Computer Science

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Introduction to Computing

This module will promote and support your development of learning in Computer Science as you prepare for progression to the following year. It teaches fundamental computer programming techniques and knowledge and enhances wider conceptual awareness of the discipline.

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Group Challenge (Sciences)

In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.

Foundation Mathematics 1

This module delivers core mathematics skills to build a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: factors, multiples, indices, fractions and standard form; algebra, linear and quadratic equations; averages and spread; functions, exponentials and logarithms; and right angled triangles and trigonometry.

Foundation Mathematics 2

This module delivers core mathematics skills to build a solid basis for future studies.You will study the following topics: polynomials; sequences and series; complex numbers and trigonometry; and differentiation and integration.

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Foundation Mathematics B

This module extends the knowledge gained in the Foundation Mathematics A - pure mathematics topics. You will also study functions and vectors. The applied topic is mechanics.

Programming Portfolio

Gain the practical knowledge to design, implement and test algorithms. The module uses lectures to deliver concepts, a practice lab to apply the programming concepts learnt by developing programs to solve problems. You will take part in hands-on practical assessments, which will enable you to acquire extensive programming skills in an industry standard programming language. We will support you whether you are new to programming or have existing skills.

Algorithms and Data Structures

Start to think like a computer (bleep bloop)! This module explores logic, data storage and algorithms with the use of practical demonstrations and activities. Operating in parallel with programming-focussed modules, we will develop a toolkit of key concepts from a theoretical (non-code) perspective, facilitating a better understanding of these fundamentals. Topics to expect include pseudocode, state machines, essential keywords, common data structures, sort algorithms and search algorithms. You will learn methods to analyse and compare algorithms and their constituent parts in order that you may better design, evaluate and develop effective, efficient and performant software solutions.

Computational Thinking

This module Computational thinking is essential for developing computer-based solutions. This module will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the key mathematical underpinnings of computer science, to aid you in problem solving and programming. The development of your competence in logic, mathematics and statistics will also provide evidence of your numeracy and more advanced skills and is valued by employers.

Architectures, Operating Systems and the Cloud

In this module you will explore the fundamental properties of computers that allow them to execute programmes. You will learn about how Computers are made to work in hardware and simulation (Virtual Machines). A collection of Virtual Machines is a cloud, and this Module allows you to get experience with the development of your own cloud using appropriate platforms.

Professional Development

Employers want much more than discipline specific skills. This module sets you up to grow your professional skills and awareness, when working both individually and as part of a team. You will also develop your appreciation of the challenges within the sector, and how technology can help to solve worldwide issues. You will begin a personal portfolio that you will add to over your degree and you will work as part of a team to produce a design prototype, demonstrating your personal professional development. Through researching your discipline, you will understand the range of career roles available and what you need to do to progress in them.

Design, Develop, Deploy

Our flagship software development module. You'll use contemporary software development tool chains to experience authentic software creation and deployment, applying techniques such as agile project management, test-driven development and continuous integration and deployment.

Advanced Programming

In this module you will explore advanced techniques in programming as well as building an understanding of how high level objected-oriented languages are executed on a modern CPU.  C++ will be used extensively, but we with reflect back on C#, as well as throwing in some assembly language.

eXtended Reality Development

eXtended Reality is a blend of physical and virtual environments, unlocking natural and intuitive 3D human, computer, and environment interactions. You will learn concepts and techniques in the field of mixed reality and user-centred testing. You will implement eXtended Reality applications using technologies applicable to the problem domain and use an eXtended Reality application to conduct a user test, analyse and report on results.

Data Analysis and Visualisation

Data analytics has rapidly become a part of all of our lives, and is an increasingly sought-after skill on the job market. In this module you'll learn the theoretical and practical skills to analyse any dataset independently, starting from exploratory analysis of a new dataset for hypothesis finding, over choosing and comparing different algorithms, and presenting and explaining your results quantitatively and visually. You will learn to train models of different complexity that can make predictions or uncover hidden patterns in data, making responsible and fair decisions that can help improve our lives.

Graphics Programming

Programming 3D graphics in a virtual world is a cornerstone of games programming. In this module you will use the a graphics framework to begin to learn about the graphics pipeline, and to render models in 3D space.

