Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science at the University of Lincoln offers a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to equip students with the fundamental and advanced skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced and constantly evolving field of computing. Throughout this degree, students will explore a broad range of topics, including programming, algorithms, software development, networks, databases, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, ensuring they gain a well-rounded understanding of both theoretical foundations and practical applications.

The programme emphasizes hands-on experience, combining lectures with practical laboratories, industry projects, and real-world problem-solving activities. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated computer labs to develop their technical expertise. Collaborative projects and team-based assessments prepare students for the collaborative nature of professional environments, fostering skills such as teamwork, communication, and project management.

Throughout their studies, students will also have opportunities for work placements and industry engagement, providing invaluable insights into current professional practices and helping to build professional networks. The curriculum is designed to keep pace with technological advancements and industry needs, ensuring graduates are highly employable and ready to contribute to the digital economy.

The programme is suitable for students passionate about technology, innovation, and problem-solving who aspire to pursue careers in software development, IT consultancy, cybersecurity, data analysis, or further postgraduate studies. The foundation year provides an optional pathway for those without traditional qualifications or relevant experience to develop their skills before progressing onto the full degree.

Graduates from the BSc in Computer Science at the University of Lincoln will be well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly transforming digital landscape, with strong analytical, technical, and research skills that employers highly value. The degree also encourages lifelong learning and adaptability, essential qualities for sustained professional success in the technology sector.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10700 Year (EEA)
• EUR 16230 Year (Non-EEA)

• £9,000 Per level (Full and part-time);
• £13,648 Per level

• English

Course Content

Level 1

Computer Systems

This module introduces students to computer hardware, the history of computing, data representation and manipulation at the byte level, basic machine instructions, the operation of the fetch-execute cycle, the characteristics of main and cache memory, I/O control and the inner working of disk storage. This module also presents the more popular hardware architectures and provides a basic introduction to microcontrollers.

Data Structures

The module provides students with an introduction to the techniques for representing data, and fundamental data structures. No particular programming language is adopted to support the module; exemplars are given using a range of common languages to further the broad application of the principles discussed.

Information Systems

In this module students will raise their awareness of the nature, purpose and structure of organisations in their many forms. Students will explore the composition of organisations and how they operate to yield purpose. Systems tools and methodologies are investigated as a way of understanding organisational structure and dynamics. Problems are a natural occurrence in this context and students will be introduced to problem-solving, examining the notion of abstraction, decomposition, modelling and representation as a means to frame and understand problems and solutions.

Maths for Computing

This module aims to equip students with mathematical knowledge and skills required to design and develop computer systems and software. Topics covered include: sets, relations and functions, logic, basic calculus, algebra, basic statistics, introduction to probability theory.

Operating Systems

In this module students will study both the theoretical design concepts which underpin all operating systems and, through case studies, the practical implementation techniques of current operating systems. Special attention will be given to shell programming languages and examples, to practically implement concepts and techniques at the basis of the various operating systems.

Problem Solving

Problems are a natural occurrence in an organisational context and this module introduces students to problem solving from a mixture of theoretical and practical underpinnings. The module examines the principles of abstraction, decomposition, modelling and representation as a means to frame and characterise problem scenarios, and as tools to understand potential solutions. The module concentrates on problem-solving strategies and in particular the vocabulary through which these strategies are articulated. This type of vocabulary is explored as representational device for capturing organisational behaviour and form.

Software Development

Students will learn the concepts and practice of simple computer programming, and also cover quality and testing issues. Following on from this fundamental base, students will extend their knowledge of computer programming, enabling them to create systems, consisting of multiple classes and objects. Fundamental principles of discrete mathematics are also explored and developed.

Level 2

Advanced Software Development

This module provides a comprehensive analysis of the general principles and practices of advanced programming with respect to software development. Software development issues and techniques are considered from a high-level perspective and notions of advanced programming are emphasised in the context of analysis, design and implementation. Great importance is placed upon the Object-Oriented paradigm and related concepts applied to software development.

