BSc (Hons) Computing

• 96 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
• Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) and computing-related subjects are preferred.
• You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
• We'll be happy to consider your application if you don't meet the standard entry requirements but have non-traditional qualifications and/or relevant experience. You'll need to achieve a minimum mark in a diagnostic mathematics test and attend an interview.
• You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
• If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
• If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, please consider our BSc (Hons) Computing with foundation year course.

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.

With computing technologies playing a greater role in all aspects of modern life, our graduates find their skills in high demand across a wide range of industries.

The University of Bolton's BSc (Hons) Computing degree combines theoretical study and practical projects. You can learn subject-specific skills such as programming, systems, databases, computer platforms, website production and networking. This degree also supports you to develop soft skills such as communication, leadership and organisation, all of which are highly sought after by employers.

What can I do with this qualification?

Computing skills are essential in today's world. Computing is a global activity, and our graduates are employable anywhere in the world. Some of the main areas that 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 in telecommunications, aerospace and defence, financial services, retail, healthcare, manufacturing and the public and third sectors.

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

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

Alternative career options

Graduates can 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. Some possibilities include:

• Digital copywriting
• IT sales
• IT training
• Teaching
• Research and development
• Network engineering
• Product management
• Technical writing
• Social media management
• Cyber security
• Information systems management
• Games development

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2023-2024 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.

For 2023-2024 entry, the maximum government approved undergraduate tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year. The University is able to charge this fee subject to an approved Access and Participation Plan for 2023-2024 and its current rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Bursaries

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

Lectures introduce the core course content, while practical laboratory sessions give you practical experience and help consolidate your learning. Tutorials allow you to ask specific questions and discuss topics and techniques you've covered in lectures and laboratory sessions. Case studies and practical scenarios will enable you to apply theory to practice and enjoy real-world insights into computing in commercial environments.

Small class sizes mean we get closer to you as an individual and better understand and support your learning preferences and ambitions.

Assessment-wise, 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.

This programme adopts a blended learning and teaching style, including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.

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
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Cloud Technologies
• Advanced Databases and Big Data
• Advanced Operating Systems
• Introduction to AI
• Research and Professional Issues
• Undergraduate Project
• Natural Language Processing
• Information Security Management
• Operations Management
• Applied Machine Learning
• Software Quality Management
• Emerging Technologies

Assessment methods

Learning activities

Disclaimer

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.