Full‑Stack Developers, Data Analysts, or Technical Consultants.
Here’s how Dundee supports your career progression:
University services that support employment
The Dundee Careers Centre provides career guidance, employability workshops, CV/interview prep, and hosts career fairs connecting students with employers like Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, AstraZeneca, NCR, Chevron, and Microsoft.
Employment stats & salary figures
• 91% of Dundee CS grads are employed or studying further 15 months after graduation
• One-year post‑graduation average salary ~£30 k; after five years ~£37.5 k
• CS jobs in Dundee region offer median salaries between £41 k–£52 k
University–industry partnerships
The program is industry-driven and research-led, as a member of the AWS Academy and GitHub Campus Global. Its Degree Advisory Board includes industry leaders from Amazon, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, NCR, Chevron, and Microsoft. Students work on real projects with local/national partners, enhancing job-readiness.
Long‑term accreditation & reputation
Ranked top 5 in the UK for Computing by The Guardian 2025, and top 3 in Scotland for CS and Information Systems by The Guardian University Guide 2024. Plus, Dundee is part of SICSA, Scotland’s leading computing research alliance.
Graduation outcomes
• 87% of graduates secure graduate‑level jobs
• Alumni work across software development, data analysis, finance, government, consultancy, and biomedical tech with strong local industry alignment.
Further Academic Progression:
After finishing your BSc, you can advance your studies with:
Dundee’s range of MSc programs e.g., Advanced Computer Science; AI for Software Development; Data Science & Engineering
PhD research in areas like AI, UX Design, cybersecurity, human‑computer interaction, or software engineering
Interdisciplinary pathways (e.g., combining CS with business or healthcare tech)
Social mobility: those aiming for research or senior technical roles can move into academic and industry leadership via postgraduate study.
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