Computer Science
Entry requirements
Personal Statement:
In your statement you need to tell us:
- why do you want to study Computer Science?
- how are your current or recent studies relevant?
- which aspects of Computer Science particularly interest you?
- how do you see a degree in Computer Science helping you with your long-term goals in life?
A Levels
Typical Offer: AAA - A*AB
- in exceptional circumstances we may make a slightly lower offer (typically AAB)
Essential:
- Grade A in A level Mathematics. BSc (Hons) Computer Information Systems is the natural choice for those whose profile does not include Mathematics or who expect their best results in other subjects.
- General Studies is excluded.
- GCSE or equivalent: grade C in English Language.
Desirable:
- We particularly value evidence of logical and analytical thinking, such as A levels in science subjects and the Decision Maths stream within Mathematics A Level.
- We are delighted to receive applications from students who have studied Computer Science (sometimes called "Computing" by exam boards) at A Level. A lower offer may be made to these students.
Access to HE Diploma
We welcome applications from students studying Access to HE Diplomas in Science, Engineering or Computing. Each application will be considered on its merits and applicants may also be invited to attend an interview. A good level of mathematical ability is necessary to succeed on the Computer Science course and therefore we will bear this in mind when considering your application.
If we are consider you to be a strong applicant but we are unsure about your current level of maths, we may make you an offer for a place on the Computer Information Systems course (which is less maths-dependent). You will then be offered the opportunity to sit a maths competency test at the start of the academic year (past tests will be available to you for familiarising yourself with the content, level and style of this test). A good achievement on this test would allow you to switch back on to the Computer Science course at this point.
Typical offer (for those considered to have a suitable level of mathematical competency): Pass the Access to HE Diploma, with at least 39 credits achieved from units awarded at Merit or Distinction, including at least 36 credits awarded at Distinction. We will specify some units in which we require Distinctions, which will typically be mathematical units. Applicants must also achieve GCSE equivalence in English, if an equivalent qualification has not already been achieved.
BTEC
Typical Offer: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Essential:
- Grade A in GCSE Mathematics (if not offered at AS or A2 level).
- Grade C in GCSE English Language or equivalent
Desirable
- AS/A2 Mathematics
BTEC Level 3 Diplomas and Subsidiary Diplomas are welcome when offered in combination with A Levels.
Cambridge Pre-U
Typical Offer: D3, D3, D3 or D2, D3, M2
Essential:
- Must include a minimum of D3 in mathematics.
Diplomas
Advanced Diploma in IT or Advanced Diploma in Engineering: grade A
Extended Project: grade A
Additional and specialist learning must include A level Mathematics at grade A
European Baccalaureate
Typical Offer: 80% overall, 80% in Mathematics is required for all programmes except for BSc Computer Information Systems.
International Baccalaureate
Typical Offer: 36 points. 6 in Higher level Mathematics (or 7 in Standard level Mathematics) is required for all programmes except for BSc Computer Information Systems.
International Students
We accept a wide range of non-UK qualifications as entry either to our Foundation Year or directly on to the first year of our undergraduate programmes. For further information please visit our International Office web page.
English Language Qualifications:
We normally require all applicants whose first language is not English to provide evidence of English language proficiency and we may ask you to take an English language test.
The minimum requirement for Computer Science programmes is: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in all components. Applicants should submit their results by 31st July. For a list of other English language qualifications we accept please go to the English Language Entry Requirements web page.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Typical Offer: AAAABB at Higher level which must include Mathematics at grade A.
Scottish Highers
Typical Offer: AAAAB at Higher level to include AA at Advanced Higher level which must include Mathematics. The remaining AAB Highers to be in 3 other subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
We welcome applicants offering the Welsh Baccalaureate. In some circumstances we may make you an alternative offer of either AAA or AAB plus the Welsh Baccalaureate Core. Please see the A level entry for subject combination details.