Artificial Intelligence

This module provides a basic introduction to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The module first considers the symbolic model of intelligence, exploring some of the main conceptual issues, theoretical approaches and practical techniques. The module further explores knowledge-based systems such as expert systems, which mimic human reasoning performance by capturing knowledge of a domain and integrating it to deliver a performance comparable to that of a human practitioner. Modern developments such as artificial neural networks and uncertain reasoning are also covered using probability theory, culminating in a practical understanding of how to apply AI techniques in practice using logic programming.

Database Systems

In this module students will explore issues in the design, implementation and use of database technologies, which require students to develop a conceptual view of database theory and then transform it into practical implementation of a database application.

Group Project

Working in a team of people on a single project which lasts for both semesters of the year, students will tackle a significant problem. It will be up to the members of the group to design, specify, and implement a significant artefact which is directly relevant to their course. Students will apply skills and knowledge drawn from all aspects of the course, and subsequently find this a challenging and rewarding experience.

Human-Computer Interaction

In this module students will form an appreciation of the importance of human factors and user-centred approaches in the development of technological systems (analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of technological systems). Students will be introduced to the physiological, psychological and cognitive issues relevant to human computer interaction and user-interface design.

Networks and Network Systems

In this module students will consider basic computer communications and networking with an emphasis on the Internet protocol. Internet protocol will be examined as a model for intercommunication in modern network implementations. Additionally students will explore fundamental design features of a Network Protocol and the need to implement security in the modern Internet.

Level 3

Computer Vision and Robotics (Option)

This module aims to provide students with a broad introduction to the closely related fields of Computer Vision and Robotics, culminating in a practical understanding of how to apply and combine techniques from these fields in intelligent systems such as robots. The first part of the module concentrates on interpretation of digital images by computers, providing an understanding of the range of processing components involved from pixel-level to pattern recognition. The latter part of the module concentrates on applied Artificial Intelligence techniques from the field of Mobile Robotics, providing an understanding of the range of processing components required to build physically embodied robotic systems, from basic control architectures to human-robot interaction.

Professional Practice (Computer Science)

The module aims to develop an understanding of the basic cultural, social, legal and ethical issues inherent in the discipline of computing, and to promote personal professionalism in the workplace. It also allows students to develop essential skills in CV writing applying for jobs and presenting themselves at interview. It also allows students to develop essential skills in CV writing applying for jobs and presenting themselves at interview.

Project (Computer Science)

This module provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work independently on an in-depth project with an implementation element that builds on their established knowledge, understanding and skills. Students will normally be expected to demonstrate their ability to apply practical and analytical skills, innovation and/or creativity, and to be able to synthesise information, ideas and practices to provide a problem solution. Self-management is a key concept here, as is the ability to engage in critical self-evaluation.

Project Preparation (Computer Science)

This module provides students with the skills necessary to conduct an independent study project. The output of this module will form the foundation for the Project module. At the conclusion of this project students should have formed a clear understanding of the aims and objectives of their final level project.

Social Applications Development (Option)

This module explores the issues that emerge when developing systems with separate components distributed across multiple computing and operating platforms. The module will focus on the development and usage of applications on mobile platforms and, in particular, smart-phones. This will include an analysis of the technological capabilities of these devices, how mobile systems and devices differ from conventional ones, and how these differences must be taken into account during the design process. The module aims to give a solid grounding in developing networked applications using C# and Java, and an appreciation of contemporary issues facing internet applications developers, including the development of devices and applications for pervasive and ubiquitous computing scenarios.

Software Engineering

The module covers advanced topics of software engineering. In the first semester students will concentrate on the analysis and improvement of software processes. In the second semester, focus will be on the analysis and improvement of software products. indicative topics include Software Evolution, Software Reuse, the Agile Paradigm and the use of Empirical Studies in Software Engineering research, Software Architectures, Design Patterns, Refactoring and Software as a Service.

Requirements

300 Points

In addition to the required entry points applicants will require 3 GCSEs at grade 'C' or above to including Maths and English Language.

International Applicants:

For international students who do not meet criteria for direct entry to this degree we offer the International Year One in Computer Science. Depending on your English language level you will study 3 or 4 terms then progress directly to the second year of this degree.

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 Lincoln.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Institution of Analysts and Programmers.