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Introduction
Why choose this course?
In your first year, you will focus on developing core computer science skills. Expect to be introduced to new concepts in computer programming, mathematics, and project management. These will give you the grounding you need to be successful on the rest of the course.
Your training in computer programming will go deeper in the second year. You will start to explore the foundations of software development and our researchers will teach you about security both as a programmer and a developer.
We encourage you to make the most of our links with industry. The optional work placement will help sharpen your skills. It will also create more attractive employment prospects for you.
Our academics will introduce you to the latest developments in the world of computing and cybersecurity through their research. In your third year, you will be supported with your chosen final project, which is a great opportunity to showcase your learning.
Learning and teaching
You will learn relevant theory and strong practical skills.
Our teaching methods include;
 lectures
 practical sessions
 apprentice style learning (a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises).
Overview
Is your interest in information systems or software product development? What about software engineering or data structures? On our Computer Science degree you can take your first step into computer science. Through your learning, studies and development you build everything you need for a successful career in any area of computing.
You will solve difficult problems. And you will sharpen your technical skills. We believe that learning goes beyond the classroom. Our award-winning Formula Student autonomous team, one of the UK’s finest, provides students with the opportunity to learn through a fun, educational competition. Student-led societies – such as Computing, Gaming and Women in Computing – are a great place to learn and make friends.
We are a community that values teamwork. We enjoy seeing our students thrive and we love inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our innovation hub, the IceCube, is supported by the Royal Society. It provides a space for students to grow their ideas.
Whatever your aims are, we will help you to reach them.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
• Information Systems (15 credits)
• Problem Solving and Programming (30 credits)
• Object Oriented Programming (15 credits)
• DevOps (15 credits)
• Basic Communications and PC Networking, MCEL4001 (15 credits)
This is a foundational module designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of communication networks and their application in a real-world context. This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of computer networking, focusing on layered network models, and the design, connection, configuration, and testing of computer networks that involve PCs, switches, and routers. Hands-on laboratory experiments will allow you to implement and validate network designs using a range of analytical and simulation tools, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Upon successful completion of this module, you will have a firm grasp of the principles that underpin communication networks. This module is an engaging introduction into the world of communications and PC networking and a first step towards becoming a proficient network designer and operator.
• Foundations of Computer Systems (15 credits)
• Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
Year 2
Compulsory modules
• Databases (15 credits)
• Foundations of Computation (15 credits)
• Software Development with C and C++ (15 credits)
• Web Application Development (15 credits)
• Innovative Product Development (Double) (30 credits)
• Data Structures (15 credits)
In this module you will delve deeper into the world of programming, expanding your expertise and confidence in various key areas. This module is designed to enhance your programming skills to the point where you can confidently utilise recursion, perform effective testing, and manipulate essential data structures like graphs and trees. Through engaging with these concepts, you will acquire valuable knowledge and practical skills that will empower you in the field of computer science.
By the end of this module, you will be able to create and anticipate the behaviour of programs that employ data structures such as graphs and trees. You will develop the ability to devise comprehensive test plans for programs, ensuring their effectiveness and reliability. Furthermore, you will be capable of creating and comprehending programs that leverage recursion, a powerful technique for solving complex problems.
• Foundations of Security (15 credits)
Business Intelligence Programming, COMP5007
Delve into the realm of Business Intelligence Programming and uncover the foundations of Business Analytics. Explore a wide range of methods, tools, and techniques that enable the development of applications for complex decision making. This module utilises a dynamic online learning approach to deliver engaging and comprehensive content. Throughout this module, you will gain a deep understanding of data, information, and knowledge within the organisational context. Develop the skills to create strategic decision-making plans by harnessing an organisation's valuable information assets. Design, implement, test, debug, and review applications that facilitate decision making based on diverse and fragmented information.
By the end of this module, you will possess the expertise to apply Business Intelligence Programming techniques and tools, enabling you to make informed decisions based on complex data sets.
