BSc (Hons)

Computer Science Technology

If you have your sights set on becoming a programmer, our Computer Science course is perfect for you.

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Launch your tech career with hands-on computing skills that matter.
Launch your tech career with hands-on computing skills that matter.

UCAS Code

Start Date

September 2027

Location

Pontypridd

Campus Code

A

UCAS Code

Start Date

September 2026

Location

Pontypridd

Campus Code

A

Course Overview

Our Computer Science degree prepares you for a career in secure software development. Gain practical skills through real-world projects, developing safe and reliable solutions to real-life problems.

If you're fascinated by the inner workings of computers and enjoy creatively solving everyday problems, this is the perfect opportunity for you. You'll develop practical skills along with academic knowledge, paving the way for a successful career in computing. 


What you'll study

Start your computer science journey by mastering core concepts. Develop your programming skills and study computer architecture.

Learn about information management and databases while sharpening your professional and study skills.

You’ll create a functional object-oriented programme in a commercially important language. Develop your programming skills and learn the vital concepts to design and build modern software.

Learn the underlying concepts of databases – how data should be managed and protected to ensure systems work effectively and reliably.

Get a deeper understanding of how computer systems are constructed and operated, and why this is essential for everyday use.

Learn the essentials of being a computing professional, developing skills which will help your career, including the ability to present and analyse data and work towards a state project.

Students can choose to study and be assessed for a portion of this module in Welsh

If you're feeling nervous or intimidated by maths and its concepts, this module is designed to support and boost your confidence. It's specifically targeted at Computer Science students.

Join team projects to develop your professional skills, data handling, and programming expertise.

Take advantage of our exchange program to explore global opportunities and enjoy an exciting learning experience abroad.

Explore object-oriented concepts and software engineering practices, where you'll expand your knowledge of data structures and algorithms.

Build on the development of reliable, safe software. You’ll build both the skills and the conceptual knowledge that ensures that the software you produce has no nasty surprises.

Learn about the history and key components of an operating system both conceptually and practically, allowing you to gain practical familiarity with multiple operating systems.

Develop knowledge of, and skills in, the techniques associated with the Event-Driven Programming Paradigm where events control the flow of the program's execution.

Explore professional practice in computing, and legal, social, ethical, and professional aspects of computing. A core module for your future careers in computer science.

Learn all about relational database architecture, practical use of query language, security, and managing large volumes of data such as distributed/cloud and NoSQL database systems.

Put your theory into practice with this paid work experience opportunity, applying the skills and knowledge you have learned so far, to boost your future career prospects.

You’ll have the chance to study overseas under an exchange programme.

Take on an individual project where you tackle a real-world problem or create an innovative solution. Choose your project or select one from our offerings.

Showcase your work to industry experts at our final project event, where outstanding student projects will be awarded prizes.

Your project will imitate a real-world need and give you the chance to show off your creative research, analytical abilities, and practical skills in management.

Develop your understanding of the principles, protocols, and technologies that underpin modern computer networks. Learn the skills required to design, implement, and manage computer networks.

This optional module introduces concepts, techniques, and terminology needed to design and apply artificially intelligent solutions in the field of robotics and cybernetics.

This optional module develops the skills required to design, implement, test, and critically evaluate applications for mobile platforms.

Address both theoretical and practical issues by designing and building parallel and concurrent systems.

Study a range of techniques and technologies used to build artificial intelligence systems. You’ll use practical examples to help you select techniques and apply them to solving problems.

We regularly review our courses to keep pace with changing skills and employer needs. If a review leads to significant changes, we’ll contact you to explain what’s changing for the coming year.

Teaching and Assessment

This hands-on course gives you the chance to build practical IT skills by learning through real projects and activities. You’ll spend lots of time in our computer labs using industry-standard hardware and software to create websites, develop software, design databases and solve real-world problems. Most of your assessment will be coursework, so you can show what you can do through practical tasks rather than exams. You’ll learn from experienced and supportive staff who will know you by name and help you build the skills and confidence you need for your future career. 

We’ve created an accredited course where all three years intertwine and support one another. You’ll experience a mix of teaching techniques ranging from formal lectures, with supporting practice sessions, to team-based projects, which are managed in simulation. Your learning is supported by online material, including video, audio, and text-based resources, exercises, and tasks.

There are no formal examinations. Assessments range from drafting formal reports to video demonstrations. We aim to draw heavily on real-world issues, presenting you with realistic working challenges to build your skills.

We’ll help you find a placement and supervise to make sure it has experiential value. This can be completed through summer and weekend placements – we’ll make it work for you. Second-year students can choose an overseas placement through an exchange programme. Recent placements include E-Finity, IBM, Fujitsu, GCHQ, and the Welsh Government.

