Software makes modern life possible. Featuring a foundation year to build your confidence, this degree equips you with vital skills that will put you at the forefront of software development and programming.
- Start your studies at foundation year level if you don’t feel quite ready to embark on the honours degree right away
- Prepare for a successful career in the software industry in roles such as software engineer, project manager, technical architect or chief technology officer
- Choose to spend an optional year in industry on placement, gaining hands-on experience which will set you apart in the graduate job market
- Harness cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories
- Learn from experienced computer scientists who have strong industry links
- Play a part in fascinating projects such as the ALICE experiment, on which we are working in partnership with leading organisations at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research
- Plan your future with confidence: 100% of full-time graduates from this course were in work or further study six months after completing their studies (Unistats)
You can also take the BSc (Hons) Computer Science without a foundation year. Find out more.
Software is everywhere – running everything from our desktop computers and mobile phones to home appliances, game consoles, cars, planes and industrial machinery. This degree will help you become a skilled computer programmer, adept at developing software and fully aware of the tools and methodologies that underpin software.
The ideal preparation with a foundation year
Taking a foundation year first is an excellent choice if you have the potential and ambition to study this BSc (Hons) programme but lack the formal entry requirements or feel you are not quite ready to embark on a full honours degree right now.
It is also a smart move if you have changed your mind about your career direction since you chose your A-levels or BTECs and need to improve your skills in a different subject area.
The foundation year will cover general concepts in subjects such as programming fundamentals and computational mathematics, together with essential scholarship skills for technologists.
A thorough understanding of computer science
To be a successful, knowledgeable and highly employable computer programmer, you need to know computer science – the subject that underlies computer programming and software development.
On this course, you will study applied computer science with a strong emphasis on practical programming skills using cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories.
You will be taught by experienced computer scientists and former industry professionals who continue to maintain active links with employers in the sector.
Build impressive practical skills
In the first stage of the honours degree, you will discover the foundations of computer science and software development. We cover computer programming, together with some vital mathematics, and you will find out what makes both good and bad software.
In the second stage, you will explore core topics of computer science such as computer graphics, software engineering and databases. We also equip you with the skills needed to work in software development teams.
You can then choose to spend a year on placement in industry or progress directly to the final stage of the degree.
In your final year you will focus on advanced topics including enterprise systems, systems programming, distributed systems, computer language design and programming language implementation. You will also undertake an Independent Study to develop a large-scale project or conduct a research study into an area of your own choosing.
Industrial placement
If you opt for a placement, you will have the benefit of working alongside industry professionals and seeing how the knowledge and skills you have gained so far are put into practice. This experience will give you a distinct edge when you are applying for jobs after you graduate. More and more employers are now seeking new recruits with work experience, so a CV featuring a placement will help you to stand out.
Our Placements Officer will help you to find a position and support you throughout the placement period. We offer a full range of guidance to enhance your employability while you are studying and to help you secure graduate roles. For more information, please contact our Careers and Employment Service.
You will study modules such as:
Foundation year
- Preliminary Mathematics
- Scholarship for Technologists
- Technology Project (double module)
- Introduction to Computational Mathematics
- Programming Fundamentals
Stage one
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Computational Mathematics
- Programming I
- Networking Fundamentals
- Foundations of Computer Science
- Programming II
Stage two
- Networks and Security
- Graphics I
- Databases
- Software Engineering
- Application Development
- Team Project
- Optional Placement Year
Stage three
- Independent Studies - double module
- Distributed Systems
- Systems Programming
- Language Design and Implementation
- Cryptography and Coding
You will learn through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. We also provide a considerable amount of e-learning support material. There is a strong emphasis on practical programming skills and you will use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-quality labs.
You can also choose to spend a year on a placement working alongside industry professionals, which will give you a distinct advantage in the job market when you graduate.
How you are assessed
Assessment is mostly through coursework, although in each year there may be a small number of computer-based exams. In the final year, one third of the assessment is for a personal project.
September 2018 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 64 |
| Specific requirements at A-level | N/A |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 72 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | N/A |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at L2 as part of your course of study. |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications:
- BTEC - MPP
- Pass Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
When you graduate, you will discover there is a strong industry demand for your new advanced 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 achieve your goals.
While the BSc (Hons) Computer Science is geared towards careers in the software industry, the knowledge and training you receive will prepare you for almost any future career as well as further studies at postgraduate level in computing.
5 years with placement year
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
