Develop sound theoretical and practical abilities in software design, development and experimentation, to become an innovative computing professional.
This course will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to apply valid computer science methods to new and emerging computing problems. These abilities are highly valued by employers.
You’ll gain a solid foundation in computer science with rigorous theory and practical experience. The course combines software systems design, software development, interaction design, artificial intelligence, computational mathematics, computer graphics and vision.
In the first year, you’ll learn the basics of computer science, including mathematics and programming skills, followed by more advanced and specialised units in the second and final years. In the second year, you will complete a group project with other students to design and build an interactive application. In the final year, you will choose optional units alongside an individual project that combines your interests in a specific area of computer science. You’ll regularly meet with an academic who specialises in your chosen field.
There are lots of reasons to study computer science at Bath. Read our top 5.
As a student here you'll have lots of opportunities to get involved in societies and events such as hackathons, coding competitions and conferences.
You’ll learn from active researchers with expertise in important areas of computer science, including artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, mathematical foundations and visual computing. Their international collaborations and research activities feed into undergraduate teaching and contribute to your learning experience.
You’ll have access to purpose-built teaching labs, including a dedicated prototyping lab, allowing you to create and experiment with software-driven systems and devices. Complex, data-intensive processes can be analysed over high-speed networks with our High-Performance Computing facility ‘Balena’. You’ll have the opportunity to access our specialist labs 24/7.
You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor to provide help and advice throughout your studies. 94% of computer science students agreed they had been able to contact staff when they needed to (National Student Survey 2017).
We're ranked 1st for graduate prospects for computer science in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.
We currently work with around 200 companies and recent graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers including as Product Manager at Atos, Cyber Security Analyst at Selex ES, Software Tester at Fujitsu and Software Developer at Imagination Technologies.
You’ll also be well suited to roles in business, education and administration. Many of our graduates choose to go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.
This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2018 and ends in 2022. Induction week starts on 24 September 2018.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units these allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. Sixty credits are the equivalent of 1200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.
You can choose from a number of optional units in year 4. Here are some examples of the units currently being studied by our students.
Broaden your horizons with a year studying at a university abroad. You’ll experience another culture while studying a course that complements your studies at Bath.
We have links with universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, currently including Binghamton University, University of Nebraska, University of Canterbury, TU Vienna and National University Singapore.
This average assessment breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Your specific unit choices will determine the actual breakdown of assessment methods that you will experience.
% written exam
% practical exam
% coursework
| Year | Written Exam | Practical Exam | Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 61% | 0% | 39% |
| Year 2 | 60% | 10% | 30% |
| Year 3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Year 4 | 53% | 4% | 43% |
This average contact time breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Scheduled learning and teaching may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Your optional unit choices will determine your actual personal contact hours.
% time in scheduled learning and teaching
% time in independent study
% time in placement/year abroad
| Year | Scheduled | Independent | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 31% | 69% | 0% |
| Year 2 | 30% | 70% | 0% |
| Year 3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Year 4 | 21% | 79% | 0% |
By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.
“The lecturers really want to make you the best computer scientist that you can be.”
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying your chosen degree. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, hobbies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. When describing your experiences you should reflect on what you have learnt from them, how they have influenced your development or how they are relevant to your future studies.
You will need a strong performance in Mathematics as part of your entry qualifications. We prefer applicants who have previously studied Computing, however, you do not need to have done so to be suitable for this course.
If you are taking A levels, we may be unable to consider an A level in your own language (unless it is English or Welsh). We do not accept A levels in General Studies. If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.
Select the country where your qualification comes from.
Including A in Mathematics
Preference for applicants with evidence of logical and analytical thinking, such as A levels in Computer Science or other science subjects or the decision mathematics stream within Mathematics A Level.
A level General Studies will not be considered. We may be unable consider an A level in your own language (unless it is English or Welsh).
Including grade A in Mathematics plus one of the following:
Students presenting with one of the above project qualifications should receive both the typical offer and the alternative.
36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics.
