BSc (Hons) Computer Science – University of Nottingham
Nottingham’s three-year BSc delivers a robust, research-informed grounding in problem-solving, programming, systems, AI, cybersecurity, graphics, and more. With an industry-linked group project in Year 2, modern lab facilities, Russell Group research excellence, and strong employability outcomes, it's ideal for students aiming for technical roles in software, data science, or networks.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Core modules cover Assembly Language Programming, Computer Architecture, Programming & Algorithms, Networks, Databases & Interfaces, Software Engineering, Mathematics for Computer Scientists (1 & 2), and Fundamentals of AI. Teaching blends lectures, tutorials (~8 students), and hands-on lab sessions.
Year 2
You’ll deepen your studies with Algorithms, Data Structures, Formal Reasoning, Developing Maintainable Software, Languages & Computation, Operating Systems & Concurrency, topped with a Software Engineering Group Project co-designed with industry partners like IBM and Experian.
Year 3 (Honours)
Continue with modules such as Computer Security, Professional Ethics, plus a range of options (e.g., Cryptography, Computer Graphics, Machine Learning, Mobile Programming) and an Individual Dissertation or Industrial Experience placement.
Assessment Format
Coursework & Practical: includes programming tasks, labs, ethical essays, group project deliverables, dissertation or placement report.
Written Exams & Tests: end-of-year assessments across core and optional modules.
Final degree marks are weighted: Year 2 counts 33%, Year 3 counts 67%.
Focus Areas
Programming & data structures • Systems, networking & concurrency • Formal reasoning & ethics • Software engineering & collaborative development • AI & graphics • Machine learning & cybersecurity • Optional industrial placement
Learning Outcomes
By graduation, you’ll be able to design efficient software systems, analyze algorithms, build secure and concurrent architectures, implement AI and graphics solutions, conduct research or placement-based projects, and articulate professional and ethical computing practices.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
The course is BCS-accredited, meeting academic standards for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Nottingham’s curriculum aligns with ACM/IEEE and benefits from industrial feedback via its Industrial Advisory Board.
Further Academic Progression
92.7% of School of Computer Science graduates secure professional roles or further study within 15 months, with an average starting salary of £33,082.
A Russell Group institution with global campuses in Malaysia and China, ranked 17th nationally in QS and 7th in research power (REF 2021).
Strong student engagement—active HackSoc and CompSoc, external project involvement, and supportive career services.
Students report a challenging but rewarding workload, with value placed on real-world project experience and campus facilities .
BSc Computer Science (BSc Hons) at the University of Nottingham immerses you in practical, real-world learning—using state-of-the-art facilities, industry-aligned projects, and strong professional support:
From day one, you’ll learn to solve problems using professional tools in dual-boot Windows/Linux labs and 24/7 workstation clusters. Nottingham’s School of Computer Science is housed on Jubilee Campus—a modern, award-winning environment designed to enable real software engineering, visualization projects, and VR development (see Mobile Dev, Robotics, AI modules).
Experiential Learning Highlights:
Year 2 group project: Collaborate in teams to design and build computing systems, often in partnership with industry such as Capital One, Experian, IBM, or UniDays—offering great CV experience and employer links.
Optional 4‑year route with Year in Industry: In Year 3, take a paid industrial placement, typically lasting 9–12 months. Those who choose it work full-time with academic oversight and reflection reporting, often converting placements into job offers.
Breadth of optional modules: Choose from topics like Virtual Reality, Mobile Device Programming, Machine Learning, Robotics, Graphics, Cryptography, Security, and Distributed Systems—many involve lab-based labs and real tool use.
HackSoc, CompSoc & HackNotts hackathon: Join active student-led societies for coding events, competitions, and social coding—great for networking and applying knowledge.
International exchange opportunities: Go abroad for a semester or year at Nottingham's campuses in China/Malaysia or partner institutions worldwide—adding a valuable global dimension to your tech education.
Research-led learning & staff focus: Many lecturers are featured on Computerphile and are active researchers in HCI, Computer Vision, Functional Programming, and more, ensuring course content reflects current innovation.
Robust career and employability support: The Nottingham Internship Scheme and the Nottingham Advantage Award provide year-round opportunities. The Careers & Employability team delivers tailored workshops, employer fairs, and placement guidance.
Outstanding outcomes and accreditation: 92.7% of graduates enter further study or work within 15 months, with average starting salaries over £33,000. The course is BCS-accredited, and Nottingham is among the most targeted UK universities by top employers.
Top-tier campus and community: Jubilee Campus is modern, green, and well-connected to main University Park (10-minute walk or shuttle), supported by strong student satisfaction and vibrant campus life.
University of Nottingham – BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates propel into high-value tech careers: around 92.7% secure employment or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries around £33k–£34k, rising significantly by five years. Typical roles include:
Software Engineer / Developer
IT Consultant / Systems Analyst
Data Analyst / Technical Project Lead
Cybersecurity / Network Specialist
University services that support employment
Professional Careers Service: Offers one-to-one coaching, CV/interview prep, mock assessment days, job fairs, and employer networking events.
Industry-relevant curriculum & group projects: Includes second-year real-world challenges partnered with firms like IBM, Experian, Capital One, and UniDays—strengthening teamwork and client-facing skills.
Optional Year in Industry route: 4-year sandwich degree with paid placements, often leading to job offers before graduation.
Graduation Outcomes & Alumni Success
92.7% in work or further study 15 months after graduating
Average starting salary ~£33,082
By 3–5 years, Nottingham computing grads earn medians of ~£29k at 3 years and ~£34.5k at 5 years
90% in highly skilled roles, with 80% as IT professionals and 5% in associate science/tech roles
University–industry partnerships
Collaborations with Capital One, Experian, IBM and more for group projects and placement opportunities
Accredited by the British Computer Society, supporting pathways to Chartered IT Professional status
Long‑term accreditation & reputation
Consistently Top-20 in UK for Computer Science (Times/Sunday Times, Complete University Guide)
Robust research environment—1st in UK for Research Environment (REF 2021) and 97% of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent
Further Academic Progression:
Upon completing your BSc, you can pursue:
A 4-year sandwich degree with built-in industry placement (optional Year in Industry)
MSc degrees in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering—at Nottingham or top global universities
PhD research, leveraging Nottingham’s research-intensive facilities and academic excellence
Pathways to Chartered IT Professional status via BCS accreditation and applying for chartered roles
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