Electronics and Microcontrollers

All robotic systems require electronics for functionality. This module introduces fundamental concepts of electrical and electronic circuits through a practical, hands-on approach. You will construct basic circuits using discrete components, sensors, and microcontrollers while exploring how to interface both electrical and sensor based electronic circuits with these controllers.

Connected Devices and IoT

Everything is connected. Whether components of a robot, smart homes or cities, many sensors and subsystems must work together and communicate with each other flawlessly and at high speed to achieve their goals. This module will give you a practical introduction to the options available and the tools and techniques needed to make multiple software and hardware systems integrate together. You’ll examine the abilities of wired and wireless communication systems, learn where and when particular systems are appropriate, learn about the Internet of Things and implement examples.

Databases and Networks

You'll be introduced to the core components of any online information system that drives the information we use today. Learn how modern applications fetch data from servers and how that information can be stored and retrieved efficiently. You will solve a real-world problem by developing a networked database.

User Interfaces and Experience

Any software or hardware used by humans needs to put human understanding at its core. Digital products succeed or fail by how well the designer understands the ability of a human to use the product, or the experience that using the product provides. You'll take a scientific and engineering approach to understanding, developing and evaluating effective interfaces and experiences for users.

Artificial Intelligence

Data is one of the 21st century’s most valuable commodities. In this module you will learn how to analyse, validate and interpret it to inform decision making. You will implement artificial intelligence techniques to solve a real world problem. . Nationally, there is a widely recognised shortage of qualified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data scientists to meet the needs of industry.

Generative and Collaborative AI

A cutting-edge module that empowers students to harness the transformative potential of generative AI. Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, students learn critical fusion skills: crafting intelligent prompts, integrating ethical human judgment, and tailoring AI to business-specific challenges. From fine-tuning models to building scalable AI-driven solutions, this module bridges the gap between theory and practice, preparing students to lead in a world increasingly shaped by AI innovation. With a focus on adaptability, trustworthiness, and collaboration, this module is ideal for aspiring AI professionals ready to make a real impact.

Secure Digital Infrastructure

Secure Digital Infrastructure enables you to deploy organisational computer systems in a professional and secure way. You will learn how to do this through practical hands-on activities and supporting background lectures.

Machine Learning

Machine learning comprises the theory and practice underlying recent advances in artificial intelligence and is a core requirement for anyone seeking to work in the AI or data analysis field. This module will introduce core algorithms in machine learning, including state-of-the-art deep learning models, and consider practical issues around complexity, optimisation and performance. You will learn to systematically compare algorithms and establish the mathematical foundations to implement your own. 

Simulation and Artificial Intelligence for Games Programming

Realistic simulation and sensible Artificial Intelligence in games often goes unnoticed; that is until something goes wrong! In this module, you have the freedom to explore a wide variety of techniques used in games programming to build maintainable, reusable programming solutions. You will implement a variety of techniques for animation, physics, decision making and path finding. Crucially you will ask the question 'what make an artificial intelligence fun to compete against?', and will even have the opportunity to publish your own game.

Games Architecture

Gain the skills and knowledge to design and develop your own game engine and produce your own game. You'll develop practical skills and domain knowledge, including hardware and software architectures, which will increase your professional skillset for the industrial job market.

Natural Language Processing

Natural language processing and large language models have become the cornerstone for an increase in efficiency and productivity. In this module, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental tools of NLP using a hands-on, applied approach. As a result, you will begin analysing, interpreting and generating natural language using AI.

Computer Vision

Computer vision is fundamental to intelligent systems ranging from advanced microscopes to access control systems and from autonomous robots to self-driving cars. You'll will develop expertise that are currently being used in real-world systems. This includes design and analysis of algorithms for image processing and computer vision as well as evaluation of various cutting-edge solutions in the context of emerging applications.

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.

Embedded System Applications

The module gives you the experience of developing a real-time embedded control system to develop transfer skills.  It also gives a good grounding of very low level programming an embedded device.

In this practical module, you will also gain confidence to create software that generates the requisite signals to control a real-world system and build a driver architecture onto the fundamental behaviours that they implement.

