BSc Computer Science (G400)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

Over the course of your degree, you will explore in-depth topics such as high-performance computing, machine learning, cryptography, artificial intelligence, algorithms and human factors: all taught by leading experts, passionate about shaping the future of technology.

Designed with industry input, our courses will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to launch a successful career. You will also get the chance to work with industrial mentors and potentially enhance your portfolio with internships throughout your degree.

You will contribute to cutting-edge research, working closely with academics on projects and internships the best of which may influence international research as peer-reviewed academic publications.

You'll learn in an environment that supports both collaborative and independent study, with access to dedicated Windows, Linux, and GPU labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology. You will also benefit from our Maker Space, a creative hub for hands-on projects in digital fabrication, electronics, and product design.

Accreditations

Our Computer Science BSc is accredited by BCS and BCS.

Course structure

In your initial study years, you will learn the key principles of algorithms and a variety of diverse programming paradigms. You will study mathematics and statistics that underpin modern computer science, how a modern computer architecture is organised, concurrent and networked computing, the foundations of human-computer interaction, tools for software development, and theoretical and data-driven computer science.

A core part of your second year is a software development project, where you will work in a team to satisfy a real-life business or organisational need; an experience that mirrors life in industry and greatly enhances your employability.

In your final year, you will choose from a wide variety of optional units to customise your degree and develop expertise in a range of advanced topics. You will also undertake an individual project, co-created with a supervising member of staff, shaping you as an expert in a specific area of computer science.

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
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, we require at least 12 Level 3 graded Maths credits at Distinction which must cover Algebra, Calculus and Trigonometry. (We may ask for Distinctions in particular units or combinations of units to satisfy subject requirements), 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 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or 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.