BSc Computer Science

The BSc Computer Science at the University of Southampton brings learning to life with real-world, hands-on experience delivered through cutting-edge facilities, creative lab spaces, and career-focused projects from day one.

Facilities & Learning Environmen

Specialist Labs & Workspaces:

• Software Projects Lab and David Barron Computing Lab: Equipped with high-spec PCs, collaboration tools, and whiteboards ideal for group work, personal coding projects, and portfolio-building.

• ECS Informal Lab Lounge: A flexible, student-run space that encourages innovation, independent coding, and peer collaboration.

Collaborative Learning Zones:

• Dedicated zones for individual and group work, with high-resolution displays, modern AV tools, and project workstations for immersive computing tasks.

Advanced Faculty Support:

• The Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) department embeds employability and soft-skills development into core learning starting from Year 1.

Experiential Learning Breakdown:

Structured Hands-on Modules:

• Project-based learning from the outset: Code, design, and build in weekly lab sessions.

• Optional employability modules support communication, leadership, and team development skills.

Group Design Projects:

• In second year, you’ll join a structured group project, solving real-world computing problems mimicking workplace software development practices.

ECS Student Showcases:

• Display your work at public-facing exhibitions such as:

  • ECS London Showcase

  • Annual June Highfield Showcase 

Industry Experience & Career Exposure

Summer Internships (6–14 weeks):

• Available in Years 2 and 3

• Supported by the ECS Careers Hub and faculty events

• Placements often secured in fields like:

  • Software Engineering

  • Cybersecurity

  • Data Analytics

  • UX/HCI Research

ECS Employers Fair & Careers Hub:

• ECS hosts 90+ companies at department fairs, and over 300 across faculty-wide careers events

• Access to 400+ roles annually, ranging from startups to global firms

Residential Summer Taster Week:

• Pre-university programme in ECS labs offering hands-on exposure to computing and engineering, with scholarship opportunities available

Cutting-Edge Research Facilities

High-Impact Tools & Equipment:

• HPC Clusters: For data science, machine learning, and simulation work

• X-ray Imaging Systems: Used in computing and electronics integration

• AI & Cybersecurity Labs: Featuring tools for secure system design and ML frameworks

• Human-Computer Interaction Resources: Including eye-tracking and accessibility testing equipment

Southampton Computer Science graduates enjoy outstanding early outcomes with around 94% employed or in further study within 15 months, with median starting salaries of approximately £37k, rising to £44.5k at 3 years and £55k at 5 years.

Typical roles include:

• Software Engineer / App or Web Developer

• Systems Analyst / IT Consultant

• Technology Analyst / Project Manager

• Research Engineer or Technical Consultant

Career & Employability Support

• University Career Services are delivered through both the ECS Careers Hub and the central Careers & Employability Hub, offering:

  • Over 400 job and internship postings annually

  • One-to-one career coaching

  • CV and interview preparation workshops

  • Faculty and university-wide careers fairs, attracting 90–150 companies

Employment Stats & Salary Growth

• 92% employed or in further study within 6 months of graduating

• 90% of graduates work in roles requiring their degree

• Median salary at 15 months: ~£37k (range: £32–45k)

• Average salary after 3 years: £44.5k

• Typical salary at 5 years: £55k

Industry Connections & Professional Readiness

• Southampton maintains strong partnerships with top employers such as:
  IBM, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Apple, Sony, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Capgemini, Huawei
  These companies regularly offer internships, capstone projects, and appear at career events.

• The degree is fully accredited by BCS and IET, meeting educational requirements for:

  • Chartered IT Professional (CITP)

  • Incorporated Engineer (IEng)

  • Partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Graduate Outcomes

• 94% in highly-skilled roles within 15 months

• 85% work in IT-specific professions

• Around 80% of graduates say their job is meaningful and aligned with their future career goals

Further Academic Progression

Upon completing your BSc, you can seamlessly continue with:

• A taught MSc in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related field

• A PhD, supported by Southampton’s research-intensive ECS faculty and access to Southampton Science Park

• Professional certifications such as CITP or conversion pathways into teaching, consultancy, or fintech sectors