Year 3 (placement year)
Optional modules
• Independent Study Level 5 (15 credits)
Optional Work Placement Year
A supervised work placement in the computer industry for 12 months between Year 2 and your final year. You will be taught about how to apply for jobs effectively in a second year module and we have a placements office with dedicated staff to provide information and advice to help you secure a placement. A placement benefits their final-year studies and career prospects. Possible placement organisations include IBM, Microsoft and PepsiCo. On returning to university for your final year, the experience you have gained invariably improves your academic performance. In addition, we have an excellent record of students gaining full-time employment on graduation, often with their industrial placement company or organisation.
Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)
Compulsory modules
• BSc Computing Project (30 credits)
Embark on an individually supervised project to delve into a chosen problem, conducting an extended study in your specialised area of study. This project will challenge you to solve a practical problem, showcasing your breadth and depth of knowledge. Throughout this module, you will showcase your project management skills by creating, designing, planning, and carrying out a project that addresses a practical problem within a social and economic context, while considering factors like risk. Applying your practical and analytical skills, you will investigate a substantial topic and employ the scientific method to report your findings using accepted formalisms. You will also demonstrate proficiency in utilising appropriate technologies and trustworthy information sources, such as the ACM Digital Library, to locate and critically evaluate both technical and non-specialist information relevant to your project.
• Software Engineering (15 credits)
• Cloud Computing and Internet of Things (15 credits)
Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge realms of Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). You’ll gain a critical understanding of recent trends and developments, empowering you to design, construct, and evaluate innovative Cloud Computing solutions. Additionally, you’ll delve into the Internet of Things, unlocking insights into its latest advancements and programming frameworks. Furthermore, explore the management of distributed data, privacy, and security considerations.
On successful completion of this module, you will possess the expertise to critically analyse, design, and evaluate Cloud Computing and IoT solutions. You’ll also develop team working skills by collaborating effectively within groups, applying your knowledge and skills to practical scenarios.
• Artificial Intelligence Project (Hons) (15 credits)
Advanced Object Oriented Programming Project
This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced object-oriented programming (OOP) principles and practices. It focuses on developing the skills required to design and implement high-quality, robust, and scalable software systems using OOP concepts. With a focus on real-world applications, students will be equipped with the tools and techniques needed to excel in a wide range of software development roles.
By completing this module, students will have a strong understanding of advanced object-oriented programming concepts, including how to create high-quality, scalable, and maintainable code.
• Principles of Secure Operating Systems (15 credits)
Optional modules
• Communicating and Teaching Computer Science (15 credits)
This module offers a valuable opportunity to develop marketable and transferable skills in effectively communicating their knowledge of the subject within a challenging educational setting. Throughout the module, you will enhance their understanding of their own expertise in computer science by articulating core ideas and concepts to others. Emphasis will be placed on addressing individual needs and employing appropriate presentation methods for different target audiences.
This module will focus on developing communication, collaboration, organisation, reliability, self-management, initiative, creativity, and critical evaluation skills. You will demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, organise and manage your responsibilities, show initiative and creativity, identify educational needs, and engage in self-analysis and reflection.
• Independent Study level 6 (15 credits)
• Machine Learning (15 credits)
• Game Development (Hons) (15 credits)
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 112
A Level: BBC
IB Points: 30
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Further offer details
We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics at grade 4/C minimum and English Language at grade 4/C minimum normally required
If you don't know about Computing already our first year modules will quickly get you up to speed. Any previous experience you have might help you to get started more comfortably but even if you think you know a lot about computing already there will still be many new things for you to learn.
Having an A-level or BTEC Level 3 qualification in a computing-related subject will not exempt you from any taking any first-year modules, because we want to make sure that we give you a quality introduction to all of the relevant topics.
If you don't have the right qualifications to apply for a place on one of our degree courses, we may be able to consider you for our Computing Foundation course. This course, which lasts one year, is an excellent preparation for any of our computing degree courses.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment
All your modules will include continuous assessment. If they include written examinations, these are worth 30%, 50% or 70% of the module.
Career Opportunities
Oxford Brookes Computer Science graduates enjoy great success in the workplace. On average, computer science graduates earn £29,000 per year within 6 months of graduating, according to Unistats. You will be rewarded for your practical and technical skills.
Previous students have gone on to work in different industries, and for many different employers. Companies include:
 Microsoft
 BP
 the NHS
 UK Atomic Energy Authority.
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