BSc Hons Computer Science

Portsmouth’s Computer Science degree delivers a practical, career-focused education through cutting-edge labs, project-driven modules, and flexible work placement pathways. With strong support, modern tools, and a vibrant student city, it prepares graduates to thrive in today’s digital industries.

Facilities & Learning Environment

• Cyber Security & Digital Forensics Lab: Purpose-built space for practical work in data protection, ethical hacking, and digital investigations that mimicks industry environments.

• System Administration & Networking Suite: Simulates large-scale IT infrastructure, offering real-world exposure to network and server management.

• Device Loan Library: Access to Raspberry Pi kits, smartwatches, Arduinos, and other tech hardware for coursework, prototyping, or personal innovation projects.

• 24/7 Campus Learning Spaces: The Avril Robarts Library and 3rd Space offer all-hours access to PCs, group study areas, tech help, and quiet zones designed for both collaboration and focused work.

Experiential Learning Highlights

• Weekly Lab Sessions: Core modules are paired with demonstrator-led practicals using tools like Java, Python, C/C++, Linux, IoT, and cybersecurity platforms ensuring that concepts are applied in real time.

• Hackathons & Industry Briefs: Engage in national/international hackathons, plus visits and live problem-solving projects with companies like Dell, bringing industry relevance into your modules.

• Final Year Project: A major individual capstone project often in AI, cybersecurity, or IoT showcases your technical growth, creative problem-solving, and research capability.

Placements, Internships & Career Support

• Connected Degree Placement Model: Flexibility to take a paid placement either after Year 2 or after graduation. Past placement partners include IBM, Airbus, BAE Systems, and Eli Lilly.

• Summer & Short-Term Internships: Access to short-duration placements during breaks, supported by Portsmouth’s Careers & Employability team and mentoring resources.

• Long-Term Career Support: Up to five years of free career guidance post-graduation, including CV writing, interview training, job matching, and support through the Graduate Recruitment Consultancy.

Student Experience ​

• Inclusive Campus Life: Portsmouth is a diverse, affordable, and student-focused city. Its compact layout, active student services, and multicultural community make it a welcoming place to live and learn.

Approximately 96% of University of Portsmouth’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, with around 82% in highly skilled, graduate-level roles. 

Typical roles include:

• Applications Engineer / Systems Analyst

• Software or Mobile Developer

• AI / Machine Learning Engineer / Data Analyst

• Cybersecurity Specialist / IT Consultant

University Services That Support Employment

• Optional paid placement year, supported by the Student Futures team, with guidance offered before, during, and up to five years after graduation

• Ongoing career support, including:

  • Mock interviews

  • Employer fairs

  • CV and application guidance

  • Support from the Graduate Recruitment Consultancy

Employment Stats & Salary Figures

• 96% of graduates are in employment or further study 15 months post-graduation

• 82% in highly skilled roles

• Median salaries:

  • ~£27,000 at 15 months

  • ~£32,500 at 3 years

  • ~£34,500 at 5 years

University–Industry Partnerships

• Students have secured placements and full-time roles at organisations such as:

  • BAE Systems, IBM, NHS, Honeywell, Aviva, DQ Global, Salesforce, and others

• Access to cutting-edge computing labs in:

  • Cybersecurity & forensics

  • Networking

  • Device loan schemes and practical hardware/software experience

Accreditation & Long-Term Value

• Fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS)

• Fulfils academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status

• Gold-rated for teaching excellence, with consistently strong graduate outcomes

• High satisfaction with:

  • IT resources (100%)

  • Lab and teaching facilities (>90%)

Graduation Outcomes

• Nearly 100% of students are in work or further study within 15 months

• Strong student satisfaction with academic support, facilities, and career readiness

Further Academic Progression

After completing your BSc, you can:

• Progress into an MEng (Integrated Master’s) to deepen expertise in areas like AI, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Data Science

• Pursue a specialist MSc or MSc by Research in subjects such as AI, Machine Learning, Network Security, or IoT

• Transition into a PhD, supported by industry-linked research projects

• Build on your BCS-accredited degree to attain full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status

• Enter professional conversion pathways (e.g. fintech, IT consultancy, or secondary school teaching via Initial Teacher Training), with ongoing university support