Computer Science BSc (Hons)
Solve complex and challenging problems using data, program design and systems knowledge on this BSc Computer Science at our London campus. Prepare for a career in computer science.
Key information
UCAS code:
G399
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Solve complex and challenging problems using data, program design and systems knowledge on this BSc Computer Science.
You’ll explore themes of computation, automation and information in our new London campus.
Your studies include the practical application of your knowledge in computer science careers, with built-in training in the communication and leadership skills you’ll need to get others on board with your smart solutions.
Your new home at UoP London
Get a feel for our purpose-built UoP London campus in the heart of lively Waltham Forest, the capital's first Borough of Culture.
Come along to an Open Day
Want to experience UoP London for yourself? Come along to an Open Day to engage with our passionate academics, chat with current students and explore our brand new campus building.
Course highlights
- Turn your curiosity and passion into an understanding of computational concepts – and build the skills to apply them in professional environments
- Take up a part time computer science role alongside your studies
- Study in our purpose-built London campus, using technology-enhanced classrooms to get the most out of your computer science learning
The University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality in computer science and informatics
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Contact information
Clearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Discover how Clearing works
Clearing 2024 opens on 5 July and closes on 21 October
Every year thousands of students find their ideal undergraduate course through Clearing. Clearing matches students who are looking for a different course or university from their original choice, or who are applying for the very first time after 30 June, to courses that universities still have places on.
The majority of people apply through Clearing once they receive their exam results on A level / T level results day (15 August 2024).
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
Yes, we welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results in August 2024, so as an international student if you already have your exam results you can apply when Clearing opens.
Make sure that you have time to get your visa, funding, and English language certification sorted out before the beginning of term.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
London is a key city in UK computer science jobs; it’s a UK home to giants like Apple and Google, and to start-ups like Revolut and Deliveroo.
On this computer science course, you’ll be learning the concepts and approaches that such innovative companies build their successes on, both on the technical side and their business application.
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills demanded by the global tech sector. We can also support you in finding relevant part-time work during your studies with us.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Graduate destinations
Graduates of the Portsmouth campus computer science degree have taken up jobs with companies such as:
- BAE Systems
- Aviva
- Capita
- NHS
- Penningtons Manches Cooper
- Honeywell / Trend Controls
- MASS
- DQ Global
- Servicenow
What jobs can you do with a computer science degree?
Roles you could go onto include:
- applications engineer
- data analyst
- systems analyst and developer
- information security analyst
- artificial intelligence and machine learning engineer
- research and development (R&D) scientist
Computer Science graduate, Ben Spring, launches cyber security platform with over 600,000 global users
"We wanted to make the users’ learning journey as accessible as possible and felt that 'gamification'... was really important to make the platform more engaging and effective."
Modules
- Core Computing Concepts – 20 credits
- Database Systems Development – 20 credits
- Networks – 20 credits
- Programming – 40 credits
- Architecture and Operating Systems – 20 credits
- Software Engineering Theory And Practice – 20 credits
- Programming Applications And Programming Languages – 20 credits
- Data Structures And Algorithms – 20 credits
- Operating Systems And Internetworking – 20 credits
- Discrete Mathematics And Functional Programming – 20 credits
- Ethical Hacking – 20 credits
- Individual Project (Engineering) – 40 credits
- Theoretical Computer Science – 20 credits
- Artificial Intelligence – 20 credits
- Distributed Systems And Security – 20 credits
- Digital Enterprise And Innovation – 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
I chose to study computer science at Portsmouth because the University is well known for its high teaching standards, modern facilities and diverse culture. Applying as an international student, I was confident settling in would be pretty easy.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- tutorials
- laboratory work
- project work
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- multiple choice tests
- in-class exercises
- written exams
- mini projects
- presentations
- written reports
- review articles
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We're planning for most of your learning to be supported by timetabled face-to-face teaching with some elements of online provision.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops for about 10-12 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. Optional field trips may involve evening and weekend teaching or events. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll get the following types of support via video, phone and face-to-face from our London campus support team to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed:
- academic writing (such as essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
You'll also have access to a personal tutor to support you in your studies.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 (subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 (including Transition Scholarship – subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 (subject to annual increase)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 (subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 (including Transition Scholarship – subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Waltham Forest.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2024/25, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – G399 (BSc)
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application forms:
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2025/26, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – G399 (BSc)
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application forms:
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.