We have a strong preference for applicants who offer Mathematics at Higher Level, however, we may be able to consider you if you are studying Mathematics at Standard Level. Our offer in this instance would be 7 in the relevant Standard Level in addition to our typical offer.
Typical offer:
Pass the Access to HE Diploma, with at least 36 credits achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or above. This must include 12 credits from Mathematics units achieved at Distinction.
Our Computer Science courses are academically challenging and require solid foundations of knowledge in Mathematics. We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science, Engineering or Computing, and we are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics to be able to succeed on our course. You will need to have studied Mathematics units worth at least 12 credits.
Typical offers: DDD in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF)/ BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF)/ BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in AS level Mathematics.
We prefer the above qualifications in Computing but we are also able to consider the above qualifications in IT, alongside an A level or AS level in Mathematics. We prefer you to have studied some of the following units: Data Modelling, Software Testing, Object-oriented programming, Systems Analysis and Design. Your offer will be based on the type and level of qualifications that you are taking.
In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider students without an AS or A level in Mathematics: you must have achieved a grade A in GCSE Mathematics, have a strong academic record, and provide evidence of ongoing engagement with mathematics as a part of your post-16 academic profile. In such cases, you may be invited to an interview as part of the application process if your application looks suitable.
See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.
Typical offer:
D3, D3, D3 or D2, D3, M1 including D3 in Mathematics.
Alternative offer:
D3, D3, M1 including D3 in Mathematics plus one of the following:
Students presenting with one of the above project qualifications should receive both the typical offer and the alternative.
Typically, we would be looking for you to have studied units worth at least 120 credits, including at least 30 credits at Level 2 in Mathematics. We would ideally be looking for you to be taking units including:
This information is a guide and all students applying with Open University Credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.
Typical offer:
Pass units worth 120 credits, including a minimum of a Pass 2 with 75% in a relevant Level 2 Mathematics unit worth at least 30 credits.
Please note that taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans/grants for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.
Typical offer:
AA in Advanced Highers including Mathematics plus AAAAB in Scottish Highers.
Your application will be considered individually based on the particular combination of qualifications and subjects that you are taking.
We can consider combinations of accepted qualifications, such as A levels and a BTEC.
We can also consider combinations that are not listed and that do not include A levels. You should read the information about essential and preferred subjects and subject combinations. We cannot consider different qualifications in the same subject area.
GCSE English grade C or 4 (or equivalent from category B).
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
H1, H1, H2, H2, H3, H3 in 6 Irish Leaving Certificates with H1 in Mathematics.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
5*5 in 2 elective subjects plus 5* in core Mathematics and 5 in the Algebra and Calculus extended paper.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
15 overall with 15 in Mathematics.
14 overall with 15 in Mathematics.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
82% overall with 8.5 in Mathematics (5 periods).
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
Average of 80% across 4 subjects with 85% in Mathematics.
We do not accept Physical Education as one of these 4 subjects.
These requirements are for the CBSE, HSSC and ISC boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
A score of 9 overall with 9 in Mathematics.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
1.4 overall with 13 in Mathematics in your final examinations.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
AAA in 3 H2 level subjects including Mathematics.
3.4 overall with a minimum B+ in Calculus or Mathematics.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
CGPA of 80% with 85% in Calculus or Mathematics from the final year.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
19 in the Apolytirion plus AA in two A levels including Mathematics.
We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels. We do not accept Pan Hellenic examinations in place of an A level.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
19 in the Apolytirion plus AA in two A levels including Mathematics.
We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
5, 5, 5 in 3 APs including Calculus BC.
We cannot consider Calculus AB as one of these 3 subjects.
You will also need to pass your High School Diploma and achieve an ACT score of 30 or SATR scores of 720 in both Mathematics and Evidence based Reading and Writing.
We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusSee the most recent fees for undergraduate courses.
Placement fees vary
You will normally pay a reduced tuition fee while on a placement period or studying abroad. Find out more about placement fees and study abroad fees.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansYou could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsYou can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsYou will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of text books.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, and you are not also studying A level Mathematics, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process so we can better assess your studies and experiences.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Apply for this course through UCAS.
Apply Now
