BSc Computer Science

MSc-Comp-Sci-Games-Dev.xb81fd9d4

Undergraduate

BSc Computer Science

AI, VR, 3D: these are the new normal. Not just for the tech industry, but for every industry. Want to play your part in developing the next big thing? This is where you start…

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

G400

Choose an option

Start date

Important update

Due to COVID-19, there may be temporary changes to the way that this course will be delivered.

Find out more

Course overview

Please note, the year abroad option of this course is unavailable for entry in 2020.

Why study it here

First, you gain a rock-solid grounding in computer science fundamentals.

Second, you explore specialist areas that could become your future career: software engineering, games programming, web development…

...all while using the latest industry-standard equipment and facilities.

Including 172 PCs, gigabit networking, 3D printers and laser scanners, swarm and humanoid robots, VR headsets, a 3D immersive cube, motion capture, AR and MR.

Third, you get the chance to network, make contacts and test your skills out in the real world on a year-long industry placement. Or through extracurricular opportunities from hackathons to networking events with employers.

Just like past students have for companies like BT, HP, BAE Systems, Microsoft and Virgin Media.

Wait, there’s more…

Fourth, you get to choose from a huge range of modules.

From advanced programming and computational science, to artificial intelligence and computer graphics.

You can even study how to start your own tech business.

And fifth, this degree is accredited to the maximum available level by the British Computer Society.

So you’ll graduate as a well-rounded chartered IT professional and a specialist with standout industry experience.

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2021 prospectus

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Six reasons to study Computer Science at Hull

  1. 92% graduate employability rating†
  2. Spend a year in industry as part of your degree
  3. Gigabit networking and AR, VR and MR facilities
  4. Links to Microsoft, Sony and EA
  5. Fast-track to chartered IT professional
  6. One of the top 5 UK universities for research impact‡
This course is British Computer Society (BCS) accredited

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    Computer Systems

    Explore the basic hardware of the computer, system architecture and the operating system, as well as the functionalities required to handle and manage memory and processor times.

    Quantitative Methods for Computing

    Learn and understand some of the key mathematical concepts that underpin and provide the theoretical basis of modern computing.

    ​Software Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction​

    Develop your understanding of software engineering, the discipline concerned with all aspects of complex software production.

    Computer Science: The Challenge for Sustainable Computing

    Broaden your horizons beyond just programming by considering the sustainability of computing and the wider impact that computer science has on society.

    Introduction to Programming and Algorithmic Thinking

    Develop a practical skill that requires both logic and creativity, from understanding language syntax to constructing bigger, more complex systems.

    Object-Oriented Programming and Principles

    Build on your knowledge of programming to reinforce fundamental concepts and to develop awareness of the issues involved in the implementation of larger-scale software.

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Systems Analysis, Design and Process

    A key skill in software development is working in a team. In this module, you’ll work together to analyse a problem and design, engineer and implement a quality solution.

    Networking and User Interface Design

    An introduction to computer networks and the role technologies play in creating the user interface for enterprise business web applications.

  • Optional

    2D Computer Graphics and Simulation

    Hone your vector and matrix maths skills and develop a foundation with which to progress into 3D graphics, for which this is a prerequisite.

    Artificial Intelligence

    Gain an understanding of the basic theoretical issues of artificial intelligence and the making of intelligent agents both for games and more generally.

    Information Systems and Web Technologies

    Explore the concepts, principles and guidelines that underpin the design and implementation of information systems, including network-based and enterprise systems.

    Software Engineering

    You'll cover analysis, design, implementation and testing, along with the use of frameworks, components and patterns.

    Electronics and Interfacing

    The module is very practically based and will involve building circuits and programming micro controllers to construct devices to solve interfacing problems.​

    E-Commerce and E-Business

    Explore the role of e-commerce and e-business for commercial applications, how they open up new markets and opportunities for businesses, along with the information systems which support them.

    3D Computer Graphics

    Develop a solid understanding with practical experience of the concepts, theories, principles and techniques underpinning 3D graphics programming.

    Database Techniques

    Data management is fundamental in digital systems and software. Learn how to analyse data and build well-designed databases using traditional and contemporary techniques.

    Agile Software Development

    Using agile software development methods, you'll work in a team to develop a user-centred software solution, reacting to change whilst ensuring quality.

