BSc Computer Science (G400)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

BSc Computer Science provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of computer science combined with opportunities to specialise in a range of advanced areas. We constantly review our curriculum to ensure it remains at the leading edge.

Core ideas are introduced in years one and two. You will learn the principles of algorithms and programming, covering three key paradigms: imperative, functional and object-oriented.

You will also study the mathematics and statistics underpinning modern computer science; how a modern computer architecture is organised; concurrent and networked computing; and the foundations of human-computer interaction, cybersecurity and theoretical and data-driven computer science.

A key component of year two is the software team project in which you work with others to develop an application for a real-world client with help from an industrial mentor.

In your final year, you will choose from a range of optional units in order to specialise in selected advanced areas of computer science. You will also undertake an individual project, co-created with a supervising member of staff, with opportunities to work with industrial or research partners.

Accreditations

Our Computer Science BSc is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (BCS, BCS) so as a a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*AA including A* in Mathematics
D*DD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent), or any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants taking Engineering BTEC may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level Mathematics.

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
88% overall, with 9.0 in Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AA including Mathematics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, and A in A-level Mathematics. Or Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction in Mathematics (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry), and achieving the required level in the University of Bristol mathematics test.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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More about UK qualifications.