Computer Science

Become a skilled graduate 

Software is everywhere, running everything from our desktop computers and mobile phones to home appliances, games consoles, cars, planes and industrial machinery. On this course, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of current issues in Computing and Mathematics. 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. 

Industry connections 

The University is renowned for the strength of its contacts with employers. Our course has been designed in close collaboration with industrial practitioners, technologists, specialists and professional bodies. 

We collaborate with local and international industries on a wide range of challenging projects including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, CERN, Bloc Digital, Alstom, Bentley Motors and JCB. 

Undertaking a placement year will give you substantial experience to understand the possible careers open to you. Plus you’ll build your confidence and improve success and progression in jobs or in starting a business. 

Specialist facilities

You’ll get to use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. Facilities include: 

• Computer Labs - offering a range of software including Python, Visual Studio, Unreal Engine, Unity, Apache, PHP, MySQL, Azure Cloud Services and DirectX/OpenGL
• XR (cross-reality) Lab - a dedicated space for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects
• CAVE Lab provides data visualisation hardware containing a 270-degree 3D projection set-up
• Makerspace where you can turn your ideas into a prototype

Flexibility 

You'll cover the fundamentals of computing in your first year where you'll gain an essential foundation of knowledge. At the end of this year, you’ll have the option to transfer to any one of the following courses: 

• BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming 
• BSc (Hons) Cyber Security 
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology
• BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (subject to Mathematics prerequisites) 

In your second year, you’ll study specialist modules specifically for your chosen degree, with your final year offering further options to tailor your studies to an area of your interest. 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Your lectures are intentionally interactive, incorporating questions and answers and simulation. Seminars and tutorials will give you the opportunity to develop understanding and its application in both familiar and unfamiliar circumstances. Practical sessions will provide you with the chance to develop your skills in both equipment use and the evaluation of experimental procedures and data. In your third year, you’ll take an Individual Project module where you’ll be encouraged to use and apply research and innovation tools approached in a practical context. Team working will also allow you to develop interpersonal and communication skills – an essential skill for the workplace. 

How you are assessed

Instead of written exams, a variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of: 

• Coursework
• Portfolios
• Assignments
• Case studies
• Oral and graphic presentations
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects
• Computer-based testing 

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2023/24

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

2024/25

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Your future

Our Computer Science course is employment focused with industry-standard technologies that ensure you will have the skills and confidence when you graduate to secure the right role in this expanding and exciting industry. You could go on to roles such as: 

• Software Engineer
• Project Manager
• Technical Architect  
• Chief Technology Officer
• Product Manager 

You will also develop wide-ranging skills, such as numerical and analytical skills, teamwork and project management. 

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

† Additional information about your studies

3 years

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.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

• Access to free software from major software vendors such as SAS, Microsoft, Adobe, Matlab and VMWare - some are available for student download

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Some assignments are required to be submitted on CDROM/DVDROM approx. £2
• Independent Study dissertations are normally submitted electronically, but individual supervisors have the right to request bound copies. In that case, printing and binding expenses are covered by the student approx. £6 per copy

Optional costs not included in your fees

• External hard drive and memory card approx. £50 -£100
• Not required but useful: personal computer and or tablet computer. From £100 upwards depending on specification
• Text books approx. £20

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.

Other courses you might like

• Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
• Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)
• Information Technology BSc (Hons)
• Cyber Security BSc (Hons)
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)