Computing Science BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Two Cloud Computing students using a computer

Computing science is the study of the theory, experimentation, and engineering used in the design and use of computers.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

Course code

I102 / I103 / I104

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

The rise in digital technology has increased the demand for highly skilled professionals with a thorough understanding of key computing technologies, combined with the practical skills to solve software issues.

This course will provide you with the opportunity to explore computing science from both an academic and a practical perspective.
You will draw upon and develop a detailed knowledge of subject-related theory, technology, development methods and a range of professional and intellectual skills.
The degree is designed to introduce you to work in this exciting and constantly changing field. Throughout the course, we teach the academic, professional and personal skills required to develop within this evolving industry.
With a computer science degree, you can explore a range of specialisms depending on your career goals. Industries looking for talented programmers include AI, computer security, machine learning, healthcare, and financial services.

Why you should study this course

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University.

We aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work.
We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low competitive.
We cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving on to the next.

As a mature student, I came to university with a few concerns. I worried whether I was out of my depth and had chosen to study the correct course. However, that all changed within a few days, the tutors are there to help you and they’re not at all intimidating. The block-style modules and flexible timetable also helped me settle in a lot.
Rosvelt Remus, Computing Science BSc (Hons) graduate, quoted October 2024 (centre of picture, holding coat)

Seven new graduates at CUL graduation celebrating, Rosvelt is in the centre

What you'll study

Your first year introduces you to the core fundamentals that underpin computing science. You will explore the importance of IT security, and the risks posed to computer systems globally. In addition, you will develop your professional problem-solving skills, as you understand the basic principles of programming.

Most of the modules contain a practical element so you receive the best combination of theoretical and practical learning.

Students who successfully complete the first year are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing Science.

Modules

Networking – 30 credits

This introductory module aims to provide knowledge of key networking and computer architectures. Focusing on the origins, structure and fundamental components of a computer network, you will gain foundational knowledge of relevant technologies including wireless, wired and optical computer networking. This includes access controllers, hubs and transceivers.

Compulsory

Operating Systems – 30 credits

In this module, you will learn basic operating system concepts including processes, memory management, drivers and file systems, while examining security risks and security management strategies. You will also examine favoured operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

Compulsory

Information Security – 30 credits

This module will cover the issues of IT security and risk. You will critically analyse risks a computer may face, from viruses to computer hacking. Exploring the pros and cons of ethical hackers, website hacking and internet security, you’ll gain specialist knowledge of legal, social, ethical and professional issues associated with cyber security.

Compulsory

Problem Solving and Programming – 30 credits

Basic problem-solving and algorithm design techniques will be studied in this module, alongside programming and programming language concepts.  You will learn the syntax and semantics of a high-level programming language (e.g. Python) and the basic principles of developing well-engineered software and the supporting tools and techniques.

Compulsory

Your second year builds on the knowledge gained in the first year to cement a solid foundation of core principles. Now that you are working to a higher level, you will begin building your knowledge and understanding of computer hardware and web development. It also covers programming concepts with a deeper investigation of algorithms and the importance of data security in today’s world.

Students who successfully complete the second year are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing Science.

Modules

Computer Hardware – 30 credits

This module focuses on computer architecture and operations, particularly as it affects the support of operating systems and applications. You will investigate the impact of computer architecture on performance issues and examine advanced topics such as uniprocessor design, storage system design and parallel architectures.

Compulsory

Human-Computer Interaction and Web Development – 30 credits

During this technical module, you will be set a number of increasingly challenging communication, interface and application design problems commonly faced in modern-day society. Developing your problem-solving ability, you will be encouraged to respond creatively to the challenges through the techniques of participatory design, rapid prototype evaluation and contextual, task and user interaction modelling.

Compulsory

Algorithms and Data Structures – 30 credits

In this module, you will extend your programming and algorithm design skills and gain the ability to structure and manipulate intricate data sets through extensive work with complex software. In addition, you will refine object-oriented analysis, design and implementation skills and learn to effectively utilise libraries, components and supporting tools.

