Course details

Study options

Full-time: 3 years

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2023/24)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2023/24)

UCAS points

112-120 (September 2023 entry)

UCAS code

I102

Course level

Undergraduate

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Start date

September

Location

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

If you do not achieve the typical entry points required, you may want to consider studying this course with foundation year.

View with foundation year optionView with foundation year option

Course description

The best bits

  • Specialise in either Software Development or Networks and Security
  • The Networks and Security pathway is an industry-recognised CISCO Certified Network Associate syllabus
  • Learn from experienced ex-industry professionals and specialists
  • Use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard labs
  • Work on real projects
  • Placement year opportunity - previous placements have been at Microsoft, IBM, Intel and BT
95%of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things**BSc (Hons) Computer Science - National Student Survey 2022

Choose your pathway

During your first year you'll cover both programming skills and networking fundamentals, plus the key concepts of computer science. From year two, you must then choose one of the following pathways. 

Computer Science (Software Development) BSc (Hons) 

Software is everywhere, running everything from our desktop computers and mobile phones to home appliances, games consoles, cars, planes and industrial machinery. 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.

Computer Science (Networks and Security) BSc (Hons) 

You will develop sought-after skills in designing, maintaining and securing wired and wireless networks. The training you need to become a CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is embedded in this programme. This certification is recognised by the industry so it adds further credibility to your qualification. We are a member of the Microsoft Imagine Academy, offering extra technology and training to help you get ahead in the workplace.

A student working with the network cabinet
A student working at a computer in the lab

Specialist facilities

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

Choose a year in industry

You can choose to spend your third year on an industry placement. Increasingly, employers are looking for new recruits with work experience so this is a great opportunity to build that experience and boost your career prospects after graduation. Previous students have secured placements with major names such as Microsoft, IBM, Intel and BT. Our dedicated Placements Officer will help you to find a position and support you throughout your placement.

What you will study

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.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

You will learn through a mixture of:

For the Software Development pathway, there is a strong emphasis on practical programming skills and you will use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-quality labs. For the Networks and Security pathway, you'll work in our Network Development Suite with its full range of routers, switches, wireless and conventional equipment from manufacturers like CISCO, D-Link, Linksys and Netgear.

How you are assessed

You will mostly be assessed through coursework, although in each year there may be a small number of computer-based exams. In the final year, one third of your assessment is for your Independent Study. This can either be a significant piece of research into an area that interests you, or a project to create, test and evaluate an innovative solution in computing.

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

Who will teach you

Wayne Rippin
Programme leader

Wayne has been a lecturer at University of Derby since 2003. Prior to that, he worked in the computer industry. He is the programme leader for the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree. 

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

2023 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112-120
A LevelBBB-BBC
T LevelMerit
BTECDDM-DMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

English language requirements

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

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112-120
A LevelBBB-BBC
T LevelMerit
BTECDMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

English language requirements

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

Fees and funding

2023/24

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,250 per year

N/A

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

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

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS
International students

Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

Apply through UCASApply directly to the University

Careers

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. Our specialist pathways could lead you to a career as:

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.

Contact us Contact us

† Additional information about your studies

4 years with industrial placement

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
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees

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.

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