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
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.
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.
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.