Computer Science (including Year Abroad)

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to equip students with the fundamental principles and practical skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving field of computing. This programme provides a balanced blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on experience, enabling graduates to address real-world challenges in software development, systems analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The course is structured to foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise, ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.

Throughout the programme, students will explore core topics such as programming languages, software engineering, algorithms and data structures, databases, operating systems, and computer architectures. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency in various programming paradigms, including object-oriented and functional programming, as well as understanding the underlying principles of hardware and networks. Specialised modules are available in areas like cybersecurity, machine learning, data science, and web development, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad opportunity, which enables students to spend a dedicated year studying at a partner university abroad. This experience promotes cultural exchange, enhances language skills, and provides international perspectives on computing practices and technologies. It also facilitates the development of transferable skills such as adaptability, communication, and intercultural understanding, which are highly valued in the global job market.

The programme combines lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and project-based assessments to ensure a practical learning environment. Students are encouraged to collaborate on team projects, participate in internships, and engage with industry partners through guest lectures and workshops. The final year typically culminates in a substantial independent project or dissertation, allowing students to demonstrate their accumulated knowledge, research capabilities, and innovative thinking.

Graduates of the Computer Science programme at Essex are equipped with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in software development, information technology, consulting, research, and beyond. The programme’s strong emphasis on employability, coupled with its international dimension, makes it an excellent choice for students aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the digital world.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking science and engineering subjects, then these options are slightly restricted because our science modules tend to rely on previous knowledge of the subject.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BSc, then you are qualified to enter the second year not only of that course but also of a range of other courses: for example, if you are a BSc student who takes economics, politics, philosophy and sociology in your first year, then you have a choice of at least two courses and, in some cases, as many as five. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you. Some of our science courses offer an optional extra year of an industrial placement.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1
Professional Development;
Mathematics for Computing;
Introduction to Programming;
Object-Oriented Programming;
Introduction to Databases;
Web Development;
Network Fundamentals; and
Digital Systems Architecture

Year 2
Group Project and Industrial Practice;
Software Engineering;
Application Programming;
Data Structures and Algorithms; and
four second-year options

Year 3
Year abroad

Year 4
Individual Project; and
six third-year options
We offer you a wide range of interesting modules to choose from throughout your time at Essex. All modules include a significant coursework element, while teaching draws on the most up-to-date and exciting research. (Please note that modules with a 4 in the middle of their module code are for first-year undergraduates, those with a 5 are for second-year undergraduates and those with a 6 are for third-year undergraduates).

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB
GCSE Mathematics: C
GCSE English: C
BTEC National Diploma: DDM
IB: 32-30 points, including Standard Mathematics grade 4, if not taken at the Higher Level (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of core computing principles, programming skills, and the latest technological advancements in the field. The programme typically spans three academic years, with an optional Year Abroad in the third year, allowing students to gain international experience and develop intercultural competencies, as well as enhance their academic and language skills. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics such as algorithms, data structures, software engineering, computer systems, networks, databases, and cybersecurity. It also emphasizes practical skills through laboratory work, programming assignments, and project development.

The Year Abroad component involves studying at a partner university in a different country, which enables students to immerse themselves in a new educational environment, improve language abilities, and build a global professional network. This experience is highly valued by employers and can significantly enhance career prospects. Students are usually supported by the university's dedicated international office, which provides guidance in choosing suitable partner institutions, preparing for the year abroad, and adapting to new academic settings.

Throughout the programme, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs equipped with the latest hardware and software, as well as online resources and library services. The university also offers opportunities for student involvement in research projects, internships, and industry collaborations, providing valuable practical experience and insight into real-world applications of computing. The faculty members are experienced and research-active, often involved in cutting-edge projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and web development.

Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for a variety of careers in computing, including software development, system analysis, data analysis, network administration, and cybersecurity. Many graduates proceed to postgraduate studies or professional certifications to further enhance their expertise. The programme also aims to develop transferable skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, which are highly regarded across a range of industries. Overall, the Computer Science (including Year Abroad) degree at the University of Essex offers a rigorous and enriching educational experience that balances theoretical foundations with practical application, preparing students for successful careers in the dynamic and expanding field of computing.