You will use modern computer labs equipped with the latest hardware and software throughout your course, supporting both practical classes and independent study. Alongside lecture theatres and classrooms, you’ll have access to a dedicated Internet of Things teaching space and a robotics lab, giving you hands-on experience with emerging technologies. You can also use the labs outside of taught sessions to practise your skills, complete assignments, and build confidence with industry-standard equipment. 

From September 2026, our Computing, Engineering, Technology and Built Environment courses will move into their brand-new home: the Calon building. 

This £60m investment will feature more than 40 new innovative teaching, learning and research spaces, including electronics and hydraulics labs, a flight simulator, a robotics lab, clean and industrial research spaces, collaborative teaching spaces, as well as virtual reality capability, and a range of exhibition spaces. 

Calon will give you access to the technology, facilities and opportunities needed to shape the future. 

Course Leader

Dr Christopher Tubb

Meet Dr Christopher Tubb, an engineering and computer science specialist and Course Leader. Christopher leads the course with a strong focus on practical application, encouraging students to tackle real-world challenges through creative problem-solving and innovation. Alongside contemporary industry practice, he and the course team foster curiosity and exploration, helping students develop the skills to create novel solutions that shape the future. His research interests include robotics, pathfinding, and the application of computational techniques to areas such as modelling human behaviour in computer games, bringing cutting-edge insights directly into the learning experience.

Have questions about the course, what you'll study, or whether it's the right fit for you? Get in touch with Christopher directly via email. 

Career Prospects

If you're curious about how technology works and enjoy finding creative solutions to complex challenges, this course could be for you. You'll be prepared to work hard for three years, knowing that every project, practical task and industry-focused assignment takes you closer to a career in software development, data science, systems analysis or the next generation of technology leadership.

Your future career

Your skills are in demand across various industries, including aviation, defence contracting, and even premier football clubs. Graduates from this program have gone into roles in software engineering and development, data migration, leadership positions, and cybersecurity. 

Software Development
Software Engineering
Data Science
Dev Ops
Further study and research

Computing graduate, Niamh, stands for a profile photo in front of a red backdrop

"I am now NCSC certified, so employers look at that, and it gives that professionalism aspect to the course."

Niamh McConville, Computer Science graduate

Salary expectations

A Computer Science degree can open opportunities across computer science and the wider computing sector. Computing careers offer strong earning potential:

Median wage
UK: £53.7k per annum
Wales: £43.4k per annum

 

Total jobs in 2025
UK: 1.76m
Wales: 44,279

 

Source: Lightcast Labour Market Data 2026

Industry partners

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in an overseas exchange program in your second year of study. This is a great option for networking and building contacts for your future career. 

We work with a range of industry partners including the Office for National Statistics, OLM systems, World Connect, IPO, and some more niche companies such as Thermix. We also have research projects with Digital Health and Care Wales. 

Sandwich years

A sandwich year enables you to apply the knowledge gained during your degree to real-world work situations. You’ll equip yourself with a transferable skillset and gain invaluable work experience that will help you to stand out to potential employers in future job applications. A sandwich year also provides a fantastic opportunity to network and, if you impress your employer, you may even find you have a job waiting for you when you graduate. Many employers like to take on dedicated employees as showcased via a sandwich year placement scheme.

Learn more about Sandwich Years

What sets us apart?

#1

Computer Science and Information Systems at USW is top in Wales for Teaching Quality.

Guardian University Guide 2025

Two students in a University library

Ranked in the Top 50 UK universities in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Three students studying in a pod in the library at Cardiff campus

Top in Wales for new business startups for the 6th consecutive year, and 7th in the UK. (HEBCIS) 

#1

 Computer Science at USW is top in Wales for overall student satisfaction and teaching quality. 

National Student Survey 2025

Explore our facilities

Step into the future of STEM.

Calon

Get hands-on with industry-standard equipment in the new £60m Calon building. From robotics and virtual reality to specialist engineering labs and a flight simulator, you'll learn using the technology shaping tomorrow's world.

Learn more

Computer labs

Our computer labs are stocked with the latest equipment for you to use throughout your degree including an Internet of Things teaching space and a robotics lab.

Student Stories

"I have to pinch myself sometimes… I’m proud, grateful, and finally allowed to be who I am."

Hamed Amiri Computer Science graduate

View student profile

Student Stories

"As a female in Computing or a STEM subject, you can sometimes feel that impostor syndrome. But it's about being confident in your ability to learn, and remembering that everyone's in the same boat."

Niamh McConville Computer Science graduate

View student profile

Admissions Advice

We're here to help. Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch and we'd to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online

  • Computer Science Technology

    • Full-time, 3 years

    • September

    • Pontypridd

  • Computer Science Technology

    • Full-time, 3 years

    • September

    • Pontypridd

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