BSc (Hons) Computer Science

UCAS code: I100

Start date: September

Course length: Full time: 4 years (sandwich) (Includes a placement year)

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

Software is everywhere on everything from desktop computers and mobile phones, to home appliances, game consoles and industrial machinery. New software is continuously being developed and the tools and methodologies used to develop software are always changing.

Computer science is a prerequisite for long-term employability and success as a computer programmer of any kind. On this course you'll study computer science with a strong emphasis on practical programming skills, using cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. You'll be taught by experienced computer scientists and ex-industry professionals who continue to maintain active links with the industry.

In your first year, you'll discover the foundations of computer science and software development. You'll learn about computer programming and you'll discover that computers are all about, and only about, manipulating data. You'll learn some vital mathematics, and you'll find out what makes good software and bad software.

In your second year you'll explore the core topics of computer science such as, Computer Graphics, Software Engineering, Databases, Algorithms and Data Structures. You'll also develop the skills needed to find a work placement after your second year.

Your third year will be spent on placement working in industry. You'll work alongside industry professionals and you'll see how the knowledge and skills you've learnt are put into practice, giving you a distinct advantage when applying for jobs after you graduate. Our Placements Officer will help you to find a position and support you throughout the placement period. As more and more employers are now asking for work experience, a CV with placement experience on it will really stand out when you're applying for your first job as a graduate.

In your final year, you'll concentrate on advanced topics including enterprise systems, systems programming, distributed systems, computer language design and implementation. You will also undertake your own Independent Study to develop a large-scale project or conduct a research study into an area of your own choosing.

Stage one

You will study these modules:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Computational Mathematics
• Programming I
• Subjects in Computer Science
• Foundations of Computer Science
• Programming II

Stage two

You will study these modules:

• Networks and Security
• Graphics I
• Databases
• Software Engineering
• Application Development
• Team Project

Stage three - Placement year

Final stage

You will study these modules:

• Independent Studies - double module
• Distributed Systems
• Systems Programming
• Enterprise Systems
• Language Design and Implementation

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

There are three modules per semester, each delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. A considerable amount of e-learning support material is also provided.

How you're assessed

In the first year, assessment is almost entirely by coursework, with formal examinations introduced in the second year. There is a mixture of group and individual assignments. 25% of the final year is assessed through a personal project.

Work placements

The third year is spent on a supervised work placement.

After graduating you will discover industry demand for your new, highly-developed skills in software development. The majority of computing jobs require software development abilities and experience, so whether you want to be a software engineer, project manager, technical architect or chief technology officer, this degree will help you get there.

This programme is geared towards careers in the software industry, but the knowledge and training you will receive will prepare you for almost any future career, or further education in computing.

"The course at Derby has taught me a lot about business. I've been able to get first-hand industry experience by doing a work placement, which really opened my eyes as to all the opportunities available."

Charlotte Wilson