BSc (Hons) Computer Science – University of Kent
Kent’s Computer Science degree offers a balanced blend of practical programming, theoretical foundations, and specialist options within a research-led, student-centred environment. Accredited by BCS for Chartered IT Professional and partial Chartered Engineer status, it features optional industry placements for real-world experience, preparing students for careers in software development, AI, cybersecurity, or research.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You'll study core modules building essential coding, modeling, and problem-solving skills including:
Year 2
In year 2, you'll deepen technical focus with modules such as
As well as optional electives like Cyber Security and Fundamentals of AI
Year 3 (Honours)
In the final year, you'll undertake a Research Project where you'll work closely with an expert supervisor, enhancing your critical thinking and problem solving skills alongside advanced modules like:
Optional Placement Year
After Year 2, students can take a paid, year-long industry placement to apply learning in professional settings, significantly boosting employability.
Assessment Format
Continuous Assessment: Lab work, quizzes, programming tasks, group presentations, and code reviews.
Final Exams: Applied in theory-based modules.
Team Project (Year 2): Assessed on both deliverables and collaboration quality.
Individual Project (Year 3): Evaluated through code, a detailed written report, and a final presentation.
Focus Areas
Programming (Java)
Algorithms & Data Structures
Systems Architecture & Networking
Cybersecurity & AI
Team Software Engineering Project
Independent Advanced Honours Project
Learning outcomes include
Developing robust software and systems
Applying algorithmic and theoretical principles
Designing secure networked systems
Effective teamwork
Conducting independent honours-level research and software development
Professional Alignment & Accreditatio
BCS-accredited for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Industry-aligned group projects, independent research, and optional placement year ensure strong job readiness.
Reputation & Employability Rankings
Ranked around 40th for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2025.
Graduate employment rate: ~95% in work or further study within six months of graduating.
Recognised for strong computing research and teaching quality, with a rising UK top 40 overall position (Times/Sunday Times).
Kent’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science programme blends hands-on learning, modern technical spaces, industry collaboration, and research leadership, developing adaptable graduates with strong career and project-readiness.
Facilities & Learning Environment
The Shed: A creative maker space with 3D printers, laser cutters, and metal fabrication tools which is ideal for robotics, IoT, and physical computing prototyping.
High-spec computing labs: Equipped with Linux/Windows machines, remote SSH server access, supported by IT staff and open-access study hubs.
Specialist facilities: BIOSENSING and Cognitive Robotics labs support advanced coursework in AI, HCI, and embedded systems.
ASPIRE Space: Innovation hub for enterprise, team collaboration, and showcasing tech demos.
Experiential Learning Highlights
Weekly practical labs: Embedded into all modules—covering Java, Python, C/C++, Git, cloud platforms, hardware, and embedded system applications, bridging theory with hands-on experience.
Coursework & live projects: Real-world tasks from Year 1 through final year which are both team-based and individual, using Agile and software engineering workflows.
Final-year Honours Project: Independent or group software/research project presented at showcase events via posters or videos, under expert academic supervision.
Placement & Career Experience
Optional Year in Industry: Take a paid 12-month placement between Years 2–3 with dedicated guidance from the School and Careers & Employability Service.
Summer internships: Gain early industry experience in development, tech support, or cybersecurity via the Employability Points Scheme and exclusive university listings.
Cybersecurity & Research Strength
KMCS3 Cybersecurity Society: Supported by the Institute for Cyber Security for Society (iCSS), offering CTF competitions, workshops, guest speakers, and certification prep (e.g. ISC3 CC).
Nationally accredited research: Kent’s School of Computing holds NCSC Gold and ACE-CSE status; faculty includes developers of BlueJ and Greenfoot, globally recognised educational tools.
Student Support
Supportive student ecosystem: Peer mentoring, 24/7 library, wellbeing resources, and a vibrant, inclusive Canterbury campus community.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science – University of Kent
Kent Computer Science graduates step confidently into high-impact tech careers: ~95% are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation, with 98% of UK-resident grads working in England.
Graduate Destinations & Roles
Typical career paths include:
Software Engineer or Developer
Mobile Applications Developer
Systems Analyst or Network Engineer
Data Analyst / Machine Learning Engineer
IT Consultant or FinTech Professional
Career Acceleration at Kent
University services that support employment
Dedicated School of Computing Employability & Placements Team
Central Careers & Employability Service offering 1:1 guidance, CV reviews, mock interviews, employer fairs, and 3 years of post-grad support
Skill-building workshops and employer networking events integrated from Year 1
Industrial Placement Year
A major career asset, actively encouraged and fully integrated
Real-world projects build your confidence and professionalism before graduation
Alumni highlight the placement year as transformative—often leading directly to graduate roles
Employment Stats & Salary Trajectory
95% in work or study 15 months out; 98% of UK grads employed in England
Median salaries: £30 k (15 months), £37.5 k (3 years), £44.5 k (5 years)
Industry Partnerships & Employer Connections
Career destinations include BAE Systems, Cisco, IBM, Disney, Citigroup, BT, and more
Kent’s maker and innovation spaces—featuring 3D printers, Oculus, Raspberry Pi, and laser cutters, promoting hands-on creativity and entrepreneurial skills
Strong employer links through accredited teaching, live projects, and placement partnerships
Accreditation & Global Recognition
Fully BCS-accredited, with pathways to Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
This professional alignment boosts recognition by global employers and certifying bodies
Kent’s School of Computing is top 10 nationally for employment outcomes, with 95% of research rated internationally excellent
Further Academic Progression
Graduates often continue into:
MSc specialisations in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Software Engineering available at Kent or internationally
PhD pathways backed by cutting-edge research labs, award-winning educators (e.g., creators of BlueJ, Greenfoot), and strong industry collaborations
Professional certification is streamlined thanks to BCS accreditation, supporting progression to IEng/CEng
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