BSc (Hons) Computer Science

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Award

BSc (Hons)

Start Date

To be confirmed

Duration

3 years

Mode

Full-time

Location

University of Bolton

UCAS Points

96

UCAS Code

G370

Computer science is about much more than building, maintaining and repairing computers and software systems. It's about creativity and innovation, imagining a better way to do things and making it happen. The University of Bolton's BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree supports you in gaining all the practical and problem-solving skills you'll need to excel in this constantly evolving and highly rewarding field.

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Course Overview

We live in a digital age where most industries rely on software and data. Computer science and IT influence every aspect of our lives, from business to social interaction and beyond, so computer scientists are sought after in the government, health and education sectors and companies of all sizes. By studying for your BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree with the University of Bolton, you can develop essential knowledge and understanding of computing and IT principles and practices while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus.

Our expert team will support you in developing knowledge of core computing disciplines and optional areas of your choice. We'll build your understanding of computers and computer systems with practical skills, including systems analysis activities, design and software development. You'll extend your knowledge by selecting from a diverse range of option modules covering topics such as big data, AI, cloud technologies, natural language processing and information security. This course is part of a family of related programmes, including degrees in Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, so we offer exciting options in all these areas.

As computer scientists work at the interface between humans and digital technology, our expert team will focus on preparing you to work across both these worlds. We'll lead you in exploring technological principles and concepts, provide realistic scenarios to develop your practical skills and focus on building your communication skills and ability to work in groups. We'll encourage you to collaborate and look at projects and problems from both the technical and human perspectives to consider the interplay between the two. We also aim to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.

This highly creative discipline requires innovation, experimentation, testing and observation, so project and practical work are essential elements of this degree. With expert guidance and support, you'll study in our well-equipped IT suites, applying and developing your learning individually and in groups. The school's strong links with business mean you'll have the chance to work on live briefs in your assignments, ensuring you gain industry-relevant knowledge. Furthermore, your final year project will build your independence and analytical skills, further develop your creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and allow you to prove your critical understanding of computer science.

By studying our BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, you'll gain essential knowledge and experience a range of opportunities that support you in developing the attitudes, abilities and competencies needed to launch your career in computing and IT.

Highlights

Key Features

Entry Requirements

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

Career Opportunities

Digital technologies are playing an ever-increasing role in all aspects of our lives. Bolton University's BSc (Hons) in Computer Science prepares you for a career at the forefront of this continually evolving field. Our graduates find their skills in high demand across industries ranging from finance and retail through healthcare and education to entertainment and energy.

When you successfully complete this degree, you'll possess a solid understanding of the core technologies underpinning computer science and be able to demonstrate your skills in applying computing concepts and methodologies to solve problems. You'll have strong programming skills and valuable knowledge of databases, systems architecture and the areas you selected as options.

You'll also be able to demonstrate vital transferable skills, including teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, commercial awareness, problem-solving and negotiation.

What can I do with this qualification?

Computing is a global activity, and as a BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduate from Bolton University, you'll be employable anywhere in the world. Some of the main areas that our graduates go into are network design, programming, web development, software application, interactive multimedia roles, IT support, consultancy and operations, E-commerce and business analysis.

Some typical employers include IT consultancies and IT service providers. However, most businesses rely on computers to function effectively, so there are opportunities within telecommunications, aerospace and defence, financial services, retail, healthcare, manufacturing and the public and third sectors.

After completing this degree, you might set up your own web design or IT consultancy business.

A popular postgraduate route is teaching. Alternatively, you might choose to continue your development in computer science via a master's degree or PhD in areas such as networks and security, artificial intelligence or software engineering.

Alternative career options

Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Possible fields include:

  • Teaching
  • Research and development
  • Social media management
  • Technical writing
  • Product management
  • ICT training
  • ICT sales
  • Digital copywriting
  • Telecommunications
  • Network engineering
  • Cyber analyst
  • Machine security professional
Fees & Funding

Home/EU Fees

No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.

International Fees

No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.

Bursaries

Click here for more information about the scholarships and bursaries available to University of Bolton students.

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

How to apply

Home Applicants

If you wish to apply to multiple institutions or courses for September, then apply through UCAS

You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.

The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.

You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:

  • Institution Code Name: BOLTN

  • Institution Code Number: B44

UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com

International Applicants

The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.

This course is not currently accepting international online applications.

Please contact Admissions by telephone on 01204 903903 or email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

Admissions
University of Bolton
Deane Road
Bolton, BL3 5AB
United Kingdom

Tel: 01204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

Partner Organisation Applicants

Please contact Admissions by telephone on 01204 903903 or email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

Admissions
University of Bolton
Deane Road
Bolton, BL3 5AB
United Kingdom

Tel: 01204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

Teaching & Assessment

We understand that our students' learning needs and preferred learning styles vary, so we use a range of learning and teaching methods, including online (where appropriate). Our team of highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic lecturers offer face-to-face sessions and one-to-one support. We'll also assign you a dedicated personal tutor to help guide you through your studies.

Lectures introduce the core course content, while practical laboratory sessions offer practical experience and help consolidate your learning. Tutorials allow you to ask any questions to ensure you understand the topics covered in lectures and laboratory sessions. We use case studies and practical scenarios to help you learn to apply academic theory to real-life problems, allowing you to gain insights into computing and IT in commercial environments.

Guest lectures/presentations by a variety of visiting speakers from relevant employment areas offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and understanding further.

Regarding assessment, you can expect a combination of assessed practical demonstrations, reports, coursework, and others. These summative assessments contribute to your final marks and are your chance to show you've met the learning outcomes for the course. Formative assessments, on the other hand, feature throughout your studies. While they don't contribute to your module or final marks, they inform and support your development by helping you build on your strengths, overcome any perceived weaknesses, and find the study strategies that best support your ultimate success.

We take our social, public and ethical responsibilities very seriously. All our student project work conforms with the University's policies on ethics and uses the University's research ethics procedure before work commences.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

  • Maths for Computing
  • Computer Science Fundamentals
  • Computing Infrastructure
  • Databases
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Advanced Programming
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Computer Systems Architecture
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Advanced Databases and Big Data
  • Introduction to AI
  • Web Design and Programming
  • Cloud Technologies
  • Research and Professional Issues
  • Undergraduate Project
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Software Quality Management
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Operations Management
  • Information Security Management

Assessment methods

Level Assessment method
Level 1 Coursework 100%
Level 2 Coursework 100%
Level 3 Coursework 90%
Practical exams 10%

Learning Activities

Level Activity
Level 1 Guided independent study 66%
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 34%
Level 2 Guided independent study 77%
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 23%
Level 3 Guided independent study 77%
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 23%

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.

Postgraduate Options

Programme Contacts

Help Centre

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Help Centre

We have the answers to your questions, find all the advice and support in one place.

Part of the University of Bolton Group

Bolton college
Alliance learning
Anderton centre2
QQA Scheme Participant