    Advanced Programming (C++)

    Gain an in-depth knowledge of object-oriented programming. You’ll use C++ as a vehicle to explore how language features and your high-level design decisions are executed on the CPU.

Final year modules

  • Core

    Honours Stage Project

    Tackle a substantial piece of computer-related investigation or software design in an area of your interest. This includes practical development and evaluation of your designs and implementation.

  • Optional

    Communicating and Teaching Computing

    Undertake a placement in a school or college to develop practical teaching and communication skills, as well as understanding of the education process.

    Mobile Devices and Applications

    Learn and develop an understanding of the application of mobile computing and its place in larger scale computing systems.

    Data Mining and Decision Systems

    This module provides an introduction and overview of data analytics, data mining and decision systems. 

    Starting and Managing a High-Tech Business

    Explore the management, planning and development issues concerning information systems used in an organisation.

    Languages and their Compilers

    Study various aspects of computer languages, their background theory, formal specifications and features.

    Embedded Systems Development

    Explore the fundamental mechanisms of program execution on a processor and a down-to-assembler level understanding of embedded solutions.

    Virtual Environments

    Learn about the underlying problems encountered in creating and viewing a virtual environment, and cover the issues involved in humans interacting with these environments.

    Advanced Software Engineering

    Discover the techniques for designing dependable software drawing on recent advances and current research. Explore mechanisms of failure in computer systems and software.

    Distributed Systems Programming

    Explore mechanisms for applying your existing C# knowledge to distributed systems or applications while considering key areas like scalability and security.

    Computational Science

    Study the key concepts and techniques to: enable modelling a system, understand its limitations and develop appropriate AI architectures to solve computational problems.

    Visualization

    Study visual perception, scientific visualization and information visualization. You’ll then create visual displays that communicate the information held in big datasets.

    Computer Vision

    An introduction to computer vision. You’ll systematically explore fundamental concepts and important techniques through practical work.

    Computer Systems Infrastructure and Management

    Explore the fundamentals of network and database system administration along with the techniques for building up the secure and reliable management of information.

    Parallel and Concurrent Programming

    Utilise multi-core processors and GPUs to design, optimise and program parallel and multi-threaded software. You’ll use performance analysis tools to explore this process.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

240 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

960 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

53%
7%
40%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

288 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

912 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

52%
48%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

204 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

996 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

35%
65%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Sam Hutchinson, MSc Computer Science
Sam Hutchinson Computer Science

My placement year at BT

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Placement year

Spend a year in industry getting real world experience with the added benefit of help from our award-winning careers service.

Explore our Placement Years
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Facilities

Get access to the latest industry-standard facilities, from high performance cloud computing systems and 3D projection to VR and humanoid robots.

Computer Science Facilities

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBC

  • BTEC grades DMM

  • Points required 112

Work out your estimated points

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualifications on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications 

Applicants should also have

  • GCSE Maths at Grade 4 or C or above

Alternative qualifications 

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: pass with merits in a minimum of 23 credits (including some science or maths) Suitable diplomas include Computing/Science/Maths 

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

Dr David Parker we love what we do - testimonial banner only edit

Dr David Parker

Lecturer

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Take a tour of the facilities

The Hull Immersive Visualization Environment (HIVE) provides a virtual reality cube, VR theatre, gigapixel wall facilities, plus wearable devices. 

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

Home / EU

£9,250 per year*

International

£17,200 per year

UK/EU fees for 2021 entry have not yet been confirmed. The fees shown are for 2020 entry.

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK and EU students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course, and UK students can take out a maintenance loan of up to £9,203 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of the website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

 

  • Programmer
  • Systems developer
  • Software application developer
  • Games developer
  • Information systems manager
  • Network engineer
  • Cyber security specialist
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Web developer

 

 

Sony, Microsoft, IBM, BT, Electronic Arts, Rockstar Games, Dell, Fujitsu, Capita…

Our graduates go on to successful careers working with all kinds of brands, not-for-profit businesses and public sector organisations.

Some move on to an MSc or PhD. And some even go on to set up and grow their own tech businesses.

Want to join them? Apply now and we’ll help you make it happen.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

APPLY NOW VIA UCAS HOW TO APPLY
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This. Is. Hull.

A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

†Percentage of students in work or further study within six months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey for the academic year 2016/17, published by HESA 2018

‡Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF 2014)