Compulsory

Communications – 30 credits

In preparation for the final year project, this collaborative module aims to enhance your skillset by developing key skills such as communication, teamwork, co-operation and collaboration, project planning, commercial awareness, cultural awareness and distributed working. In addition, you will develop the critical thinking, research, academic and professional writing skills required as a reflective practitioner.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your course. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your course. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

In your final year you will explore hardware and software networking and popular operating systems at an advanced level. You will look to enhance your critical understanding of information technology as an enabler for organisations and the complex and fast-changing trends in a business context. You will gain technical skills in relation to big data and service management.

Modules

Big Data – 30 credits

You will work with databases and datasets of varying sizes and levels of complexity in this module, from small-scale use to enterprise-scalable implementations. You will use technical skills to understand the big data ecosystem and carry out a range of data analytics tasks on large-volume datasets.

Compulsory

Internet of Things – 30 credits

The underlying principles, technologies and architecture of wireless sensor networks will be examined in this module along with current practical applications and future trends. You will critically evaluate the security, privacy and trust implications of IoT technology and explore the approaches and mechanisms that mitigate security risks.

Compulsory

Contemporary Issues in Computing – 30 credits

You'll look at a range of contemporary and emerging technologies, applications and professional issues in computing. Throughout the module, you will engage with research and advanced practice literature with the aim of extending and broadening your subject knowledge. There’s a focus on professional, ethical, business and societal issues, through an international lens.

Compulsory

Project – 30 credits

You have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest within the field of computing science, which may be aligned with your future career interests. Throughout the project, you will need to demonstrate research, problem-solving, design and development skills, through practical implementation, investigation (possibly including the gathering and analysis of secondary evidence) and evaluation.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

Institute of Technology

Barking & Dagenham College has partnered with CU London, along with TfL, Huawei and Saint Gobain, to launch the Institute of Technology (IoT), a brand new, purpose-built facility for advanced technologies, which offers technical skills development via advanced and higher-level courses and higher apprenticeships.

Careers in STEM industries

There’s a growing demand for skilled technical workers for jobs within the engineering, technology and science industries. The IoT aims to bridge the skills gap and train the workforce of the future by providing specialisms in the following sectors – all of which are critical to the London and UK economy:

Construction & Infrastructure Technologies
Advanced Engineering & Robotics
Creative Digital (Animation & Games Design, 3D Design, Graphic Design)
IT

Designed with key partners

The IoT at Barking & Dagenham College has been designed with key employers, student client groups and local stakeholders, to help ensure it successfully meets the skills requirements and economic opportunities of the future.

STEM degrees at CU London

We offer this BSc Computing Science degree and a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree, which would be suitable for progression from Barking & Dagenham College.

We are proud to support this innovative and much needed new development by bringing Coventry University degree programmes in these high demand STEM skills.

Barking & Dagenham College deserve every success with this Institute of Technology, and it’s exciting to see such high-quality provision becoming the norm in the Borough for the benefit of local residents and employers alike.

Andy Ginn, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor of CU London

How you'll learn

Our teaching methods are varied, offering several teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students.

In addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules should develop knowledge and skills including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include: practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments, which take place at the end of each six-week block.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Entry level	What we're looking for
HNC	64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND	80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree	104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Entry level	What we're looking for
HNC	64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND	80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree	104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
EU	£9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary £14,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£14,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

CU London Dagenham campus is in the Civic Centre building and is easily accessible by road, bus and rail.

Facilities include:

our impressive Cyber Suites, spaces designed to give computing and cyber course students a practical learning experience for conducting research, testing and experimentation related to cyber security
classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities
comprehensive library and learning services
study areas, loanable laptops/open-access computers and social spaces/ free wi-fi
student support and careers advice teams
onsite free student parking.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On completion, you should be able to:

use an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to computing science.
develop practical skills to solve complex workshop-based problems.
appraise a problem and debate alternative, sustainable solutions.
have key practical and transferable skills to enhance your long-term employability or to progress to specialist, postgraduate study.

Globally recognised, the technology industry boasts several compelling benefits. In addition to impressive graduate prospects and elevated salaries, computer science graduates could have numerous opportunities in a diverse range of fields.

This varied industry means you can expand into several specialist areas. Possible career paths include Mobile and Software Application Development, Video Game Designing, Database Administration, Web Development, Network and Computer Systems Administration and IT Security.

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCLU043

International students should apply directly to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.