Computer Science BSc (Hons)

Study the fundamentals of Computer Science including artificial intelligence (AI), coding, DevOps, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and cybersecurity. Challenge your creativity and technical skills with a series of exciting, hands-on practical projects.

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Overview

This interesting and challenging course combines hands-on development with the theories behind how and why computers work as they do.

You'll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of tools and technologies, becoming adept in software development and configuration, and learn industry-relevant languages (e.g. Javascript, C#, Python, SQL) and various methodologies for professional development. You'll work alongside other students and academics (who are experts in their field) in the David Goldman Technology Centre, and have access to various specialist computer science labs.

Topics you'll study include: software development, database systems, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), DevOps, emerging technologies, robotics, industry projects, and cybersecurity. We provide professional-level developer software and advanced hardware through accreditations with Cisco and other major companies. We also have excellent links with industry and provide all BSc (Hons) Computer Science students the opportunity to study for additional industry certifications.

Why us?

Our Computer Science courses are 11th in the UK for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
You'll have access to state-of-the-art equipment so you can apply your skills in an industry-standard setting

Available as a 4-year sandwich course with a full year spent on placement

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions. You will be encouraged to develop independent study skills as well as work with other students on group projects.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also ongoing opportunities for feedback and consolidating your learning.

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Software Engineering (20 credits)

Explore a wide range of software engineering techniques and industry practices, designed to promote the production of high-quality, efficient, reliable, and secure software. Examine how software is created and the various stages of the software development lifecycle, together with consideration of social, ethical, professional, and legal issues. Evaluate software products to ensure that they are functioning correctly, and conclude their strengths and weaknesses.

Computer Systems, Architectures and Networks (20 credits)

Gain an overview of how a computer works, from the moment it is switched on. Explore what happens inside the machine, including how computers process input, generate output and store data. Install and configure a modern operating system, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems using real equipment and simulations.

Introduction to Programming (20 credits)

Learn about the fundamental programming concepts, including how to write computer programs using a high-level programming language such as Python or C#. Develop an understanding of debugging techniques to find and resolve defects. Select and implement appropriate structures for file handling, data manipulation, and error handling within a program.

Full Stack Development (20 credits)

Explore both front-end and back-end web development, and use frameworks to create a fully dynamic web application. Consider the development of the modern web and review the underlying technologies and standards. Create programs that run on a live web server and use a modern programming language.

Specialist Project (20 credits)

Explore and develop an individual project based around your preferred area of study. Work directly with subject specialists in workshop-style sessions to explore your specialism. Appreciate the social, ethical, professional, and legal issues as they apply to computer-based systems.

Emerging Technologies (20 credits)

Delve into the emergence of novel tools and techniques within computer science. Discuss the potential impacts of a range of emerging technologies on industry and society, including virtual and augmented reality, drone technology, cryptocurrencies, wearable technologies, and cybersecurity. Consider the issues associated with end user adoption of new and emerging technologies.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Agile Development and DevOps (20 credits)

Learn how to use Agile and DevOps practices in modern software development, using a range of modern tools and technologies. Apply SCM concepts and GIT commands to a range of developer situations. Design, develop and deploy a workflow on a remote repository that automatically builds, tests and deploy a software product.

Database Systems (20 credits)

Gain a foundational understanding of database and the relational database model. Learn to use extended relational programming languages for manipulation of relational databases. Analyse and evaluate current problems and insights associated with modern secure database information systems development.

Advanced Programming (20 credits)

Propose solutions to programming problems through OO software design modeling, using UML diagrams, notations, and techniques. Apply advanced OO programming constructs to the development of professional-standard software. Select appropriate software design patterns, data structures and algorithms to provide efficient solutions to complex programming problems.

IoT and Robotics (20 credits)

Enhance your understanding of IoT technologies and their application to robotics and automation. Use driver packages, with appropriate programming language (such as Python) for prototyping IoT device applications involving the use of sensors and effectors. Apply appropriate networking concepts (such as protocols, transports, and services) to support the remote operation and connectivity between edge computing devices.

Cyber Security (20 credits)

Analyse security principles and the core technology used to enforce and maintain security of data and computer systems. Investigate case studies of cyber security incidents relating to businesses, where social factors such as social engineering, oversharing, and phishing attacks have played a major part. Design and create a secure system.

Enterprise Project (20 credits)

Participate in the organising, running, controlling, and monitoring of a team tasked to produce a computer-based solution to a client-posed problem. Respond to client analysis and feedback to progress and complete your prototype solution. Appreciate enterprise approaches for software project determination, selection, development, implementation, and criteria-based evaluation.

Optional placement:

Industrial Placement (120 credits)

Spend 48 weeks on placement working within the industry. Refine, plan, schedule and produce an individual project based on your experience. Critically reflect on the skills and experience gained as part of your placement.

Final year (national level 6)

Computing Project (40 credits)

Articulate an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of your chosen research topic. Develop your professional skills, such as problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, self-reflection, and time management. Collect, organise, and present your body of work, including a critical evaluation and correct citation and reference of appropriate research sources.

Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

Examine a range of AI techniques and their application to problem-solving within society, industry, and research. Develop an awareness of the contemporary developments in the field of AI and their application and potential implications. Critically assess real-world problems and determine which AI approaches are suitable for their solutions.

UX Design (20 credits)

Translate research user and contextual data into human-centered design tools such as user stories, personas, and scenarios. Design and develop digital prototypes for a given problem specification. Critically evaluate the usability and user experience of a given interactive system.

Mobile Technologies (20 credits)

Investigate the different ways apps can be created and look at the range of technologies available for the creation of web apps, hybrid applications, and native applications. Design and create applications for a range of different hardware platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, wearable technology, and embedded systems. Critically evaluate a mobile application designed for cross-platform deployment.

Big Data and Visualisation (20 credits)

Dive into the key concepts and applications of Big Data, including how to manage, use, analyse and visualise Big Data effectively in real-world scenarios. Examine Big Data challenges, including privacy issues and data storage. Select and apply Data Science tools and methods such as data visualisation, data mining, and data analytics for analysing Big Data sets.

Facilities

This course is based at the David Goldman Technology Centre, a high-tech computing environment with strong links to software companies and a constant exchange of ideas and people.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement	GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+)

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

The overall grade for the T Level must be a pass with a core grade C or above in a Science related subject.

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

£9,535 if you are from the UK*/Europe
£16,500 if you are an international student

*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Read more about EU fees and funding in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Three computer science students sitting together in the David Goldman Technology Centre, laughing at something that is off camera

Career ready

This course has a strong emphasis on real-world learning and problem-solving that boosts your employability and equips you with the transferable skills needed to make an impactful contribution to the workplace.

Career options

In your final year of the course, you will undertake a major individual project with research-active staff. This adds to your hands-on experience and, in some cases, leads to a job offer that can be taken up as soon as the course ends.

Our graduates have gone on to become web programmers, IT managers, information analysts and software developers. Employers that have taken on our graduates include Sage, British Airways and the NHS. Other graduates have started their own businesses or become software contractors earning over £50,000 a year.

Meet the students

I love attending my classes and we cover areas I'm already interested in.

Lauren Waters
The academic staff helped guide me through to secure an internship and a future job.

Zoe Etim

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Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 19 November 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.