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Computer Science BSc (Hons)

Broaden your prospects with a firm foundation in the practice and theory of core computing principles, with a focus on software development, database design, web technologies and security.

Overview

With the digital era continuing to develop rapidly, the role of computing and its impact on our lives is more important than ever. New and innovative computer technologies are constantly being unveiled, with software engineers, systems developers, programmers and analysts playing a vital role in their creation and development.

Benefiting from more than 50 years of successful teaching, our Computer Science course focuses on modern approaches to software systems development, allowing you to explore both the theoretical and practical skills needed to understand programming language concepts, software design methods, secure web systems, computer architecture and computer networks.

The course prepares you for a wide variety of career opportunities, from programming and developer roles to software engineering, with computer technology closely linked with an extensive range of industries such as medicine, education, entertainment, security and architecture.

Key features

  • Our diverse curriculum provides students with an equal balance of theory and practice and is embedded with contemporary technologies designed to tackle modern multi-core platforms.
  • Important professional issues are covered including computer ethics, law, and security. Final year study includes big data, machine learning, and AI.
  • Tailor your learning to your career ambitions through a range of optional third year modules, including: Functional Programming, Advanced Web Development, Fuzzy Logic and Inference Systems, and Privacy and Data Protection.
  • Explore professional opportunities with an optional placement year. Previous Computer Science students at DMU Leicester have spent their third year in industry working in roles such as Placement Developer, Cloud Reliability Developer, Solution Engineer and Business Analyst Intern for organisations including Next, Leicestershire Police, Oracle, IBM and The Walt Disney Company.
  • DMU graduates have gone on to work for companies such as ITN, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, BT, RBS, HSBC, DNEG and Experian.
  • Gain valuable international experience as part of your studies. Trips will be arranged for Computer Science students to visit international companies relevant to their field of study and meet with tech entrepreneurs and listen to their experiences.
  • Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Course modules
First year

Block 1 - Database Design and Implementation:

Learn to structure, access, and protect data in relational databases using SQL for various businesses and organizations.

Block 2 - Fundamental Concepts of Computer Science:

Introduce key computer science concepts, software modelling, UI design, and ethical thinking as a foundation for further studies.

Block 3 - Computer Programming:

Acquire skills in problem analysis, design, and coding for trustworthy software development with an emphasis on coding principles and testing.

Block 4 - Operating Systems and Networks:

Build a foundation in computer architecture, operating systems, and networks, covering both theory and practical application.

Second year

Block 1 - Object-Oriented Design and Development:

Focus on designing and testing medium-scale software systems using an object-oriented approach, incorporating Java SDK libraries.

Block 2 - Data Structures and Algorithms:

Explore data structures and algorithms, including stacks, queues, trees, and sorting techniques, with a focus on coding practices and performance.

Block 3 - Web Application Development:

Learn about front-end and back-end web technologies, covering user interface design, security, and usability factors.

Block 4 - Agile Development Team Project:

Engage in a simulated agile software development environment, working in teams to create software solutions with an emphasis on collaboration.

Third year

Block 1 - Software Development: Methods and Standards:

Delve into methodologies, regulations, agile approaches, and project management tools in software development, with a focus on standards and security.

Block 2 - Big Data and Machine Learning:

Apply machine learning techniques to Big Data using tools like Apache Spark, covering supervised and unsupervised learning with practical applications.

Block 3 / 4 - Development Project:

Demonstrate practical skills, innovation, and analysis through a self-directed project with guidance from a supervisor.

Optional Modules (Choose One):

Block 3 / 4 - Functional Programming:

Learn fundamental concepts of functional programming and apply them to practical problem-solving using modern programming languages.

Block 3 / 4 - Advanced Web Development:

Deepen your understanding of full-stack web development, including front-end technologies, back-end scripting, and data persistence.

Block 3 / 4 - Fuzzy Logic and Inference Systems:

Explore fuzzy logic's handling of uncertainty and create specialized fuzzy inference systems through practical lab work.

Block 3 / 4 - Privacy and Data Protection:

Study the balance between maintaining business effectiveness and legal compliance in handling sensitive information, with a focus on privacy and data protection regulations


Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching and assessment
Overview

On this course, you will benefit from Education 2030 - DMU’s new way of delivering courses. Through block teaching, you will focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once.

The teaching methods delivered on this course include staff directed learning via lectures, tutorials and laboratories, in addition to student-centred resource-based learning (including web-based resources), collaborative and group working, individual learning and student-centred learning via individual research / literature review.

Students will be assessed via a range of methods including time constrained phase tests, portfolios of work, programming and other laboratory exercises, viva voce examinations, project work, individual work and group work.

Opportunities and careers
Computer Science graduates have gone on to work as associate software engineers, computer engineers, systems engineers, database managers, software developers and web developers for companies including HSBC Bank, Sainsbury’s, MMT Digital, RR Donnelley and Serck Controls.

Graduates can also continue their academic careers by embarking on postgraduate study in either research or taught areas, which provides opportunities for further specialisation and the enhancement of existing skills.

Programme delivery subject to academic approval