Enter OTP
Surrey’s BSc (Hons) in Computer Science is designed to equip students with strong coding skills, critical thinking, and real-world experience through industry-informed teaching and hands-on labs. Whether you’re passionate about AI, cybersecurity, software design, or systems engineering, this program helps you become a highly adaptable and employable computer scientist with the option of a year-long professional placement built into your degree.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year builds a strong technical foundation through modules like
You’ll learn Java and Python, develop algorithms, explore logic gates and digital architecture, and begin applying mathematical principles in computing scenarios through labs and problem-solving tutorials.
Year 2
You’ll deepen your skills with modules such as:
A major highlight is the Collaborative Project Using Web Applications, where you collaborate with peers on a large-scale software challenge, mimicking real industry settings. You’ll also learn about different programming paradigms, including functional and declarative programming.
Professional Training Year (Optional)
Students may opt for a paid placement year, where they work in industry (e.g., IBM, Microsoft, NHS Digital) to apply their skills in live settings. This year enhances graduate employability and is supported by the university’s dedicated placement team.
Final Year (Honours)
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced optional modules like:
You’ll also complete your Individual Professional Project which is a substantial, independent piece of research or software development, demonstrating your creativity and depth in a chosen area of interest.
Assessment Format
Coursework includes programming assignments, team reports, lab tasks, and presentations.
Examinations are held at the end of most modules and assess your understanding of theory and systems.
In-semester tests and quizzes support ongoing learning.
Project assessments (especially in final year) involve technical documentation, code review, and presentations.
A typical assessment split is 50/50 between coursework and exams, though this varies by module.
Focus areas:
Java, Python, algorithms • Software engineering • Networks & operating systems • AI, cybersecurity, databases • Human-computer interaction • Final year research project
Learning outcomes:
Design and evaluate efficient algorithms
Develop robust, user-friendly software
Secure networks and data
Apply theory to solve practical problems
Complete independent research or system development
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree is fully BCS-accredited, meeting academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional status and supporting professional development in software and systems careers.
Reputation:
Surrey ranked Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science (Guardian University Guide 2024).
Known for its award-winning placement program and industry engagement with companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and Cisco.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science at the University of Surrey empowers students with advanced infrastructure, real-world learning, and future-facing digital tools making it a hub for innovation in AI, cybersecurity, software engineering, and robotics.
State-of-the-Art Facilities & Tools
Ada Lovelace Lab: 200-seat lab with high-performance Nvidia Quadro P4000 GPUs, perfect for deep learning, data science, and AI experimentation. Supplemented with Windows/Linux clusters for teaching and research.
Grace Hopper Lab (24/7 access): Final-year exclusive lab for networking, security, and hardware testing, with isolated real devices (e.g. Intel NUCs) ideal for practical experimentation.
Makerspace 18AB04: A fully-equipped, student-led space for electronics prototyping, featuring oscilloscopes, soldering kits, Raspberry Pis, Arduino boards, and 3D printers open round the clock after induction.
Specialist Robotics & IoT Hardware: Access to Franka Emika and UR5 robotic arms, drones, NAO humanoid robots, RC cars, and cameras used in capstone and honours projects.
AI & GPU Servers: HPC infrastructure with RTX 6000 and P4000 GPUs, offering students enterprise-grade performance for projects in AI, machine learning, and data processing.
Cloud & Cybersecurity Sandbox: Private OpenNebula cloud for deploying VMs, VLANs, firewall configurations, and practicing security using tools like Metasploit.
Embedded Systems Kits: Raspberry Pi kits and Pico microcontrollers (with TPM modules) for building IoT systems and secure applications.
Remote Lab Access: All lab software is accessible via browser-based RDP/SSH, allowing students to work remotely using the full Linux/Windows setup.
Campus-wide Labs: 24/7 PC access across campus running Linux, Mac, and Windows fully stocked with software such as Anaconda, PyTorch, Matlab, RStudio, SPSS, and Office365.
