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BSc (Hons) Computer Science – University of Sussex
Sussex’s Computer Science degree offers rigorous technical education and practical skill development through Future Technologies Labs, hands-on projects, and professional opportunities. Fully BCS-accredited and featuring an optional industrial placement, it’s a solid route into roles in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, or data science.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You'll build core foundations in:
Programming
Data Structures & Algorithms
Web/Database Systems
Computer Systems
Mathematical Concepts
Professional Skills
Includes practical coursework, weekly labs, and the Global Design Challenge for team-based innovation where you'll work to develop design solutions from project briefs provided by Engineers without Borders (EwB) UK.
Year 2
In year 2, you'll Advance into:
Operating Systems
Computer Networks
Software Engineering
Compilers & Computer Architecture
Databases
You'll as well complete a major team software engineering project which involves the production of a significant software deliverable such as an interactive gaming application
Optional Placement Year
Take a year out between Years 2 and 3 for an industrial placement. Supported by a dedicated careers team, you gain practical, on-the-job training in a computing role that enhances confidence and employability.
Year 3 (Honours)
In year 3, you'll tailor your studies with advanced modules like:
Advancd Natural Language Engineering
Comparative Programming
Introduction to Computer Security
Web Applications & Services
You’ll also complete a substantial individual honours project (30 credits), demonstrating specialist knowledge and software or research capabilities.
Assessment Format
Years 1–2: Coursework (programming, lab reports, essays, presentations), plus end-of-year exams
Placement Year: Evaluated through employer reports and reflective assignments; no impact on degree classification
Final Year Project: Assessed via code, technical report, and oral presentation
Focus Areas
Programming • Algorithms & Data Structures • Systems & Networking • Databases & Web • AI & Data Science • Team Engineering Projects • Individual Research
Learning Outcomes
Build efficient, maintainable software
Apply mathematical and formal computing concepts
Design and analyse distributed or intelligent systems
Work professionally in teams
Deliver independent, honours-level projects
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Fully BCS-accredited for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) pathways
Designed to meet industry standards through real-world group projects, placement options, and technical rigour
Reputation & Employability Rankings
100% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
87% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months
34th in the UK for Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2025)
Sussex students praise the research-led teaching, modern campus labs, and flexible course design
Sussex offers a hands-on, career-focused Computer Science degree shaped by modern labs, real-world challenges, internship options, and research-led teaching. Delivered through Future Technologies Labs and backed by Career Lab support, the course prepares you for roles in software development, AI, cybersecurity, or systems engineering.
Facilities & Learning Environment
Future Technologies Labs: Modern spaces with high-spec Windows/Linux machines, collaborative group zones, and dedicated project pods
Hands-on access to Raspberry Pi, Arduino kits, cloud platforms (IBM Cloud), and full SSH/VM-based remote lab access
Facilities designed for electronics, robotics, and systems programming
Experiential Learning Highlights
Weekly Labs & Practical Workshops
Years 1–2: Demonstrator-led labs in Java, Python, C/C++, Linux, Git, HCI tools, security systems, robotics, and electronics
Global Design Challenge: Inter-semester hackathons solving real-world computing challenges
Capstone Projects
Final-year Individual Project in areas like AI, cybersecurity, mobile systems, or HCI developed under academic supervision and presented for assessment
Placements & Internship Options
Optional Industrial Placement Year
Work a paid full year in industry (UK or abroad)
Fully credit-bearing with support from Sussex’s Career Lab and School of Engineering & Informatics
Short-Term & Summer Internships
8–12 week paid roles during the summer (e.g., web dev, tech support) via the Career Lab internship stream
Global Summer Internship Programme: 4–6 week remote roles with international companies, including a stipend and structured coaching
First-Year Insight Schemes
Spring/summer taster days and insight weeks with major employers like HSBC, JP Morgan, Barclays, designed to boost early awareness of career paths
Research, Careers & Outcomes
Research-Driven Teaching
100% of Computer Science research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021
Courses reflect current advances in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and systems design
Career Engagement via CareerLab
Strong employer network includes Barclays, IBM, Deloitte, Tesco, GE Aerospace, and more
Access to exclusive job listings, career coaching, and industry workshops from first year through to graduation
University of Sussex – BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates launch into high-impact tech careers: approximately 85% are in employment or further study within 15 months, with 90% in roles that require their degree. . Typical roles include:
Data analyst
Machine learning engineer
Programmer
Software developer
Associate tools programmer
University services that support employment
Careers & Employability Centre: Offers one-on-one coaching, CV/interview prep, job fairs, and support for internships and placements—all accessible via CareerHub and Sussex Connect
Placement paths: Optional year-long industrial placement available on BSc (with internship route) and MComp programmes. Notable placements include Google, IBM, Accenture, Airbus, Electronic Arts, Goldman Sachs, and more
Sussex Award for Employability: Recognizes civic, leadership, and employability-enhancing activities to boost your CV
Graduation Outcomes & Alumni Success
85% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months
90% in skilled work by 15 months
Median salaries:
~£35k at 15 months
~£37k at 3 years
~£45.5k at 5 years
Graduate roles span top employers and fulfilling positions in software, data, AI, cybersecurity, and consultancy
University–industry partnerships
Students secure placements and projects with companies like Google, IBM, Accenture, Airbus, and EA
Sussex’s Future Technologies Labs provide access to robotics, electronics, mechatronics, and high-spec computing for real-world project work
Long-term accreditation & reputation
The course is BCS-accredited, meeting criteria for Chartered IT Professional status
Sussex achieved 100% REF 2021 world-leading/internationally excellent research impact in Computer Science and Informatics
Ranked 1st in the UK for spend per student in CS (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Further Academic Progression
Upon completing your BSc, you can pursue:
A 4-year MComp or industrial placement BSc for deeper professional training
Standalone MSc degrees in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or Software Engineering either at Sussex or other top universities
PhD research, thanks to Sussex’s world-class labs and REF‑rated research impact in computing
Professional accreditation, including Chartered IT Professional status via BCS-aligned curriculum
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherA Level: ABB including A in Mathematics International Baccalaureate (IB): 32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.CBSE / CISCE Boards: Standard XII with an average score of 70-80% with the same in Mathematics. IELTS: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any component TOEFL (iBT): 80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.Offers optional Industrial Placement and Study Abroad Year. Tuition Fees: 20% and 15% full time rate for Industrial Placement and Study abroad year respectively.Computer and Information Research ScientistsComputer and Information Systems ManagersComputer Science TeachersPostsecondaryComputer Systems AnalystsDatabase AdministratorsNetwork and Computer Systems Administrators
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University of Sussex
