Computer Science with Distributed Systems and Networks

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 11.2 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 15.4 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
127 place StudyQA ranking:8941 Duration:48 months

Photos of university / #uni_southampton

This Bachelor's degree program in Computer Science with Distributed Systems and Networks at the University of Southampton provides students with a comprehensive education in the core principles of computer science, emphasizing the design, development, and management of distributed systems and networked applications. The program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical implementation skills, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in the technology industry, academia, or research sectors. Throughout the course, students explore fundamental topics such as algorithms, programming languages, data structures, and database systems, alongside specialized modules focused on distributed computing, network protocols, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and the latest developments in distributed architectures. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, encouraging students to undertake collaborative projects that reflect real-world challenges faced by organizations operating across distributed networks. Practical labs, industry placements, and project work are integral components of the program, providing valuable hands-on experience with tools and technologies used in modern distributed systems environments. Students will develop skills in designing scalable, resilient, and efficient networked applications, understanding the security implications of distributed architectures, and managing large-scale data across multiple locations. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethics, professional responsibility, and lifelong learning in the rapidly evolving field of computer science. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, including opportunities to work alongside leading academics and industry experts, students are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate studies or embark on careers in software development, network administration, system analysis, cybersecurity, and many other fields. The University of Southampton’s strong links with industry partners ensure that the curriculum remains relevant, progressive, and aligned with emerging trends and technologies in distributed systems and networking. Graduates of this program will be capable of designing, implementing, and managing complex distributed systems that form the backbone of modern digital infrastructure in sectors such as telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and more. Join this dynamic program to develop the skills to innovate and lead in the interconnected world of tomorrow.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline Jan 15 Tuition fee
  • EUR 11170 Year (EEA)
  • EUR 15420 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £12,420

Start date October 2015 Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Students undertake four years of study. Each year there are compulsory Computer Science modules. However, the degree has been designed to maximise student choice by allowing you to tailor the degree structure to suit your own interests.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory Modules
  • COMP1202 Programming I
  • COMP1203 Computer Systems I
  • COMP1204 Data Management
  • COMP1215 Foundations of Comp Sci

Semester 2

Compulsory Modules
  • COMP1201 Algorithmics
  • COMP1205 Professional Development
  • COMP1206 Programming 2
  • COMP1216 Software Modelling & Design

Full Academic Year

Compulsory Modules
  • ELEC1028 TT Personal Tutorial

Year 2

Semester 1

Compulsory Modules
  • COMP2002 Computational Systems
  • COMP2006 Human-Computer Interaction
  • COMP2007 Software Analysis & Design
  • COMP2009 Operating Systems
  • COMP2011 Theory of Computing
  • INFO2009 Professional & Legal Issues

Semester 2

Compulsory Modules
  • COMP2004 Database Systems
  • COMP2005 Distributed Computing
  • COMP2008 Communications & Networks
  • COMP2010 Compiler Engineering
  • COMP2012 Software Engineering Grp Proj
  • COMP2039 Artificial Intelligence

Year 3

Semester 1

Compulsory Modules
  • MANG3055 Management 1 (ECS)
Optional Modules
  • COMP3001 Scripting Languages
  • COMP3004 Principles of Computer Graphics
  • COMP3013 Interactive Multimedia Systems
  • COMP3016 Hypertext and Web Technologies
  • COMP3018 E-Business Techniques
  • COMP3032 Intelligent Algorithms
  • COMP3033 Computational Biology
  • INFO3005 Security & Information Technology
  • LAWS3001 Industrial Law for Engineers 1
  • MATH3027 Operational Research

Semester 2

Optional Modules
  • COMP3009 Software Quality Assurance and Project Management
  • COMP3011 Critical Systems
  • COMP3017 Advanced Databases
  • COMP3019 Large Scale Distributed Systems
  • ELEC3020 Advanced Computer Architecture
  • ENTR3004 New Venture Planning
  • INFO3004 eLearning and Learning Technology
  • LAWS3002 Industrial Law for Engineers 2
  • MANG3023 Management 2

