Computer science is a wide field, from its theoretical and algorithmic foundations to cutting-edge development in robotics and intelligent systems.
This BCS-accredited and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) certified Computer Science degree has been designed in line with professional standards and is your first step towards a career in secure software development. Launched in October 2016, the NCSC has brought together expertise from CESG (the information assurance arm of GCHQ), the Centre for Cyber Assessment, CERT-UK, and the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure. This degree is one of only a very few to be successfully certified by this prestigious organisation. You’ll work on real problems in readiness for employment, developing key skills that will help you keep pace with this rapidly changing field.
If your desire is to become a programmer, then a computer science course is perfect for you. You’ll learn about abstraction,complexity, evolutionary change, sharing of common resources, security and concurrency.
From system functionality to usability and performance, you’ll also be better placed to solve real-life problems with an understanding of how they affect people’s lives.
As a computer scientist, you’ll learn by doing, making use of high-performance computers, and working individually and in teams to produce solutions to tight deadlines, giving you first-hand experience of agile software development.
The wellbeing and health and safety of our students and staff is paramount to us. We are committed to delivering all of our courses and services as safely as possible. Due to the pandemic, the methods and activities adopted for the coming year may differ from those previously published and may be subject to further change through the course of your study if such change is necessary due to public health concerns, health and safety guidance or in response to Government Guidelines. USW is committed to providing you with a fantastic student experience and a wealth of support, and you can hear how students have benefitted from this approach here: Learn more about blended learning.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree is delivered via approximately 16 hours of teaching in lectures, tutorials and practical sessions every week. You also need to spend four hours per week, per module on your coursework, general reading and other preparation.
Types of assessment include examinations, coursework and exercises based on real-life problems.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP) and partially meeting the requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng). Students who subsequently opt to extend their studies and complete the MComp would be accredited as meeting the requirements for Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP), CITP Further Learning and fully meeting the requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng).
As part of your computer science degree, we strongly recommend you spend up to a year working in industry in the UK or abroad. As well as an opportunity to use your knowledge in the real world, work experience will boost your CV and can even lead directly to employment.
You could spend up to a year working in industry as part of your course, either in the UK or abroad. You can also take part in live projects and taster weeks, or choose a shorter three-month placement. Recent placements include E-Finity, IBM, Fujitsu, GCHQ, and the Welsh Government.
Our facilities are at the cutting edge of computer development, meaning you’ll use the latest technologies in high-spec labs. You’ll also find dedicated spaces on campus for computing students, including Windows, Apple Mac, Linux and Networking suites, all with the latest software.
Information about our teaching team and their research interests can be found on the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Paradigms (CSAIP) website.
The entry criteria below shows the qualification range within which the University will make offers. Most offers we make are at the top of the range, but we take all aspects of an application into consideration and applicants receive a personalised offer. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable.
BBC
Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BB at A Level.
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit.
Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 29 overall including 5 or above in English at standard level
Pass the Access to HE Diploma and obtain a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees in full or by payment plan.
This course is eligible under the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme for Ex-Armed Forces personnel.
International Scholarships are available for self-funding international students.
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
Apply via UCAS if you are a UK/EU residing applicant, applying for year one of a full-time undergraduate degree, Foundation Year, Foundation Degree or HND and you have not applied through UCAS before. If you are applying to study part-time, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution, please apply directly.
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK/EU.
Computers are fundamental to many different industries, so graduates with a Computer Science degree you can apply your skills to many fields. Computer programmers and engineers mainly work for large computer companies. Microsoft, IBM, Intel and Hewlett-Packard all rely on an army of computer scientists to produce and maintain their technology. Even within these companies, graduates with a Computer Science degree can work in a broad variety of areas and in a number of jobs. Product development entails designing, building and testing the latest products, so skills in software programming and design are vital.
Many of our graduates progress on to a computing PhD or research degree.
As a USW Computer Science student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
