Computer Science BSc

The BSc Computer Science programme at Leeds delivers a hands-on, career-focused education enhanced by modern infrastructure, weekly practical sessions, final-year research integration, and strong global employability support.

Facilities & Learning Environment

• Sir William Henry Bragg Building: Home to two state-of-the-art Linux teaching labs, plus collaborative and quiet learning spaces designed for seamless project-based work.

• Research-grade equipment: Access high-end tools like a 53-megapixel powerwall display, 3D VR suite, cloud testbed, and high-performance Linux workstations with areas for iPad, Mac, and Android development.

• Remote access: Virtualization and UNIX/Linux server clusters support off-campus work which is ideal for AI, cloud computing, or advanced development projects.

Experiential Learning Highlights

• Weekly lab sessions: Each module features guided, hands-on labs covering core technologies like Java, Python, C/C++, Linux, Git, cybersecurity, databases, and systems engineering.

• Group projects (Years 1–2): Collaborate on real-world team coding tasks using industry-standard agile methods and development tools.

• Final-year project: Undertake a self-led, research-informed project using advanced lab resources in exploring topics such as AI, VR, cybersecurity, or large-scale cloud systems.

Placement, Internships & Study Abroad

• Optional Industrial Placement Year:

  • Gain industry experience between Years 2 and 3.

  • Leeds partners with 100+ global companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, PwC, GSK, HP, Nestlé, STFC.

  • Full support: Placement Officer, portfolio building, employer mentorship, and academic supervision.

• Short-term internships:

  • Available during summer or term through Leeds Careers Centre and the Work Experience Hub.

  • Past opportunities include Goldman Sachs, Airbus, Warner Bros, and startups.

• Year Abroad Option:

  • Study in Year 3 at top universities in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australasia, Asia, South Africa and Latin America.

  • Leads to an ‘international’ degree pathway.

Career Development & Industry Connections

• Research-led teaching: Lectures and projects align with cutting-edge research in AI, computational health, graphics, distributed systems, and security.

• Top employer reach: Leeds is among the top 5 UK universities most targeted by employers.

• Career support: From day one, access workshops on CVs, interview prep, job applications, and summer opportunities via the Faculty Employability Team and “Leeds for Life” platform.

• Employer partnerships: Strong industry links with Google, IBM, Accenture, HP, Microsoft, Barclays, Amazon, BAE Systems, and more through fairs, guest lectures, and collaborative projects.

Student Life & Community

• Join CompSoc: Engage in tech events, hackathons, outreach, networking, and social activities boosting teamwork, creativity, and your professional profile.

Leeds BSc Computer Science graduates launch into high-impact careers. Approximately 75% of University of Leeds BSc Computer Science graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months, with 80% in highly skilled roles.

This degree prepares you for roles such as:

• Developer

• Software Engineer 

• Machine Learning Specialist

• Data Scientist 

• IT Consultant 

• Systems Analyst

• Cybersecurity Engineer

University Services That Support Employment

• Award-winning Employability & Careers Team, offering:

  • One-to-one career guidance

  • CV and interview workshops

  • Specialist careers events, including industry-focused fairs

• The MyCareer portal provides ongoing access to jobs, internships, and placement opportunities

• The Leeds for Life initiative helps you track your achievements and build a standout CV from your first year

Employment Stats & Salary Figures

• 75% in employment or further study within 15 months

• Salaries:

  • ~£32,500 at 15 months

  • ~£40,500 at 3 years

  • ~£49,000 at 5 years

University–Industry Partnerships

• Top 5 most targeted UK university by major employers, including IBM, HP, Apple, Microsoft, and Accenture

• Optional industrial placement year with over 100 partner organisations, typically paid

• Strong networks and placements with:

  • Apple

  • Amazon

  • GlaxoSmithKline

  • HP

  • PwC

  • STFC

Accreditation & Long-Term Value

• BSc accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS)

  • Reaccreditation in progress for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

• Backed by Leeds’ Russell Group membership and a globally renowned research culture in AI, distributed systems, and advanced computing

Graduation Outcomes

• Recognised as a Top 10 most targeted UK university by major graduate employers (High Fliers Research)

Further Academic Progression

After completing your BSc, you can:

• Transfer into the 4-year Integrated MEng

• Pursue an MSc specialism in areas like:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Data Science

  • Cyber Security

  • Software Engineering

• Embark on an MSc by Research or a PhD, supported by Leeds’ strengths in:

  • Algorithms

  • Biomedicine computing

  • Distributed systems

• Use your BCS-accredited degree and professional experience to apply for CITP or CEng status

• Enter professional conversion routes, such as fintech, consultancy, or teaching, supported by lifelong career services