BSc Computer Science

Previous undergraduate study: 2 subjects at A level or equivalent and GCSE Maths and English, Grade C or Grade 4 or above.

Other qualifications: we also consider a variety of qualifications, including A levels with EPQ, International Baccalaureate, BTECs, T-levels, Cambridge Pre-U subjects, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, Welsh Baccalaureate and other international qualifications. Overseas qualifications may be accepted and subject to evidence of equivalency typically verified through ECCTIS (UK ENIC).

Contextual offers: we strive to support you in succeeding, whatever your background, and we encourage you to apply to study with us even if you don’t meet the academic requirements. We view all applications holistically and will consider your CV, work experience, background, and other experience when assessing your ability to succeed in your chosen undergraduate degree courses or programme.

Recognition of prior learning: are you thinking of transferring institutions, or have you studied before? Our recognition of prior learning process unlocks the value of your past learning and experience.

Mature students: you may be eligible to enrol through our mature student process, which requires you to submit a CV and a short supporting statement of 500 to 600 words. This should explain why you want to further study in this programme and how it will support your career plans.

If you’re a non-native English speaker, you’ll be asked to provide proof of your English language proficiency in one of the following forms:

IELTS: level 6.0 or above with no element below 5.5 (an online English test is offered (SPEEXX) if IELTS is unavailable).

TOEFL iBT®: a minimum score of 80 overall.

Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III at minimum pass (please note that Trinity College ISE academic results are only valid for two years).

Duolingo English test: minimum 95 points.

Cambridge Certificate: minimum B grade overall.

Alternatively, you may be accepted if you have previously studied English at an appropriate level and attended a recognised institution.

You may be eligible for a government student loan.

As an LIBF student, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for an LIBF Scholarship. The LIBF Scholarship is an award of £1,200 towards your tuition fees, spread over the duration of your course and reducing your total fees. You are eligible to apply if your household income is less than £3,500 per month.

If you experience financial difficulty as an undergraduate student, you can apply for support from our Hardship Fund. Hardship funds are made available to UK students twice in the academic year. You’ll be informed when applications are open, and the Scholarship, Bursaries, and Prizes Committee will allocate funds.

You can get 2% off your total fees if you pay annually in advance or 10% off if you pay upfront in full for an undergraduate course.

Module overview:

This module introduces you to the basics of computer science, including algorithms, data structures, propositional logic, and the fundamentals of computer science hardware systems. You'll also explore the architecture of the internet and professional conduct in computing.

Gained skills:

You'll acquire skills in information representation, basic algorithms, and data structures. You'll also become proficient in propositional logic, Boolean algebra, and understanding computing infrastructures.

Real-world application:

Use your knowledge to understand and build efficient computing systems. For example, algorithms can be applied to optimise database queries, and propositional logic can create more effective conditional statements in programming.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam with closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Strengthen your foundational understanding of differentiation, integration, and vector calculus, essential for developing advanced algorithms. Dive into tensors and matrix equations to support data-intensive computations.

Gained skills:

Apply rigorous mathematical techniques to analyse data sets and build predictive models. Learn how to deal with complex mathematical challenges in data and computer science projects.

Real-world application:

Use advanced mathematical skills to develop and refine algorithms for data-processing tasks in finance, such as risk assessment models, or optimise algorithms for engineering simulations. Apply these techniques to enhance computational models for large-scale analysis projects.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam consisting of both closed (e.g., multiple choice) and open questions.

Module overview:

Focus on self-directed and collaborative learning, covering professional networking, communication, and conflict resolution methods.

Gained skills:

You'll enhance your abilities in professional networking and diverse forms of communication. You'll also learn to handle conflicts effectively while recognising the value of social diversity.

Real-world application:

Apply these skills in team environments, which are essential for roles such as project management and collaborative software development. For instance, effectively manage a team developing a new software application by incorporating diverse perspectives and mitigating conflicts.

Assessment:

You'll complete an oral assignment and a reflection paper, each contributing 50% to your final mark.

Module overview:

Dive into the basic concepts of computer architecture and different types of hardware and operating systems.

