Bath Spa University

BSc (Hons) in Computing

This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen.

Year one (Level 4) modules

• CodeLab I
• Introduction to Computing
• Fundamentals of Computation
• Web Dev I
• User Experience Design
• Databases

Year two (Level 5) modules

• CodeLab II
• Web Dev II
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Extended Reality and the 3D Web
• Data Visualisation
• Smartphone Apps
• Physical Computing
• Network Administration
• Professional Placement Year

Year three (Level 6) modules

• Devised Project I
• Devised Project II
• Innovation Lab I
• Innovation Lab II
• Cyber Security
• Creative Incubator
• Computing for Business

What you'll learn

Overview

BSc Computing is about realizing your ideas – from design to development, to deployment. You’ll learn skills identified by industry as critical to the computing sector, including computational thinking, software development, problem-solving, user experience (UX) design, and co-creation.

These themes underpin the Computing degree, and are spotlighted in the Innovation Lab – a collaborative ideas space that reflects a professional tech studio. Here, you'll build commercial products and experiences that address a gap in the market, while receiving invaluable feedback and advice from entrepreneurs and industry specialists.

Across the course, you'll work to develop high-end portfolio pieces designed to showcase your talents to potential future employers or clients. You'll gain first-hand knowledge of the computing sector through specialist lectures and our industry-insight events, and enjoy support from tutors who interact regularly with the South West creative tech scene.

Course structure

Year one

Grasp the fundamentals. You'll start by learning core programming skills in languages such as C++, SQL, and JavaScript while developing knowledge of computing fundamentals and how computer systems work. Modules on experience design and the computing industry provide an all-important primer in digital design and help you position your learning within wider professional contexts.

Year two

Dive deeper. You'll extend your understanding of programming and learn methods of organizing and manipulating data. You'll explore human-computer interaction: how people use digital systems, while optional modules in responsive web design and data visualization expose methods of presenting information effectively on a range of media platforms.

Year three

Showcase your talent. You'll leverage your computing and design skills to develop two extended computing projects – one made individually, and one co-created within our in-house Innovation Lab. These major projects are complemented with specialist modules in machine learning or physical computing – each of which adds flavor and flair to your portfolio and graduate skill set.

Your final project could be almost anything: a home security system, a game, a robotic device, or a sensing device that monitors pollutants in streams – this course is designed to allow you to explore your interests and create something tangible from your ideas.

How will I be assessed?

BSc (Hons) Computing is almost entirely coursework-assessed. You’ll deliver a varied and balanced collection of artifacts including prototype software, experiment collections, interfaces, interactive experiences, and design portfolios. Project work is supported by contextual essays, reflective commentaries, reports, tests, pitches, and presentations.

Careers for Computing graduates are numerous and varied, and include (among many others):

• Software engineering
• Web and mobile application development
• System design and administration
• E-commerce
• IT consultancy
• Digital product development
• Start-up/incubator programs
• Graduate schemes in several IT-related fields
• Further study (Master's, Doctoral, and PGCE)
• Teacher Training (Primary Computing / Secondary Computing).

How will I be taught?

You’ll be taught through workshops, technical labs, lectures, and seminars. These sessions are supported by individual and group tutorials as required.

A network of visiting speakers keeps you in touch with developments in the computing sector, while placement opportunities and live briefs allow for project-based interaction with industry professionals.

Course length

Three years full-time, or four years full-time with a professional placement year. Part-time available.