BSc Hons Computer Science
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: G400
- Accreditation: British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for IT
Study with us
Studying a BSc Honours degree in Computer Science at the University of Strathclyde, you'll be learning at an award-winning academic institution - the only University to have won the Times Higher Education University of the Year award twice (2012/2019).
All our computer science degrees are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills that are in high demand by industry and the public sector.
- develop an in-depth understanding of computer science required to develop sophisticated computing systems
- acquire excellent practical skills alongside theoretical understanding
- benefit from undertaking industry-linked projects
- gain analytical, design and communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
Why this course?
Computer science demands and develops a challenging mix of skills and abilities. These include a deep understanding of the technology, creativity and imagination, logic and attention to detail, strong analytic and design skills combined with excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Our graduates not only understand new technologies but are able to influence their development.
All our computer science degrees have strong practical and theoretical foundations. They have a similar foundation in the beginning, making it possible to transfer between courses.
Transfer to MEng Computer Science course is possible for students who perform well in Years 1, 2 & 3.
What you’ll study
On our BSc Hons Computer Science degree you’ll learn foundation skills such as programming and in later years, subjects will include algorithms, databases and logic.
In Year 3, you’ll study more specialised areas such as new programming languages and in your final year, you’ll undertake a practical computing project.
Work placement
Employers have taken on students looking for summer placements from the end of Year 2 onwards. Such placements are not assessed and there's more flexibility regarding duration and the nature of the work.
Postgraduate study
This undergraduate degree can lead to further study in postgraduate degrees such as:
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Advanced Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Advanced Computer Science with Data Science
- MSc Advanced Software Engineering
Major projects
Several companies work with us to develop student projects, either individual or group final-year projects that are suitable for both parties.
Projects are supervised by members of academic staff with individuals from the sponsoring organisation providing occasional advice and feedback.
Facilities
We have three large undergraduate teaching laboratories, plus a restricted-access laboratory (primarily for fourth and fifth-year students). There are printers in each main lab. All departmental machines are linked by a high-speed local area network and operate under a single network file system so you can access your files from any of our machines.
Student competitions
Charles Babbage Prize – Best Computer Science Project
The prize is awarded annually to the undergraduate student who completes the best project in computer science in that academic year.
The project must include practical computing and the assessors will take into account the originality and potential applications of the work.
Andrew McGettrick Prizes
Two prizes are awarded annually – one to a graduating Honours student and one to a graduating Integrated Masters student, for outstanding performance in his or her studies.
Accreditation
Accredited by the British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for IT:
- for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional
- on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer
- on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist
Classes cover foundation skills, such as programming and computer systems organisation and look at the concepts of computation and information. In addition, you’ll take a business technology class.
Machines, Languages & Computation
Information & Information Systems
Programming Foundations
Computer Systems & Organisation
Semester 1: you'll develop an understanding and appreciation of a computer system's functional components – both hardware and software, their characteristics, their interactions, and their fundamental role in the manipulation of data.
Semester 2: you'll further your knowledge of the design parameters of a typical computer system and the impact these have on the functionality, and implementation, of the hardware and software components.
Combinatorics for Computer Science 1
Topics in Computing 1
Business Analysis & Technology
This class will help raise awareness of the real world problems encountered by industry that can be solved through Management Science methodology. You'll:
- develop an understanding of the tools and techniques used by business analysts
- highlight the integrative role of technology within organisations
- demonstrate the dynamic nature of technology
Elective Class
Subjects covered include algorithms, databases, logic, the analysis and design of large systems, and how to ensure that the systems are usable. You’ll also undertake an individual programming project and further programming skills.
Advanced Programming
This class will further your skills in object-oriented programming, provide knowledge of key abstract data types along with their implementation and usage, and to provide experience in the development of larger scale software and an introduction to design.
Your main goal is to be able to develop larger programs with specialized data structures and utilizing APIs from a specification, and being able to ensure and show how the system they developed matches the specification.
Topics in Computing 2
Combinatorics for Computer Science 2
Logic & Algorithms
User & Data Modelling
Computer Systems & Architecture
Professional Issues in Computing
Elective class
You’ll study more specialised areas such as communications, how new programming languages can be designed, the variety of internal machine architectures, artificial intelligence, graphics, and the technologies behind web-based applications. You’ll also take part in a large group-based software development project.
Compulsory classes
Building Software Systems
This class will extend and deepen your understanding of the analysis, design and implementation of software systems; to provide further experience in the activity of designing and implementing non-trivial systems; and to enable you to demonstrate practical competence in a group environment.
Your goal is the development in a group setting of significant systems from scratch aiming not just at any solution but a good solution, and to be introduced to more general Software Engineering topics.
Computer Systems & Concurrency
This class will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of highly concurrent hardware and software systems. The class will also further your knowledge of the need for, and the design and implementation of, those other vital hardware and software components of a concurrent system, namely multiprocessors and their interconnections, operating systems and networks.
The interactions between many of these components will be investigated by means of significant practical work that consolidates the lecture content in the context of: (i) multiprocessor architectures, (ii) concurrency, (iii) protection and security and (iv) networked and concurrent applications. Software developed in appropriate programming languages will form the basis of much of the practical work thus enabling the student to enhance their software design and implementation skills in this domain.
