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.
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
- Computer Networks Labs - contains specialist software access including Cisco Packet Tracer, VM VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Wireshark and MS Vision
- Makerspace where you can turn your ideas into a prototype
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.
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.
You will learn through a mixture of:
- lectures
- tutorials
- laboratory work, and
- e-learning.
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
2023 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112-120 |
| A Level | BBB-BBC |
| T Level | Merit |
| BTEC | DDM-DMM |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | Pass 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.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112-120 |
| A Level | BBB-BBC |
| T Level | Merit |
| BTEC | DMM |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | Pass 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)
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
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:
- Software Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Architect
- Chief Technology Officer
- Network Specialist
- Network Administrator
- Network Technician
- Network Analyst
- Network Engineer
You will also develop wide-ranging skills, such as numerical and analytical skills, teamwork and project management.
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 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
- 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.
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