Computer Science

Our Computer Science degree prepares you for careers in sectors including AI, cyber security, software engineering, data analytics, games development, UX design and more.

At Brighton you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course gives you loads of real-world learning opportunities to prepare you for work. You’ll start building your professional portfolio through project work from day one, and there are opportunities for paid internships and a paid placement after year two. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Whether you want to build the next must-have app or protect global networks, this course sets you up to lead in the tech environment.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Gain the skills to design, build and adapt digital systems that solve real-world problems and drive innovation – from AI and cybersecurity to app development.

• Start hands-on learning from day one. You’ll study software development, programming, databases, AI and cyber security while creating a portfolio of project work.

• Learn in industry-standard labs with access to AR/VR, a robotics lab, CISCO-accredited cyber suites and car and plane simulators.

• Get a degree accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT – giving you confidence in the quality and industry relevance of your course.

• Boost your CV with a paid placement year after your second year or funded internship opportunities such as the Brighton Student Research Experience Scheme.

• Apply for one of the three scholarships awarded by Paxton tech company every year; these are worth £10,000 and include three months work experience.

• Showcase your work to potential employers at the final year degree show.

• Work with programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java and C++, and operating systems such as Linux, iOS, Windows and Android.

• Take part in game jams and Codefest events sponsored and mentored by Brighton companies.

• Network to make new contacts and exchange ideas at local events such as Develop: Brighton and Brighton Digital Festival.

• 100% of our research impact is assessed as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ in terms of its reach and significance in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Computer Science
Less than an hour from central London, Brighton & Hove is a fast-growing digital and creative tech hub with loads of opportunities to connect to employers and like-minded coders through local events, placements and meet-ups close to campus.

Named one of the best cities on the planet and the third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton & Hove has a digital economy worth over £1 billion a year.

Course Modules

Year 1
From your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in computing, learning how computers are structured and how they store, process and secure data. You’ll learn to code from scratch to create your own programs and will develop problem-solving skills that translate across languages. You will design and host interactive web pages and learn how to protect systems from threats. You’ll be introduced to machine learning and intelligent problem-solving and gain the teamwork, communication and research skills to help you thrive professionally.

Core modules
Computing Technologies
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Cyber Security
Introduction to Web Development
Working in the Computing Industry
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll deepen your programming expertise and tackle real-world challenges through a group project. You will be given the tools to create robust, efficient systems, and option modules will enable you to specialise and focus your expertise where it matters most.

Core modules
Introduction to Functional Programming
Object-oriented Development and Testing
Integrated Group Project
Data Structures and Operating Systems

Options*
Database Management Systems
Intelligent Systems 1
Embedded Systems
Network Security
Mobile Application Development
Security and Dependability
Web Application Development

Optional Placement Year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to put your skills into practice, earn valuable workplace experience and make industry connections before you graduate. Whether in a start-up, large company or public sector organisation, you’ll test your learning in real-life projects, strengthen your CV and return for your final year ready to specialise.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll take on advanced topics such as object-oriented design and programming languages, and lead a computing project from idea to delivery. Option modules let you explore cutting-edge areas, and by graduation you’ll have both the technical expertise and the professional confidence to shape your future in the rapidly evolving world of computing.

Core modules
Object-Oriented Design and Architecture
Programming Languages, Concurrency and Client Server Computing
The Computing Project

Options*
Usability Evaluation
Advanced Web Application Development
Enterprise Data Management
Data Mining
New Horizons in Computing
Advanced Mobile Application Development
Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.