BSc (Hons) Computing Science

BSc (Hons) Computing Science at the University of Stirling offers practical, career-aligned learning through hands-on labs, real-world industry placements, and project-based education, preparing you for a fast-moving tech industry from day one.

Facilities & Learning Environment

You’ll learn in industry-standard computing labs with:

• 24/7 on-campus and VPN-enabled remote access to Linux and Windows systems

• Dedicated support from technical staff and IT specialists

• Tools for development in Java, Python, C/C++, Power BI, databases, web tech, and HCI

Experiential Learning Highlights

Weekly lab-based practicals
Core modules integrate regular hands-on sessions with technologies like:

• Java, C++, Python

• Multimedia systems

• Database design

• Web development

• Software engineering and HCI

Summer internships (6–12 weeks)
Available to students in Years 2 or 3, examples of recent placements include:

• IoT dashboards using Python and Power BI

• E-commerce platforms

• AI-driven defect detection tools

• Raspberry Pi-based automation projects

Optional 12-month industry placement
Take a year-long paid placement between Year 3 and 4 (or a short summer option) to gain professional experience with employers in sectors like software development, cybersecurity, and data science.

Final-year honours project
A major individual project worth half a year’s credit lets you develop a substantial software or research system, guided by faculty and supported by lab resources.

Client-led consultancy projects
Collaborate in teams to solve real problems for external clients across spring, summer, and autumn sessions, strengthening your portfolio and communication skills.

Research & Innovation Labs

Access to dedicated research facilities such as:

• Audio & Robotics Laboratory

• CHORDS High-Performance Heuristics Lab

• Home-Care Environment Testbed

The university also provides access to 100+ core compute clusters for high-performance, research-led coursework.

Professional Accreditation & Industry Links

• Fully BCS-accredited, satisfying academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status

• Embedded industry alignment via The Data Lab, SICSA, and an Industrial Advisory Board featuring employers like IBM, HSBC, and Adobe

Career Development & Student Life

• The Computer Club hosts hackathons, speaker events, and collaborative coding sessions year-round

• You’ll benefit from a supportive peer network, active career services, and a stunning campus environment

• Students report high satisfaction in computing science (Guardian University Guide)

University of Stirling BSc (Hons) Computing Science graduates enjoy strong early career success, with 90% in employment or further study within 15 months, and 90% of those roles classed as highly skilled. Median starting salaries are around £26,000, increasing to £32,000 at three years and £40,500 at five years with graduates entering a broad range of tech and professional roles.

Graduate Destinations & Roles

Typical career paths include:

• Software Developer / Engineer

• IT Technician or Infrastructure Analyst

• Quality Assurance or Regulatory Officer

• Associate Professional in Science and Engineering

Employers range from local tech start-ups to global firms like IBM, PwC, BT, Deloitte, BBC, NHS Scotland, and more.

University Career Support

The Stirling Careers Service provides:

• One-to-one career coaching and CV/interview workshops

• Access to CareerHub: a portal with jobs, placements, and internship listings

• Support for study abroad, summer internships, and 1-year industry placements

Students can take part in paid 3-month summer placements or year-long internships, both in the UK and internationally, boosting hands-on experience before graduation.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

• The Computer Club fosters a collaborative tech community with hackathons, workshops, and peer learning events

• Students collaborate with employers through live consultancy projects and client-led challenges

• Stirling’s proximity to the Stirling Innovation Park, home to over 40 research and tech companies, creates opportunities for internships and research projects

Salary & Employment Statistics

• 90% employed or in further study 15 months post-graduation

  • ~70% in work

  • ~20% in work and study combined

• Median salaries:

  • £26,000 at 15 months

  • £32,000 at 3 years

  • £40,500 at 5 years

While UK-wide computing salaries are trending slightly higher, Stirling’s performance is impressive within its regional and national context especially for graduate satisfaction and career alignment.

Industry Links & Reputation

• Accredited by BCS, enabling pathway to Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status

• Strong industry links through SICSA, The Data Lab, and an Industrial Advisory Board featuring companies like Google, Microsoft, HSBC, HP, and BT

Rankings & Recognition

• 2nd in Scotland and Top 20 UK-wide for Computing Science (NSS 2024)

• 1st in Scotland for graduate employability (96% satisfaction) and Top 15 in the UK (QS Rankings)

• 75% of employed grads say their roles are directly aligned with their degree focus

Further Academic Progression

Graduates often continue into:

• MSc degrees in AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or related fields

• PhD research, often in partnership with Stirling Innovation Park or SICSA networks

• Conversion or professional qualifications such as teaching, fintech, or consulting