Digital Disruption and Innovation

Creating a viable technology start-up requires insight into technical development and what it takes to deliver your product. In this module, you will form an individual digital product business plan. Then, as a small production team, you will then select an idea to take forward to develop and present this a final product pitch.

Safety Critical Systems

Safety critical systems form part of society’s crucial infrastructure. From transportation to power generation, their safe operation is a fundamental consideration during their design and beyond. The rise in size and complexity of these systems of systems demands computer automation and support for analysing and optimising throughout the development lifecycle.

Distributed Systems Programming

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

Honours Stage Project

Your Honours Stage Project is your chance to spend a full third of your study time working on a topic of interest to you, and producing something major as a result. You can design your own project, work with a member of staff to develop an idea, or choose one from a catalogue. Develop an AI program, do some research in virtual reality, or build a new robot butler – the choice is yours. With regular support from a supervisor, you’ll learn to create, undertake, evaluate and report on a significant individual project which you’ll be proud to show off to an employer.

Communicating and Teaching Computing

This module enables you to undertake a placement in a school, college or other educational establishment where you can develop your practical teaching and communication skills, as well as extending your knowledge of the education process. These skills are valued by employers, whether you are interested in potentially going on to train or teach others or not. You will also have the opportunity to develop an educational project to demonstrate your skills in practice.

Commercial Development Practice

Work on real commercial software for real clients in CDP, a reach-out project of the Department of Computer Science and Technology. This excellent opportunity gives you critical experience of working with real clients across the entire software project lifecycle from customer brief through to specifying, designing, managing, developing and testing real software using industry standard techniques

Trustworthy Computing

Given how much we depend on networked digital technologies, cybersecurity is a threat that can impact us all at any time. In this module you will explore how simple mistakes can make a software system exploitable and insecure, and demonstrate how these flaws can be fixed to make a system cybersecure.

Dependable Reactive Real-Time Systems

This module focuses the issues of real-time and dependable design and introduces you to the appropriate concepts and design methods. It focuses on the design of single systems and goes further to discuss specific challenges encountered today in the design of cooperative and multi-robot systems.

Component Based Software Engineering Practice

Modern large scale software development can be improved through utilising advanced approaches such as component based development. Reliable and secure software can be supported through managed programming environments. This module will be your chance to look deeper at these virtual machines beneath and see what makes it all work, and to develop solutions utilising component libraries.

Real-time Graphics

Gain practical experience of writing programmes that run on dedicated graphics hardware, enabling huge amounts of data to be processed at the same time in a highly parallelised architecture. You'll write software from the ground up, setting up the pipeline, loading data into the buffers, writing shader code and making render calls that result in 3D environments that are commonplace in the modern games industry.

Advanced Artificial intelligence

The advances made in computing technology and our understanding of intelligence through collaboration (collective or competitive) actions has led to a whole range of possibilities for Artificial Intelligence. Such techniques will be at the core of Autonomous (self-driving cars) and Digital Health.

C++ Programming and Design

Explore how to create efficient, robust, interactive graphics applications in C++ on modern CPUs. By linking with Advanced Graphics, you will gain the opportunity to development larger and more interesting applications, which will form the centre piece of any personal portfolio.

Simulation and Concurrency

Gain the skills and knowledge to work on designing, developing and extending game engines. You'll understand advanced software architectures and patterns used in video game engines. You'll also develop advanced practical skills and domain knowledge that will include networking, concurrency, hardware and software architectures.

Autonomous Robots

In this module you will explore advanced techniques building autonomous robots and understand the complexities and interactions between computation and design of such systems.

Edge AI for Robotics

This module highlights the computing and development issues faced when creating new robotic solutions and discusses new research ideas which can be used to build solutions for existing problems. You will apply Artificial Intelligence techniques to build useful behaviour in robotic systems.

Cutting Edge Concepts

This module enables review of cutting-edge and emerging concepts and methods across the spectrum of computer science. We will meet as a reading group to select, review and discuss academic publications of high quality, that take topics beyond the curriculum and into the current state of the art; students will learn how to read and review academic materials critically.