BSc (Hons) Computing

Millions of people rely on sophisticated technology every day. From mobile apps that track our spending and wearable devices that measure our fitness goals to networks like the internet and cloud computing that connect our families and workplaces. Learn to harness computing and make your mark on the lives of millions.

In this BSc (Hons) Computing degree, you’ll learn how to turn your interest in computing into a career. You’ll develop skills across fundamental areas, such as software engineering, databases, web development, user interface design and network management.

You'll be able to use these skills, and those you choose to specialise in, to build a career as a computing professional in any number of fast-paced industries, including finance, construction, transport, technology, health and government.

Course highlights

• Tailor your degree to match your career ambitions and interests with optional modules such as 3D animation, ethical hacking, the Internet of Things and cryptography
• Get the chance to attend workplace trips, pop-up lectures and hack days where you'll collaborate on projects with other students and solve challenging problems
• Benefit from our Student Union clubs and societies, such as the IT Society, AI and Robotics Club and Gaming Society
• Apply your skills to real issues through our work with charities and organisations such as Code Club, which places students in afterschool clubs to help 9-13-year-olds with their Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python projects

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT), partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP and CEng.

Modules

Year 1

Core modules this year include:

• Architecture and Operating Systems – 20 credits
• COMP Tutorial Level 4 – 0 credits
• Core Computing Concepts – 20 credits
• Database Systems Development – 20 credits
• Networks – 20 credits
• Programming – 40 credits

There are no optional modules this year.

Year 2

Core modules this year include:

• Business Information Systems Security – 20 credits
• COMP Tutorial Level 5 – 0 credits
• Database Principles – 20 credits
• Operating Systems and Internetworking – 20 credits
• Software Engineering Theory and Practice – 20 credits

Optional modules this year include:

• 3D Computer Graphics and Animation – 20 credits
• Big Data – 20 credits
• Business Systems Analysis – 20 credits
• Computing Undergraduate Ambassador – 20 credits
• Data Analytics and Visualisation – 20 credits
• Ethical Hacking – 20 credits
• Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
• User Experience Design and Implementation – 20 credits
• Virtualisation and Cloud Computing – 20 credits
• Web Programming – 20 credits

Exchange study abroad or placement year (optional)

In this course, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in the industry.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Year 3

Core modules this year include:

• Advanced Networks – 20 credits
• COMP Tutorial Level 6 – 0 credits
• Individual Project (engineering) – 40 credits
• Interaction Design – 20 credits

Optional modules this year include:

• Advanced Database Concepts – 20 credits
• Advanced Systems Analysis – 20 credits
• Computer Science Teaching Placement – 40 credits
• Distributed Systems and Security – 20 credits
• Educational Computing – 20 credits
• Fuzzy Systems and Networks – 20 credits
• Graphics and Computer Vision – 20 credits
• Hacking 4 MOD – 20 credits
• Information Systems Management – 20 credits
• Internet of Things – 20 credits
• Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms – 20 credits
• Practical Data Analytics and Mining – 20 credits
• Professional and Academic Research Development – 20 credits
• Project Management – 20 credits
• Security and Cryptography – 20 credits

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Placement year (optional)

Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.

We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

Potential roles

Previous students have been successful in roles such as:

• system engineer
• software developer
• support analyst

Potential destinations

They've worked at exciting companies, including:

• Clevertouch
• Pear Technology
• NATS

The University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality in computer science and informatics

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

The skills you learn in this course are in line with what employers are looking for and make it likely that you'll graduate into a market where your computing skills are highly sought after – in April 2021, more than 40,000 'open' job roles asked for related computer science skills and qualifications.

If you want to push the limits of where computing can go, you could continue your studies to MSc or PhD level, specialising in areas such as health informatics, forensic IT and networking.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have worked for companies such as:

• BAE Systems
• Fujitsu
• Barclays
• Metricell
• Macquarie

What jobs you can do with a computing degree?

Our graduates now work in roles including:

• cognitive global market developer
• field application engineer
• IT business analyst
• network performance developer
• software developer

Interested in becoming a Computer Science teacher?

You can combine your computing studies with teacher training and school teaching placements by taking the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Pathway. If successful, you'll save an extra year of study, get a £9,000 bursary in your final year of study and get Qualified Teacher Status with your BSc Computing degree.

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and work experience. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role.