Manchester Metropolitan University
BSc (Hons) in Computer Science
Manchester, United Kingdom
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 21,500 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and non-EU international students full-time fee
Key Summary
On our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree, you’ll get an in-depth understanding of both the theory and technical aspects of computing, with an emphasis on programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. We’ve designed the course content to meet the needs of industry, so you can be confident the skills you’re learning are the skills that employers look for.
You’ll begin by studying programming, computing mathematics, web development, computer architectures and databases as you cover the fundamentals of computing, developing your team working and communication skills as you go. Then, as you progress, you’ll tackle more specialised areas, like algorithms, data structures, networks, operating systems and the processes used to develop software in industry.
By your final year you’ll be ready to take on advanced topics like artificial intelligence and the study of different programming language paradigms. Carrying out a large-scale project will give you the chance to hone the skills you’ve learned and put them into practice.
Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science and BSc (Hons) Software Engineering degrees share a common first year, allowing you to switch between these courses at the end of your first year.
Features and benefits
- The four-year placement route gives you the opportunity to spend your third year on industrial placement boosting your employment prospects on graduation. This may be subject to availability.
- You will experience what it's like to work as part of a professional team finding solutions to complex problems via group projects. You can also get involved with extracurricular work to further apply your skills, for example, hackathons, gaming events and the Students’ Union Computing Society.
- This course shares a common first year with our BSc (Hons) Software Engineering programme, allowing you to transfer between these courses after Year 1 as you develop your areas of interest.
- We’ve invested over £115 million to transform the way we teach and the way our students learn. The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities and collaborative study zones. This means you’ll graduate with the skills and experiences employers look for.
- Our excellent facilities include teaching laboratories equipped with high-specification PCs with specialist, industry-standard software running on either Windows or Linux.
- We have a games lab equipped with gaming chairs, keyboards and mice used for our eSports events, and a user experience lab with VR headsets and an eye-tracking system.
- Our dedicated drop-in lab provides an informal social working space with regular support sessions from our programme support tutors.
- We have a rolling plan of replacement for both hardware and software to ensure the course keeps up with developments in the world of computing and technology.
Course information
Studying computer science provides you with a strong foundation in the core principles of computing, while equipping you with the latest industry-relevant skills. Our courses are designed to help you develop analytical and logical thinking as well as problem-solving abilities that are essential in this ever-evolving field. With access to cutting-edge equipment and specialist laboratories, featuring high-performance computers and industry-standard software, you will gain hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world applications.
Manchester is home to one of the largest creative and digital sectors in the UK, and we have strong industry links that ensure our courses remain relevant to employer needs. Our curriculum is structured to provide you with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, making you highly employable across a range of industries.
As you progress through the course, you will cover a variety of key topics, including fundamental computing principles, programming, and software development. You will explore how computers process information, communicate over networks, and operate through complex software systems. Programming is a major focus, with modules covering fundamental and advanced programming concepts, including Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), design patterns, and scalable software architectures.
You will also gain experience in web development, database management, and cybersecurity, ensuring that you can build secure, dynamic, and efficient applications. Additionally, you will study computer graphics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, equipping you with the skills to innovate in emerging technologies.
Throughout the course, practical team projects and individual research opportunities will enhance your ability to manage technical solutions, troubleshoot networks, and apply algorithms to real-world problems. Your final-year project will allow you to specialise in an area of interest, showcasing your expertise and preparing you for a successful career.
Year 1
In Year 1, you will study core disciplines of computer science, which typically include an introduction or programming, mathematics for computing, computer architectures, web design and development, and databases. You’ll also develop your study, communication, and teamworking skills, where you will deliver a technical solution to a real-world inspired challenge. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change.
Core modules
- Computing Fundamentals
- Introduction to Programming
- Team Project
- Web Development and Databases
Year 2
Your second year will build on your knowledge, with core modules typically exploring areas such as algorithms and data structures, computer networks, operating systems, and the processes used to develop software. Through practical hands-on labs, you will also learn how to design, implement, and troubleshoot computer networks to ensure efficient communication between devices across multiple networks. Please note that the following list of modules is indicative and may be subject to change.
Core modules
- Computer Graphics
- Advanced Programming Design
- Networks and Operating Systems
- Algorithms and Data Structures
Year 3
In your third year, you will have the choice to either go on a placement, where you'll work for a year in industry, or continue directly into your final year of study.
You will also typically study advanced subjects that build on your first and second year studies. Modules typically include artificial intelligence, scalable architecture, and cloud computing, as well as a large-scale technical project in line with your own interests.
Please note that the following list of modules is indicative and may be subject to change.
Core modules
- Scalable Architecture and Cloud Computing
- Final Year Project
- Artificial Intelligence
Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in a fast-growing industry. Jobs in computing include software developer, web designer and developer, data analyst, systems analyst and architect, IT manager and technician, as well as roles managing technology to support a range of public and private sector organisations.
In addition, the skills you learn on this degree are highly valued by a range of employers and opportunities may exist in areas such as scientific research, technology consultation, project management, education and many more.
Manchester is a major hub for the digital technology industry. The close proximity of MediaCityUK and a large number of both established companies and innovative tech start-ups means that the opportunities for technological collaboration are huge. Situated in the ‘Oxford Road Corridor’ innovation district of Manchester, the University and the Faculty of Science and Engineering are perfectly placed to work with key players in the digital technology and new media sectors, making it the perfect destination for your studies and beyond.
Study
- Year 1 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 75% independent study
- Year 2 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 75% independent study
- Year 3 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 80% independent study
Assessment
- Year 1 100% coursework
- Year 2 100% coursework
- Year 3 100% coursework