Computer Science

Industry relevant knowledge

Throughout 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. This will expose you to a wide range of current issues in computing and you’ll gain in-depth expertise and multi-disciplinary skills that employers are looking for.

You will have the chance to work on live projects and case studies which will help you to apply what you have learned to real life scenarios. You can also undertake a placement year which will help you to stand out in the graduate job market and give you substantial experience to understand the possible careers open to you.

The course content is designed in close collaboration with industrial practitioners, technologists, specialists and professional bodies. It offers rigorous professional and practical training backed with sound academic theory and has been designed to meet both your aspirations and employers.

We collaborate with local and international industries on a wide range of projects including:

• Rolls Royce PLC
• Toyota Manufacturing GB
• CERN
• SNC Lavelin
• Bloc Digital
• Alstom
• Bentley Motors
• Gardner Aerospace
• JCB
• AddQual

Research-active teaching team

Many of the teaching staff are active in research, and this activity informs our curriculum. Our academic team members are at the forefront of their research fields. They use resources such as the STEM Annex, IISE, and the Data Science Research Centre to produce relevant and internationally leading research. Being exposed to the latest research and development ideas is essential for you to gain employment in the advancing technology industry.

Computer Science student interview

Flexibility

You will cover the fundamentals of computing in your first year where you can gain an essential foundation of knowledge. At the end of this year, you will 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 will 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.

Our learning style and course content can provide you with a complementary set of skills, knowledge, and creativity appropriate for further study and careers in Computing Science that meets the needs of relevant industries and professional bodies.

Technology-enhanced learning plays an important role throughout your studies and interaction is supported by the use of appropriate virtual learning environments.

You will learn through:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical sessions
• case studies
• multidisciplinary and inclusive projects
• group work
• peer learning
• expert guest lectures

How you will be assessed

Modules are normally assessed through a mixture of:

• assignments
• coursework
• portfolios
• case studies
• oral and graphic presentations
• teamwork
• computer testing
• examinations
• lab practicals

The course content has a strong focus on key skills, and an emphasis on practical techniques underpinned by theory and informed by research. This will teach you to become a resourceful and independent learner capable of generating creative and technical solution. This can give you access to a wide variety of careers.

You could go on to roles such as:

• software engineer
• project manager
• technical architect
• chief technology officer
• product manager

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

You could choose to move onto postgraduate study and graduate from a programme like our MSc Big Data Analytics, MSc Cyber Security and MSc Information Technology.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

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

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

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.

Course updates

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.

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.