BSc Computer Science

This three-year course begins by introducing basic computing skills and concepts which will underpin the degree. Short projects in year one are followed by a substantial team project in year two when you use new skills and knowledge to design and implement a software system. In year three, you focus on emerging technologies and research-led options and undertake an individual project centred on your own interests.

Year One

Modules taught in the first two semesters will introduce fundamental computing skills and concepts that form the basis of your degree. This includes the programming of algorithms using languages such as Python and Java™, an understanding of Internet and web technologies, computer architecture and operating systems, software engineering principles and mathematics for computer science. You will be expected to develop new technical and professional skills and to demonstrate individual creativity and originality throughout the year.

Core Modules for Year One

• Computational Thinking
• Web Applications
• Problem-Solving with Python
• Architecture and Operating Systems
• Maths for Computer Science
• Object Oriented Java Programming
• Principles, Tools and Techniques for Secure Software Engineering

Year Two

Core modules taught in year two introduce advanced topics; some choice is introduced into the degree through optional modules. The structure and processing of data are further explored and simple algorithms are expanded into applications that are able to communicate via networks. Skills developed so far are applied during a team project to professionally design and implement a software system.

Your choice of optional modules in year two will allow you to begin to specialise your skills, focusing on either a ‘theoretical computer science’ pathway, an ‘applied/data analysis’ pathway or a ‘systems’ pathway. At the same time, your future career, employability entrepreneurship and professional skills will be enhanced as you begin to look towards life after university.

Core Modules for Year Two

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Database Systems
• Enhancing your Employability
• Secure Communication Networks
• Internet of Things
• Group Project
• Object Orientation, Algorithms and Data Structures

Optional Modules for Year Two

• Computational Mathematics
• Data Processing and Visualisation
• Informatics
• Introduction to the Theory of Computation
• Scientific Computing

Year Three

In year three you will focus on emerging technologies and advanced topics in computer science. The pathways chosen during year two will be continued and enhanced according to your specific interests, alongside a choice of additional research-informed optional modules. Contemporary topics include computer security and forensics investigation, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, computer vision, graphics, and multimedia. You will complete an individual project under staff supervision, driven by your interests.

Core Modules for Year Three

• Emerging Technologies
• One Semester Individual Project - 40

Optional Modules for Year Three

• Large-Scale Databases
• Knowledge Management
• Combinatorial Optimisation
• Security
• Forensics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Vision
• Graphics
• Design Thinking and Prototyping for User Experience
• Political Economies of Computing
• Introduction to Computational Robotics
• Managing Change

How Will I Be Assessed?

Progress in each module will be assessed during or at the end of the semester in which it is taught. All modules include assessments, including written examinations assessed coursework, or a combination of both. The format of the assessments depends on the learning outcomes of each specific module.

Most modules include coursework elements for assessment. The importance of good referencing, the use of libraries and web-based information retrieval as a prelude to critical, independent study is developed. Assessed essays and reports are used to encourage knowledge and understanding, critical analysis, development of reasoned argument and synthesis of conclusions.

Practical assignments assess programming and design skills. These typically address small, well-defined problems at the start of the course, and become progressively open-ended. Tests are also used to assess knowledge, skills and techniques, which a professional may be expected to use in a time-constrained situation. You can also be assessed by poster presentation.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

Knowledge & Understanding

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the broad range of concepts, principles and theories underpinning Computer Science
• An ability to describe computing systems and solutions to problems
• An understanding of the representation of data in structured forms and its interplay with the implementation of algorithms

Intellectual Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to critically appraise computing systems and solutions to problems
• An ability to objectively analyse computational problems and develop appropriate, creative solutions
• An ability to model complex scenarios to design computer systems that meet stated requirements
• An ability to select, derive and analyse appropriate algorithms to solve computing problems
• An ability to recognise and specify the constraints, requirements and trade-offs in the design of computer systems

Professional Practical Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• Awareness of relevant professional, ethical, legal and social issues that arise in the implementation of existing and future computer systems
• An ability to pursue opportunities for career development and lifelong learning and appreciate the importance of commercial awareness

Transferable/Key Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to effectively communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written and electronic means
• An ability to work effectively in a team and as an individual
• An ability to make effective use of a range of IT systems

Skilled computer scientists are in extremely high demand. This means the employment prospects for graduates in the computing and ICT industry are very strong. You will be equipped with transferable skills that open doors to careers in many sectors.

Recent statistics show that the vast majority of our graduates are following their chosen career paths in roles such as Software Engineer, Web Developer, Computer Programmer, Associate Software Developer, Business Analyst, and Systems Development Officer.

Many of our graduates go on to work for companies including Airbus Group, Amazon, BBC, BT, Cardiff University, Capgemini, Confused.com, GCHQ, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, MoD, Morgan Stanley, Sky, South Wales Police and Thomson Reuters. Others have chosen further study or research at Cardiff or other top universities.