Gained skills:

You'll be able to describe the functions of operating systems and simple assembly programs while comparing various types of hardware.

Real-world application:

Use this knowledge to optimise computer systems for specific applications, such as enhancing server performance in a data centre or developing more efficient operating systems for embedded computing devices.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam with closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Learn about relational data models, SQL, and NoSQL databases. You'll explore data schemas, data queries, and data storage.

Gained skills:

You'll become proficient in designing, creating, and modifying SQL queries and data schemas and have a firm grasp of NoSQL concepts.

Real-world application:

Apply these skills to design efficient company database systems, enabling quick and easy data retrieval and processing. For example, develop a customer relationship management (CRM) system that efficiently stores and retrieves client data using SQL databases.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam with closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Understand enterprise modelling and techniques for determining IT system requirements. You'll also cover documentation, testing, and managing IT system requirements.

Gained skills:

You'll acquire skills in using and evaluating different techniques for documenting and managing IT system requirements.

Real-world application:

Ensure that IT systems effectively meet business needs, a fundamental responsibility for roles in business analysis and IT project management. For instance, develop a comprehensive set of requirements for a new software application that aligns with user needs and business goals.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam with closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Explore network architectures, protocols, security, and the principles of distributed systems.

Gained skills:

You'll learn to design and implement network protocols, analyse network problems, and understand distributed systems.

Real-world application:

Develop secure and efficient network solutions, which are crucial for network administration and cybersecurity roles. For example, a multinational company can create a secure VPN protocol to ensure safe remote access for employees.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam with closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Learn Python programming, including data types, structures, control flow, functions, and modules.

Gained skills:

You'll develop abilities in writing, debugging, and testing Python programs. You'll also learn to manipulate and analyse data using Python.

Real-world application:

Use Python to develop software solutions and automate tasks. This skill applies to various tech roles, such as data analysis and web development. For example, use Python scripts to create a data pipeline to streamline a company's data processing workflow.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam with closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Gain insights into academic research methodologies, structured academic writing, and the evaluating academic sources.

Gained skills:

You'll learn to conduct academic research, write structured papers, present findings effectively, and critically evaluate sources.

Real-world application:

Apply these skills in research and development roles, providing solid academic underpinning for projects. For instance, use research methodologies learnt to prepare comprehensive reports on emerging technologies for your company.

Assessment:

You'll complete an advanced workbook consisting of 6 assignments, each 150-300 words.

Module overview:

Explore the principles of designing and analysing algorithms, implementing data structures, and comparing programming languages.

Gained skills:

You'll gain the ability to design efficient algorithms, implement data structures, and choose suitable programming languages for different tasks.

Real-world application:

Utilise your skill set to solve computational problems effectively, like optimising sorting algorithms in a software application to improve performance.

Assessment:

You'll complete an advanced workbook consisting of 6 assignments, each 150-300 words.

Module overview:

Understand the theoretical foundations of computer science and mathematical logic, and analyse computational complexity.

Gained skills:

You'll apply mathematical logic to solve computational problems and explore formal languages and automata theory.

Real-world application:

Use your technical skills for sophisticated problem-solving in cryptography, where algorithms must comply with computational limits.

Assessment:

You'll complete an advanced workbook consisting of 6 assignments, each 150-300 words.

Module overview:

Learn how to design and develop web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web development frameworks.

Gained skills:

You'll be skilled in creating responsive and secure web applications using modern web development techniques.

Real-world application:

Develop dynamic web applications for businesses, such as an e-commerce platform with secure payment processing.

Assessment:

You'll complete an advanced workbook consisting of 6 assignments, each 150-300 words.

Module overview:

Develop your research skills with a focus on methodologies, case studies, and data collection strategies critical for data science research. Learn to conduct high-quality evaluation research and craft informed research proposals.

Gained skills:

Enhance your capacity to design, collect, analyse, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data. Improve your skill in evaluating research quality and applying appropriate scientific methods to complex data problems.

