BSc (Hons) Computer Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

Plymouth’s BSc in Computer Science provides hands-on training in programming, software engineering, AI, networking, cybersecurity, data systems, and cloud computing all taught in state-of-the-art labs and supported by industry placements. Fully BCS‑accredited, with optional sandwich year and strong employer links, it’s a powerful route into tech roles like software developer, AI engineer, security specialist, or IoT designer .


Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll build strong foundations in core areas like Computer System, Software Engineering 1, Algorithms, data structures & mathematics. Projects and labs begin from week one, ensuring you learn by doing with tools and techniques such as agile methodology.

Year 2
You’ll progress into modules including Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Software Engineering 2, Information Management & Retrieval, and an Integrating Group Software Project (40 credits), all delivered via coursework and project assessments. This year explores parallel programming, IoT, HCI, and processor architectures using real-life development processes.

Optional Placement Year (Sandwich)
Following Year 2, choose a 48-week paid industrial placement. Gain rich workplace experience via university-led preparation and wrap-up modules, enhancing both skills and employability.

Year 3 (Honours)
You’ll undertake an individual Computing Project, exploring advanced topics like Parallel Computing, Machine Learning, Bid data Analytics, Full-Stack web development, HCI, visualization, Games Graphics Pipeines.


Assessment Format

  • Coursework & Practical Projects – Includes programming assignments, labs, group/individual software projects, portfolios, and presentations.

  • Exams & Time-Constrained Tests – Written exams and in-class tests evaluate theoretical knowledge in modules like systems, algorithms, and mathematics .

  • Summative Assessments – Final exams and coursework determine your official module marks.


Focus Areas

Programming & Software Engineering • Algorithms & Data Structures • Systems, Networking & IoT • AI, Machine Learning & Data Science • Databases & Information Management • Full-Stack & Cloud Development • Individual & Group Project-Based Learning


Learning Outcomes

Design and build efficient, reliable software solutions

Apply formal and algorithmic methods

Integrate AI, cloud, and networking technologies

Conduct and present group and individual computing projects

Work professionally in industry settings


Accreditation & Professional Recognition

Fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and aligned with Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) requirements; project-based ethos and placement support reinforce professional development.


Reputation & Employability Rankings

  • Research rated >71% “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2014)

  • Modern Engineering & Design Centre with dedicated labs

  • Industry links: Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Met Office, GCHQ

  • Strong placement outcomes and national ranking performance

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

University of Plymouth’s BSc Computer Science offers a dynamic, hands-on education grounded in real-world application and deep technical exploration. With access to cutting-edge labs, industry-led projects, and strong placement opportunities, students graduate ready for careers across AI, cybersecurity, VR, data science, and software engineering.


Facilities & Learning Environment

  • Located in the newly remodeled Babbage Building (summer 2023), it houses modern computing and fabrication labs across its School of Engineering, Computing & Mathematics.

  • Within the Roland Levinsky Building, you’ll use Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Labs, ideal for VR/AR/graphics and IoT prototyping.

  • Access high‑performance UNIX/Linux clusters, virtualization environments, and cross-platform developer tools like Visual Studio, Xcode, Android Studio, and Oracle software via Microsoft Imagine and Oracle Academy.


Experiential Learning Highlight 

  • Weekly demonstrator‑led labs begin in Year 1, you'll be covering Java, Python, C/C++, cybersecurity, networks, databases, AI/ML, VR, and IoT.

  • Large group and individual projects: by Year 2, you'll complete an integrated software-engineering module, applying agile development to real challenges.

  • Final-year BSc project showcase across AI, security, games, or general CS tracks; you design, build, and demonstrate your work publicly.

  • Specialist modules include GPU computing, forensics, graphics pipelines, immersive game technologies, and project management, supporting deep technical specialization.


Placements & Career Experience

  • Optional 48-week paid placement in Year 3, supported by placement tutors and the Placement Office. Students have landed internships at IBM, Microsoft, Nestlé, BBC, Met Office, National Physical Lab, NHS, and more.

  • Active partnerships with tech giants and local science initiatives, including Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Intel, Apple, Nvidia, Cisco, Plymouth Science Park, and Centre for Robotics & Neural Systems.


Research & Professional Credentials

  • BCS accreditation, plus routes to Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial CEng.

  • Education driven by staff research in AI, machine learning, robotics, big data, VR, cybersecurity, and GPU computing.

  • Access to a vibrant Plymouth Science Park, backed by university-fielded innovation collaboration.

 

Progression & Future Opportunities

University of Plymouth's BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates launch into thriving tech careers: approximately 94% are in employment or further study within 15 months, and 95% of those are in highly skilled roles.

Typical roles include:

  •   Developer

  • Data Analyst / AI & Machine Learning Specialist

  • IT Consultant / Systems Administrator

  • Web/Mobile Application Developer


University services that support employment

  • Careers & Employability + Placement Office: Provide one-to-one coaching, CV/interview prep, mock interviews, job fairs, micro-internships and support throughout placement searches.

  • Optional 48-week paid placement year (Year 3): Supported via dedicated tutors and preparation modules, students have interned at IBM, Microsoft, Intel, BBC, Met Office, Nestlé and more.

  • Hands-on labs & live briefs: Delivered using industry-standard tools in Plymouth’s STEM building; includes HackCamps and real-world challenges via collaboration with Greater Manchester Cyber Foundry.


Graduation Outcomes & Alumni Success

  • 94% employed or studying within 15 months; 95% in highly skilled roles.

  • Median earnings: £29k at 15 months; £32k at 3 years; £37k at 5 years .

  • Graduate satisfaction: 95% find their work meaningful, 90% use degree skills, and 90% say their role aligns with their future plans.

  • Alumni success: Graduates have taken placement-to-work roles at PenCarrie, Just Eat, Accenture, Thomson Reuters, UK Hydrographic Office, IBM, Renishaw, and others.


University–industry partnerships

  • Placement employers include BBC, BMW, Met Office, IBM, Intel, HP, Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, Accenture, GSK, NHS and many more.

  • The programme is a member of Microsoft Imagine and the Oracle Academy and is closely linked to Plymouth’s Big Data, AI & Robotics research groups.


Long‑term accreditation & reputation

  • The degree is BCS-accredited, supporting Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) pathways.

  • Plymouth’s STEM facilities and “learning through doing” ethos are widely praised and recognized in national student satisfaction surveys .


Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you can pursue:

  • A 4-year MComp for deeper specialisation and industrial experience.

  • MSc degrees in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering (available at Plymouth or other universities).

  • PhD research, leveraging Plymouth’s active Big Data, AI and Robotics labs.

  • Fast-track professional credentials—BCS Chartered IT Professional, plus vendor certifications such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, and AWS.

Program Key Stats

£18,650
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

CCC - BCC
2.3
26 - 30
60

6.0
76

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Database Administrator
  • Application Analyst
  • IT Consultant
  • Web Designer
  • Applications Developer
  • Information Systems Manager

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