Optional classes
Functional Programming
Pre-requisites: Basic programming skills, as might be gained by taking the class Programming Foundations or a similar introductory programming class.
To aim is to provide you with skills in basic functional programming and experience in integrated deployment of those skills.
Mobile App Development
Pre-requisites: Advanced Programming
You should gain a good understanding of the issues in developing for mobile environments, approaches to handling these issues and skills in developing for a widespread mobile platform.
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
Pre-requisites: Advanced Programming, Logic & Algorithms.
This class will help to give you a broad appreciation of the scale and nature of the problems within Artificial Intelligence and to a detailed understanding of some of the fundamental techniques used to address those problems.
Web Applications Development
Pre-requisites: Advanced Programming, User & Data Modelling.
This class will give you an understanding of the technologies used in the development of N-tier Internet-based applications.
Programming Language Definition & Implementation
Compulsory class
Individual Project
Optional classes
In fourth year, you'll undertake a major individual practical project, along with four classes chosen the options below.
Software Architecture & Design
This class aims to:
- enable you to understand the challenges of advanced software design and the issues associated with large-scale software architectures, frameworks, patterns and components
- develop your understanding of the tools and techniques that may be used for the automatic analysis and evaluation of software
Advanced Functional Programming
Theory of Computation
Information Access & Mining
Embedded Systems
Digital Forensics
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in Glasgow
Learning & teaching
Learning and teaching methods aim to help you gain knowledge and understanding as well as the development of intellectual skills (problem-solving and critical evaluation skills), practical skills (designing and implementing a software system, team-working skills) and transferable skills (investigative skills, presentation skills, report-writing skills, time management skills, independent learning skills).
Knowledge and understanding are gained through lectures and supported in tutorials or laboratories, and individual and group project work. You’ll be encouraged to read and research independently to help broaden your understanding of the subject.
You’ll develop intellectual skills through weekly laboratory or tutorial exercises. You’ll be set challenging problems while further coursework and group and individual projects will help you enhance your skills.
You’ll learn practical skills through lectures, tutorials, laboratory, coursework and project work.
Assessment
Your knowledge and understanding, intellectual, practical and transferable skills are tested through unseen written exams, laboratory submissions, coursework and project reports and presentations.
BSc Hons Computer Science entry requirements
Entry requirements for our BSc Hons Computer Science degree are as follows.
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
| Highers | Standard entry requirements*:Year 1 entry: AAAB/AABBB (Maths B, Computing Science recommended) Minimum entry requirements**:ABBB/BBBBB (Maths B; Advanced Highers at B/C count as A/B in grade pattern) |
|---|---|
| Advanced Highers | Year 2 entry: Advanced Higher Maths and Computing Science at AB/BA and three other Higher subjects at ABB |
| A Levels | Standard entry requirements*:Year 1 entry: BBB (Maths, Computer Science is recommended) Year 2 entry: ABB (Maths and Computer Science) |
| International Baccalaureate | Standard entry requirements*:Year 1 entry: 30 (Maths HL5, Computer Science recommended) (Maths HL5, Computer Science HL5 including option D: Object-oriented Programming, in Java) |
| HNC/HND | Year 1 entry: relevant HNC with A in Graded Unit and Higher Maths at B Year 2 entry: relevant HND with AA in Graded Units and Higher Maths at B |
| International students | View the entry requirements for your country. |
| Deferred entry | Not accepted |
*Standard entry requirements
Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.
Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.
In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.
**Minimum entry requirements
Widening access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland | 2023/24: £1,820 Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution. |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £9,250 *Assuming no change in RUK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2023/24, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply. |
| International | £21,200 |
| University preparation programme fees | International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
| Additional costs | There is no charge for lecture notes or equipment. Students are supplied with 500 free print units - but must purchase any additional units. However, most coursework is submitted electronically. Books are recommended, but not a compulsory purchase. The department ensures that the University library is stocked with copies of textbooks. International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland
Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:
You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.
International Students
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Careers
Demand for our computer science graduates is high and employment opportunities are varied, with good earning potential. You can choose from a career in software development, consultancy and business analysis.
Career opportunities are not limited to technology. The problem solving, creative and personal skills, you’ll develop are of benefit in their own right and much sought after by employers in other industries.
Chris' graduate story
In the video below, Computer Science graduate Chris Lawlor explains how a final-year project helped him start his own business:
How much will I earn?
According to figures from the DLHE survey, the average UK salary across the regions for computer science and IT subjects the range was £16,880 to £29,690. The upper range exceeds that for all full-time first degree graduates, which was £18,615 to £22,785.
With experience, web developers can earn up to £38,500, software engineers up to £49,000, while project managers can earn up to £75,000.*
*Information is intended only as a guide
The people I've met have been fantastic! From my fellow students to lecturers, the people have made my time here at Strathclyde. The lecturers are friendly and approachable, always on-hand to help! I've enjoyed the diverse range of classes from learning Java and C to developing mobile apps and complex algorithms.
Apply
Start date: Sep 2023
Computer Science (1 year entry)
Start date: Sep 2023
Computer Science (2 year entry)
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