Full Academic Year

Compulsory Modules
  • COMP3020 Individual Project A & B
Optional Modules
  • CHIN9001 Chinese Language Stage 1 for Engineers
  • CHIN9011 Chinese for Engineers Stage 2
  • FREN9044 French for Engineers
  • FREN9047 French Language Stage 3 for Engineers
  • FREN9048 French Language Stage 4 for Engineers
  • GERM9034 German for Engineers
  • GERM9035 German Language for Engineers Stage 6
  • GERM9036 German Language for Engineers Stage 3
  • GERM9039 German Language for Engineers Stage 4
  • GERM9046 German Language Stage 5 for Engineers
  • ITAL9030 Italian for Engineers Stage 4
  • SPAN9044 Spanish for Engineers
  • SPAN9045 Spanish for Engineers Stage 4
  • SPAN9046 Spanish for Engineers Stage 3

Other

Optional Modules
  • FREN9054 French Language Stage 5 for Engineers

Year 4

Semester 1

Compulsory Modules
  • ELEC6050 Group Project A
Optional Modules
  • COMP6003 Enterprise Web Development
  • COMP6017 Advanced Topics on Web Services
  • COMP6026 Evolution of Complexity
  • COMP6034 Types & Programming Languages
  • COMP6059 Advanced Web Development
  • ELEC6076 Wireless Networks
  • INFO6002 Assistive Technologies and Universal Design
  • INFO6003 Applications of Security in Information Technology
  • LAWS6060 Internet Law: E-Commerce
  • MATH6111 Numerical Methods
  • MATH6115 Statistics for Engineering Systems

Semester 2

Compulsory Modules
  • COMP6009 Individual Research Project B
Optional Modules
  • COMP6004 Formal Design of Systems
  • COMP6006 Intelligent Agents
  • COMP6028 Semantic Web Technologies
  • COMP6035 From Aspect-Oriented Programming to Program Generation
  • COMP6036 Advanced Machine Learning
  • COMP6051 Social Networking Technologies
  • ELEC6024 Advanced Computer Vision
  • ELEC6032 Cryptography
  • ELEC6087 Biologically-Inspired Robotics (A)
  • INFO6004 E-Business Strategy
  • INFO6005 Rich Internet Applications
  • LAWS6059 Internet Law: Privacy, Crime and Security

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

GCSEs:

GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C or above

A Levels:

AAA including Mathematics (General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted as one of the three A levels)

English Language Requirements:

If English is not your first language, you will be required to pass an approved English test. We normally ask for a score of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 580.

Alternative Qualifications:

We welcome applications from candidates offering qualifications other than A and AS levels (including BTEC Higher National Diploma, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate and Scottish Highers). You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard (or higher) to an A level applicant.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applications from international students.

Mature Applicants:

We welcome applications from mature students. If you will be over 21 at the start of your proposed degree programme, you are may be eligible for exemption from our normal entry requirements. However, you will be required to provide evidence of having completed recent study (eg Access, Return to Study, Open University foundation courses) and of your capacity to pursue the course.

Selection Process:

We select students on the basis of a UCAS application. UCAS code:G4G5 Course title: MEng Computer Science with Distributed Systems and Networks Course duration: 4 years

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

  • Academic Excellence Scholarship

    "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

  • Access Bursary

    Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

  • Alumni Bursary

    Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Southampton.

Accreditation

Our MEng Computer Science with Distributed Systems is accredited by the British Computer Society.

Similar programs:
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 11 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 27.7 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Sep 1, 2026 163 place StudyQA ranking: 25556
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 20.1 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 33.2 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jun 16, 2026 16 place StudyQA ranking: 8020
Study mode:Online Languages: English
Local:$ 18.9 k / program Foreign:$ 18.9 k / program
Deadline: Apr 1, 2026 501–600 place StudyQA ranking: 29692
Study mode:Online Languages: English
Local:$ 17.4 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 20.1 k / Year(s)
501–600 place StudyQA ranking: 25528
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 4.16 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 13.4 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jan 15, 2026 200 place StudyQA ranking: 9015
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 15.9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 33.2 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jun 17, 2026 16 place StudyQA ranking: 9991
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 15.9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 33.2 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Apr 28, 2026 16 place StudyQA ranking: 6904
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 14 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 30.1 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Mar 10, 2026 1 place StudyQA ranking: 9785