Experiential Learning Pathway:
Weekly Guided Labs:
Each term includes structured lab sessions using Python, Java, C/C++, Git, cloud environments, and AI toolkits. Labs align with lectures to reinforce theory through practice.
Project-Based Modules:
Coursework throughout the degree revolves around solving real-world problems, developing robotic apps, securing networks, and building scalable cloud solutions in collaborative teams.
Capstone & Honours Projects:
Final-year students complete an in-depth research or software build. Projects often involve deploying AI models, robotics systems, drones, or cloud platforms, with access to the Grace Hopper lab and academic supervision.
Professional Experience & Industry Engagement
Professional Training Year (Optional):
12-month, fully supported placement year integrated into the BSc+placement pathway.
Students have worked with Sky, IBM, Nintendo, Sony, NHS Digital, and other leading companies via the award-winning Careers and Employability team.
Summer Internships:
8–12 week paid roles across tech sectors, facilitated by the department and central career services.
Enterprise Ecosystem & Research Linkage:
Engage with SETsquared Surrey and the Surrey Research Park, both fostering student–startup–industry collaboration in areas like VR/AR, smart cities, and AI.
Industry Events & Tech Fairs:
Take part in hackathons, coding competitions, and industrial guest lectures, often hosted within university labs or at Guildford’s tech community hub.
University of Surrey – BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates enjoy strong early career success, with about 85% in employment or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries at £32k, growing to £39k median at 15 months per HESA, and placements may boost earnings during year-long internships. Popular careers include:
Software Engineer / Developer
Data Scientist / Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Systems Analyst or UX Designer
University services that support employment
Award‑winning Professional Training Year (PTY) scheme offers 9–12 month paid placements (£18k–25k), often leading to graduate job offers.
Career & Employability Service supports with tailored guidance, CV/interview prep, workshops, networking events, and access to the Surrey Pathfinder job portal and support continues for 3 years post-graduation.
Employment stats & salary figures
85% are employed or in further study within 15 months.
Average starting salary: £38,763 per HESA (2024).
90% graduate prospects, with high skill-level employment.
University–industry partnerships
Surrey collaborates with over 2,300 placement partners including IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, Intel, Airbus, PwC, Oracle, Disney, Jaguar Land Rover.
Graduates secure roles at top employers: IBM, Vodafone, Morgan Stanley, Accenture, Xceptor, PwC, Vodafone, Sky, Thales, among others.
Long-term accreditation & reputation
The BSc is BCS‑accredited, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional and Incorporated/partial Chartered Engineer.
Surrey ranks top nationally for placement schemes and graduate prospects, and is UK top‑10 in CS according to ShanghaiRanking and Complete University Guide.
Part of the SETsquared partnership and home to Surrey Research Park with 110+ tech firms, plus the world‑leading 5G Innovation Centre.
Graduation outcomes
95% enter skilled graduate-level roles.
Alumni hold positions like Cybersecurity Analyst, UX Designer, Forensic Data Analyst, Technical Consultant, DevOps Engineer, and more.
Reddit users affirm Surrey’s top CS employability, with specialist technical content and strong networks.
Further Academic Progression
Upon completing your BSc, you can seamlessly pursue:
A full MSc in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, or other advanced CS areas, either at Surrey or globally.
PhD research, tapping into Surrey’s industry-rich environment, Research Park, and 5G Innovation Centre.
Professional qualifications (e.g. BCS Chartered status, Chartered Engineer) or conversion pathways (e.g. finance, teaching, consultancy).
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherA-Levels: ABB to include A in Mathematics.A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Foundation Year requirement: CCC International Baccalaureate (IB): 33 points with Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL5/SL6 or Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL5. Foundation Year Requirement: 29 points with Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL4/SL6 or Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL4.CBSE / CISCE/ ISC Boards: Standard XII with an average score of 75%IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element.TOEFL: 80 overall including Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 17 Offers optional Industrial Placement or Study Abroad Year. Tuition Fees: TBCComputer and Information Research ScientistsComputer and Information Systems ManagersComputer Science TeachersPostsecondaryComputer Systems AnalystsDatabase AdministratorsNetwork and Computer Systems Administrators
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