Real-world application:

Conduct insightful and actionable research on data to improve business performance and strategy. For example, advanced research methods can be used to guide data-driven product development, or empirical methods can be applied to assess organisational data strategies.

Assessment:

You'll complete a 3,000-word written assignment.

Module overview:

Apply theoretical knowledge about database methods by designing and implementing a working data-mart solution.

Gained skills:

You'll learn to design, architect, and implement a data-mart solution while critically evaluating design choices.

Real-world application:

Use your skills to develop data marts that support business intelligence systems, helping companies to make data-driven decisions. 

Assessment:

You'll complete an oral assignment and a reflection paper, each contributing 50% to your final mark.

Module overview:

Work on a practical scenario of industrial software development, understanding risks and using strategies to minimise them.

Gained skills:

You'll develop professional skills in complex software projects and learn to mitigate risks in large software initiatives.

Real-world application:

Effectively manage large software projects, such as developing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, ensuring on-time delivery within budget.

Assessment:

You'll complete an oral assignment and a reflection paper, each contributing 50% to your final mark.

Module overview:

Analyse the impact of computer science on society, focusing on ethical considerations and the role of technology in the information society.

Gained skills:

You'll gain insights into technological advancements' social and ethical implications.

Real-world application:

These ethical considerations can be applied in tech roles, such as developing guidelines for ethical AI systems to ensure they're unbiased and fair.

Assessment:

You'll complete a 3,000-word written assignment.

Module overview:

Deepen your understanding of a specific computer science topic through rigorous academic research and discussion with computer scientists.

Gained skills:

You'll enhance your research, analytical, and scientific writing skills, focusing on a specialised computer science topic.

Real-world application:

Use these skills to stay updated on emerging technologies, providing valuable insights in roles like technology consultancy.

Assessment:

You'll complete a research seminar paper on a selected topic within computer science.

Module overview:

Conduct independent research in a specific area of computer science, presenting and defending your findings in a final-year thesis.

Gained skills:

You'll gain practical skills and develop your ability to conduct independent research and present findings coherently.

Real-world application:

Showcase your expertise through a significant third-year research project, such as developing and presenting an innovative data analysis method for a scientific conference.

Assessment:

You'll complete a 7,500-10,000 word bachelor thesis.

• Change management

  Dive into the principles and frameworks for managing organisational change effectively. Focusing on various models and their applications, you'll learn to evaluate organisational needs, implement change management theories, and handle resistance to change.

• Agile project management

  Master Agile methodologies focusing on roles, activities, and artefacts associated with practices such as Scrum. You'll learn to manage complex projects using Agile principles, adapt project strategies to evolving complexities, and uphold ethical standards in decision-making.

• Introduction to process management

  Understand business process management basics, covering enterprise modelling, process evaluation, and the challenges associated with process changes. You will learn to organise and evaluate business processes, utilise reference models, and effectively manage process changes.

• Object-oriented and functional programming with Python

  Explore advanced programming concepts using Python, focusing on object-oriented and functional programming paradigms. You will master Python for software development, applying object-oriented and functional programming techniques to build robust and maintainable systems.

• Data science software engineering

  Learn software engineering principles tailored for data science, including project management, testing, and model deployment. You will gain expertise in managing data science projects from development to deployment using Agile and software testing strategies.

• Self-arranged internship I (*)

  Gain practical experience through a self-arranged internship, applying theoretical knowledge in a business setting. Develop practical communication, teamwork, and networking skills while understanding organisational structures and processes.

• Self-arranged internship II (*)

  Build on your practical experience with a second self-arranged internship, focusing on deepening your understanding of a specific industry or role. Refine your professional skills and gain deeper insights into industry practices, enhancing your readiness for post-graduation employment.

  
  
  

  *You'll be responsible for arranging a suitable internship in your field. Once placed, please complete an application to the internship module via myCampus to ensure that your internship can be recognised and credited towards your course requirements.

  
  

Software Engineering

• Techniques for agile software development
  Explore the principles of Agile, focusing on testing, delivery, and deployment. Understand methodologies like SCRUM and their impact on project teams.

