Web Science (Computer Science)

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 16.3 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
127 place StudyQA ranking:7801 Duration:36 months

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Web Science at the University of Southampton is a pioneering interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to understand, analyze, and shape the complex web of digital technologies that influence modern society. This dynamic degree combines principles from computer science, social sciences, and information technology, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the web and its profound impact on communication, commerce, education, and governance. Throughout the course, students explore foundational topics such as web development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and network architectures, while also examining the societal implications of digital innovation, privacy concerns, and online behavior. The programme fosters a deep understanding of how web systems operate and evolve, preparing graduates to address real-world challenges in digital industries, research, and policy-making. Students also engage in hands-on projects, collaborative research, and industry placements to develop practical experience and innovative problem-solving skills. With a curriculum designed to stay at the forefront of technological change, Web Science students gain expertise in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, all within the context of web applications. The University of Southampton's strong links with technology companies and research institutes provide students with valuable networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge resources. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in web development, digital marketing, data analysis, cybersecurity, academia, or to continue their studies through postgraduate research. The programme is ideal for students passionate about technology, societal impact, and the future of digital innovation, offering a rigorous and exciting academic experience that blends theoretical understanding with practical application.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee
  • GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
  • GBP 16320 Year (Non-EEA)
Start date October 2015 Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Students undertake three years of study. Each year there are compulsory Web Science modules and pathway specific Web Science modules. The compulsory modules shown below are common to both pathways, and the optional modules are specific to the Computer Science pathway.
This list will give you a very good idea of what you will learn on this course, but the details will change and some modules will be restructured each year.

Year 1

Semester One

Optional:

  • COMP1204 Data Management
  • COMP1215 Foundations of Computer Science
  • CRIM1003 Introduction to Criminology
  • DEMO1001 Introduction to Demographic Methods
  • DEMO1003 Population and Society
  • ECON1001 Foundations of Microeconomics
  • ECON1003 Principles of Microeconomics
  • LAWS1012 Legal System and Reasoning
  • MANG1003 Introduction to Management
  • MANG1005 The Individual and the Organisation
  • PAIR1001 Introduction to International Relations
  • PAIR1002 Political Systems
  • SOCI1001 Understanding Everyday Life
  • SOCI1003 Social Problems and Social Policy

Core:

  • COMP1202 Programming 1
  • WEBS1001 Information, Technology and Social Change

Semester Two

Compulsory:

  • COMP1056 Web Design
  • COMP1206 Programming 2
  • SOCI1014 Foundations in Social Theory: Traditions of Thought and Argument
  • STAT1003 Introduction to Quantitative Methods

Year 2

Semester One

Optional:

  • CRIM2001 Perspectives in Criminology
  • CRIM2002 Crime and Criminal Justice: Historical Perspectives
  • CRIM2003 Youth, Crime and Society
  • DEMO2004 Migration
  • GEOG2010 Introductory Geographic Information Systems
  • LAWS3001 Industrial Law 1
  • PAIR2002 Political Theory A
  • SOCI2017 Class Structure and Social Inequality
  • SOCI2031 Social Theory

Core:

  • WEBS2001 Web agents, actors and agency
  • WEBS2002 Interdisciplinary Group Project

Semester Two

Compulsory:

  • COMP2213 Interaction Design
  • SOCI2020 Research Skills
  • UOSM2008 Living and Working on the Web

Optional:

  • MATH2012 Stochastic Processes
  • MATH2014 Algorithms
  • LAWS3002 Industrial Law 2
  • PAIR2005 Issues in Third World Politics
  • SOCI2002 Education and Society
  • SOCI2003 Gender and Society
  • SOCI2008 Race and Ethnicity in Society
  • UOSM2007 Interdisciplinary: Critical Thinking in the Information Age: Method and Practice in the Digital Humanities

Year 3

Semester One

Compulsory:

  • COMP3016 Hypertext and Web Technologies
  • SOCI3073 Cyberlives: New Technologies and Social Change

Optional:

  • COMP3001 Scripting Languages
  • COMP3018 eBusiness Techniques
  • COMP3028 Knowledge Technologies
  • CRIM3002 Issues in Law Enforcement and Social Control
  • DEMO3003 Migration
  • ENTR3005 International Entrepreneurship
  • GEOG3008 Remote Sensing the Terrestrial Environment
  • GEOG3032 Remote Sensing for Earth Observation
  • INFO3005 Security and Information Technology
  • LAWS3063 Information Technology Law
  • LAWS3064 Intellectual Property Law
  • MANG3054 Marketing in the Digital Age
  • MATH3033 Graph Theory
  • PAIR3006 Global Justice: Theories and Debates
  • PAIR3014 Globalisation and World Politics
  • SOCI3010 Crime, Space and Social Control

Core:

  • WEBS3001 Dissertation

Semester Two

Compulsory:

  • UOSM2012 Interdisciplinary: Online Social Networks

Optional:

  • COMP3010 Advanced Computer Networks
  • COMP3017 Advanced Databases
  • CRIM3006 Issues in Global Crime and Justice
  • DEMO3008 Population and The Environment
  • ENTR3002 New Venture Development
  • GEOG3006 Advanced Geographic Information Systems
  • INFO3004 eLearning and Learning Tech
  • MANG3052 Digital Marketing: Engaging with the Customer
  • SOCI3008 Sociology of Youth

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.

Requirements

GCSEs:

GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C or above.

A Levels:

AAB (including Mathematics for the Computer Science pathway).

General Studies is not accepted as one of the three A levels.

IB:

We welcome applications from international students. For information on applying, visit the International Office website.

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 (e.g. Access, Return to Study, Open University foundation courses) and of your capacity to pursue the course.

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.

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.

Web Science at the University of Southampton is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree program designed to explore the complex and rapidly evolving field of the World Wide Web. The program combines aspects of computer science, information systems, social sciences, and humanities to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how the web functions and how it impacts society. Throughout the course, students examine various topics such as web development, data analytics, online user behavior, digital economies, security, and privacy concerns. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for careers in industry, research, or further academic study.

The program is structured to facilitate both individual and team projects, fostering collaborative problem-solving skills important in the digital economy. Students have the opportunity to learn about emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things as they relate to web applications. The course also investigates the ethical and social implications of web technologies, encouraging critical thinking about issues like misinformation, digital identity, and access to information.

Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on labs, with assessments consisting of coursework, presentations, and examinations. The university benefits from its close ties to industry partners, which often provide guest lectures, internships, and placement opportunities. Additionally, students can engage in research projects that may contribute to academic publications or real-world web development solutions. The program prepares students for diverse careers, including web development, data management, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and research roles related to digital technologies.

Students in the Web Science program have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including dedicated computing labs and software development environments. The program encourages international perspectives and collaborative projects with students from around the world, enriching the learning experience. Graduates are highly sought after by employers due to their multidisciplinary skill set and practical experience in analyzing and developing web-based systems. Overall, the Web Science program at Southampton aims to cultivate innovative thinkers and digital leaders capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities of the modern web landscape.

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