Course page example - Computer Science - Course page guidance

Why study Computer Science at Derby?

Spend the first year learning the fundamentals of computer science and finding out where your passions and talents lie
Benefit from the flexibility of having the option to transfer to another course in our Computing portfolio after your first year
Learn from our expert academic staff who are acknowledged as leading scientists in their field
Work on real projects
Placement year opportunity - previous placements have been at Microsoft, IBM, Intel and BT
You won’t have any written exams as all assessment is through coursework

Become a skilled graduate

Software is everywhere, running everything from our desktop computers and mobile phones to home appliances, games consoles, cars, planes and industrial machinery. On this course, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of current issues in Computing and Mathematics. You will study applied computer science with a strong emphasis on practical programming skills using cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories.

A student working with the network cabinet

A student working at a computer in the lab

Industry connections

The University is renowned for the strength of its contacts with employers. Our course has been designed in close collaboration with industrial practitioners, technologists, specialists and professional bodies.

We collaborate with local and international industries on a wide range of challenging projects including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, CERN, Bloc Digital, Alstom, Bentley Motors and JCB.

Undertaking a placement year will give you substantial experience to understand the possible careers open to you. Plus you’ll build your confidence and improve success and progression in jobs or in starting a business.

Specialist facilities

You’ll get to use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. Facilities include:

Computer Labs - home to a full suite of specialist hardware facilities and software access
XR (cross-reality) Lab - a dedicated space for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects
CAVE Lab provides data visualisation hardware containing a 270-degree 3D projection set-up
Makerspace where you can turn your ideas into a prototype

Flexibility

You'll cover the fundamentals of computing in your first year where you'll gain an essential foundation of knowledge. At the end of this year, you’ll have the option to transfer to any one of the following courses:

BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
BSc (Hons) Information Technology
BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (subject to Mathematics prerequisites)

In your second year, you’ll study specialist modules specifically for your chosen degree, with your final year offering further options to tailor your studies to an area of your interest.

Computer Science student interview

Interview with final year Computer Science student, Sam Voltolini

Computer Science student stories

Celine's game-changing placement year

Celine's placement year led to new skills, an invitation to address a major London conference and to write a chapter in a book on cyber security. And a job.

Working with scientists at the Met Office

What started as a fascination with technology as a child later led Samuel to work alongside scientists at the Met Office.

A special month learning in Thailand

Robert headed to Thailand for a month under the Turing Scheme to expand his scientific and mathematic knowledge and conduct research.

What you will study

Back to Module List

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Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Entry requirements

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	120
A Level	BBB
T Level	Merit
BTEC	DDM
GCSE	GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HE	Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
English language requirements	IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

2025/26

	Full-time	Part-time
UK	£9,535 per year	N/A
International	£16,900 per year	N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

International students

Find your agent

Apply through UCAS Apply directly to the University

Additional information about your studies

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)

Information Technology BSc (Hons)

Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science BSc (Hons)

Computer Science