• Project: agile software engineering
  Put your advanced data analysis skills into practice with a comprehensive project. Create a professional report that mirrors real-world data science work environments.

IT operations and project management

• IT service management
  Delve into IT services that ensure smooth system operations, with a focus on ITIL practices.

• Project: IT service management
  Apply your knowledge to analyse and solve IT service management challenges in a project. Offer practical solutions tailored to specific organisational needs.

Cyber security

• Data protection and cyber security
  Learn key IT security concepts, applications, and standard techniques..

• Cryptography
  Understand cryptographic methods, including hash functions and encryption techniques, to secure data.

Big data and business intelligence

• Big data and business intelligence
  Discover the challenges and technologies associated with large-scale data, including storage formats and infrastructure demands.

• Cloud computing
  Gain insights into cloud computing, including its technologies, analytics capabilities, and the latest advancements.

Artificial intelligence

• Artificial intelligence
  Study the evolution of AI, from its history to modern systems, and explore its successes and future developments.

• Project: AI
  Design and develop an AI system, applying your knowledge to meet specific requirements and constraints.

Software Engineering

• Seminar: software engineering
  Enhance your research skills by investigating a current software engineering topic. Identify key points, draw connections, and present your findings in a comprehensive written paper.

• Project: software engineering
  Apply your software development expertise to solve a real-world problem. Create a mobile or web app, microservices, or embedded software, using your creativity to deliver impactful solutions.

IT operations and project management

• IT project management
  Learn core concepts of IT project management, including project organisation, cost management, and problem-solving within IT projects.

• IT architecture management
  Develop future IT blueprints, exploring service strategies and technologies for IT service providers.

Cyber security

• Technical and operational IT security concepts
  Explore key IT security issues like confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Develop skills in network evaluation, protection profile creation, and Big Data interpretation.

• Project: configuration and application of SIEM systems:
  Implement a Security Incident Event Management tool in an enterprise environment, converting technical data into actionable insights.

Big data and business intelligence

• Business intelligence (BI)
  Learn about data provision, information generation, and analysis. Build skills in data warehousing and optimise business processes using BI techniques.

• Project: business intelligence
  Apply your BI knowledge to design and prototype BI applications, tailored to specific business needs.

Artificial intelligence

• Self-driving vehicles
  Investigate the safety standards and IT security of autonomous vehicles. Explore areas like sensor fusion, feature detection, localisation, and motion planning.

• Seminar: current topics and trends in self-driving technology
  Delve into the latest advancements in autonomous vehicles, exploring technical, philosophical, and societal impacts. Present your findings in a research essay.

A BSc degree in Computer Science focuses on the theoretical foundations of information and computation. It covers key areas such as programming, algorithms, data structures, database systems, and web development.

You can explore numerous career prospects in diverse and dynamic fields with a BSc in Computer Science. Graduates commonly move into roles such as software developer, IT project manager, cyber security analyst, systems administrator, and data analyst.

This degree also serves as a solid foundation for advancing to further study, with degree programmes including LIBF's MSc programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cyber Security.

Computer science is typically offered as a higher-education BSc (Bachelor of Science) degree. A Computer Science BSc provides rigorous scientific and technical training in computing principles and practices.

Yes, a bachelor's degree in Computer Science is highly valuable. It offers you in-demand skills needed to thrive in various tech-driven industries. The comprehensive knowledge and practical experience gained from courses such as data modelling, programming, and web development ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands.

With a BSc Computer Science degree, your possibilities are vast and exciting. You could build innovative computer graphics as a developer, lead tech initiatives as an IT project manager, or protect vital information as a cyber security analyst. Dive into data as a data scientist or create intelligent systems as an AI specialist. Today's computer scientists span multiple industries and offer diverse, rewarding career paths fuelled by the fast-paced world of tech innovation.

The Computer Science BSc comprises numerous subjects across different modules, including compulsory and elective topics. Over 3 years, you will study various areas, such as computer architecture, databases, algorithms and web development, ensuring well-rounded learning outcomes.