Gain a solid foundation in the core areas of computer science, including programming, algorithms, data structures and software development.


Gain the skills needed to write software for a diverse range of industries
Develop complex software and systems using analytical and mathematical approaches
Understand the fundamental principles behind the software that powers our world

You’ll develop a deep understanding of practical computation, including key concepts in the machine learning domain. You'll become a programmer who understands and can build upon the fundamental principles behind the software that underpins modern society across a variety of platforms and domains using different programming languages.

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to add to your CV and prepares you for your future career.

Students from this course have worked with companies such as

• IBM
• Eli Lilly,
• PlusNet
• 3Squared
• NHS
• Twinkl
• Bluetree Group

Students have the opportunity to practice development skills while on placement, from web development to mobile applications to backend software and desktop solutions.

You are supported by placement tutors and a placement team through the process of successfully getting a placement and then while on placement.

Live projects

One of the main highlights in year two is working as part of a team to design and develop an application for a real-life client from industry. These projects will challenge you to solve real-world problems, while developing team-working and project management skills. By working with real companies, you can test your interpersonal, time management and technical skills.

Students have worked on live projects with industrial collaborators such as Next, XLN, Elanco and Elaros (Digital Health). These projects have involved the use of augmented reality and 3D technologies, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies, cloud services and mobile development. Students have often found placements as a result of being recognised for the excellent work they have done for these live projects with the host company.

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 the frequent involvement of employers and IT professionals alongside the live projects we provide. Networking provides opportunities to learn about the latest developments in Computer Science.

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.

During your first year you will be introduced to programming and the principles of mathematics before moving on to algorithm design and software engineering. You will be assigned an academic member of staff as a personal tutor who will give you guidance and support on academic issues. 

One of the main themes of this course is problem solving and you’ll achieve this fundamental skill via industry-inspired projects. As part of these projects, you’ll work alongside industry to produce software prototypes using industry-standard software. This will give you an opportunity to work with others in small teams, helping to prepare you for the world of work after you graduate.

During your second and final year you’ll have the opportunity to choose elective modules, allowing you to tailor the degree to suit your interests.

During your final year, you will then complete a project in an area of Computer Science of your choice.

The combination of learning methods across the course allows you to develop a range of skills through problem-solving activities, applied learning and teamwork, providing a practical approach to learning and encouraging self-development. 

You learn through

• lectures
• practical lab sessions and tutorials
• regular feedback
• teamwork and group-based learning
• applied learning
• independent study

This course prepares you for a career in

• computer-science related research and development
• software development and engineering
• mobile app development
• web application development
• artificial intelligence

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as

• Elanco
• Unisys
• Razor
• AND Digital
• Next
• DB Cargo (UK)
• Sainsburys Tech
• Sky
• Thales

 

UCAS points

• 112

This must include at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:

• BBC at A Level.
• DMM 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 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 18 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.

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.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

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
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 2 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	40	Coursework

 

Year 3 Compulsory 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