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Computer Science

Course details
  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Gain hands-on skills across a range of topics including coding, algorithms, database and software development, cyber security, networks and social, legal and ethical aspects of IT.

Connect with industry
Benefit from the University's strong links with leading companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Cisco, Intel, Apple, Nvidia, BBC, and the Met Office. We'll support you from your first year to secure high-quality placements and job opportunities, enhancing your career potential.

Agile methodology
You'll use industry-standard agile development processes throughout your studies, collaborating with peers to design and deliver complete systems from concept to deployment, becoming expert in professional practices.

Project work from the start
From your first week, you'll be in the labs engaging in your own and group projects, building a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your technical skills and innovative mindset to potential employers.

This course is for you if...

  • you're passionate about technology and its impact on society

  • you enjoy problem-solving and logical thinking

  • you're eager to learn programming and software development

  • you're aiming for a dynamic career in the tech industry

Modules

Course Modules

Year 1
Start your journey at the cutting edge of technology. In your first year, you’ll dive into the core principles of computer science—learning to code, solve problems algorithmically, and master the maths that powers modern computing.

From day one, it’s hands-on: you’ll design databases, explore how operating systems work under the hood, and start thinking like a developer.

Our industry-aligned curriculum sets you up for success, with practical workshops and early preparation to set you up for specialisation.

Year 2
This is the year you start shaping your future. Building on the fundamentals, you’ll unlock new skills in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software development.

You'll write low-level code for smart devices and understand how software and hardware truly interact. A major group project challenges you to take an idea from concept to creation, simulating the full software development lifecycle. It’s a year of discovery, innovation, and finding your path in the world of tech.

Optional placement year
Step into the real world and put your skills to the test. During this 48-week industry placement, you’ll gain invaluable experience in a professional environment - applying everything you’ve learned so far to real projects, real teams, and real challenges.

Supported by our strong network of industry partners and dedicated placement team, you’ll build confidence, sharpen your technical and professional skills, and grow a network of contacts that can open doors after graduation. It’s your opportunity to stand out, gain a competitive edge, and graduate with more than just a degree - graduate with experience.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll bring everything together - skills, knowledge, and ambition - to tackle a major individual project that showcases your unique interests and career goals. This is your chance to solve a real-world problem, create something impactful, and prove what you’re capable of.

You’ll deepen your expertise in cutting-edge areas like parallel computing with GPUs, advanced machine learning for real-time systems, and cloud computing for scalable internet services. It’s a year of innovation and transformation - where you stop being a student and start becoming a professional.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
P60

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

104 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels

T Level
M

Merit overall depending on the Mathematics units studying within the T Level pathways

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 104

To include a minimum of 2 A Levels

Scottish Higher

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Access to Higher Education Diploma in a relevant subject (e.g. Computing, IT, Science, Humanities, Engineering) with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction

Scottish Advanced Higher

104 UCAS points to include 2 Advanced Highers

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Considered in combination.

Extended Project

Considered in combination

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

Considered in combination.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 26

Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Considered in combination with other level 3 qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

104 UCAS points from Higher Level
Maths and English considered within as GCSE equivalent at H1-H7 or O1-O4

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Considered in combination.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

Considered in combination.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

Considered in combination.

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)

Considered in combination.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

Considered in combination with other level 3 qualifications

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)

Considered in combination.

Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)

Considered in combination.

City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)

Considered in combination.

All applicants are required to have GCSE C/4 at English and Mathematics.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At the University of Plymouth, we believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community that supports every student to achieve their full potential.

With our contextual offer scheme, we may extend offers below our standard entry criteria to those applicants whose circumstances and experiences could have impacted their education and academic performance. You can check your eligibility for a contextual offer using our online postcode checker.

Learn more on the University of Plymouth website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees

  • Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
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