Gain a degree in computer science, with an initial foundation year to prepare for the course.
Study your foundation year, then progress to a degree with industry accreditation from the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
Learn the skills you need to write the software of tomorrow.
Develop complex software and systems using analytical and mathematical approaches.
Understand the fundamental principles behind the software that powers our world.
Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

Computer science provides a deep understanding of practical applications of computation in areas ranging from programming language design to everyday software systems. This course is aimed at anyone who wants to become a programmer, understands and can build on the fundamental principles behind the software that underpins modern society.

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.

You are supported by placement tutors and a college placement team through the process of successfully getting a placement and then while on placement. Although a placement year is not mandatory, the department has a strong track record in finding placements.

Live projects

The course includes a professional project which challenges you to solve real-world problems, possibly with an external client, while developing team and project management skills.

Networking opportunities

Employers and industry practitioners are an influential part of the design, content and teaching of the course. The employability focus of the course is supported by frequent involvement of employers and IT professionals.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course is suitable if you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) Computer Science course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

The combination of learning methods across the course allow you to develop a range of skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementations and teamwork, allowing you to take an active approach to learning and encouraging self-development.

In the foundation year, you'll build on your existing knowledge and experience, developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You'll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you'll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.

You learn through

• hands-on tutorials
• workshops
• discussions
• self-study

This course prepares you for a career in

Previous graduates of BSc (Honours) Computer Science have gone on to work for

• computer-science related research and development
• software development and engineering
• mobile app development
• web development
• IBMClock DigitalPlusNetServelec GroupNext

 

UCAS points

• 80

This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:

• CDD at A Level.
• MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
• Maths at grade B or 5

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.

UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Foundations In Computing 1	40	Coursework
Foundations In Computing 2	40	Coursework
Maths For Foundation Computing	20	Practical
Study Skills For Computing Students	20	Coursework

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Databases And The Web	20	Coursework
Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures	20	Coursework
Programming For Computer Science	20	Coursework
Software Projects	60	Coursework

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Programming	20	Coursework
Algorithms And Data Structures	40	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 1	20	Coursework
Game Development	20	Coursework
Handling Data In The Cloud	20	Coursework
Mobile Applications Development	20	Coursework
Professional Software Projects	40	Coursework
Study Abroad - Computing And Digital Technologies	60	Coursework

 

Year 4 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Development Project	40	Coursework Practical
Software Architecture And Design	40	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 2	20	Coursework
Contemporary Software Engineering	20	Coursework
Functional Programming	20	Coursework
Machine Learning Algorithms And Heuristics	20	Coursework
Robotics	20	Coursework
Secure Software Engineering	20	Coursework