BSc (Hons) Computer Science at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science is a three-year degree, extendable to four with an optional placement or study abroad year. It builds a foundation in core computer science theory and its real-world applications, covering programming, data, web technology and digital systems. Optional modules allow specialisation in areas such as AI, computer games and security.

Department: School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering | Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Team Project Challenge, Mathematics for Computing, Introduction to Programming, Object-Oriented Programming, Introduction to Databases, Web Development, Data Structures and Algorithms I and Fundamentals of Digital Systems. Year 2 includes Software Engineering, Application Programming and Data Structures and Algorithms II, followed by optional modules and an Individual Capstone Project Challenge in the final year.

Career pathways

Graduates pursue careers in IT (computer and information research, network architecture, database administration, security analysis), healthcare information and technology, business and finance (financial and data analysis, risk management, web development), energy and computer games.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, plus 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects; the Maths requirement can be met with 2 in Standard level Maths, 2 in Higher level Maths or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. Essex accepts A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points; acceptability of some non-A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): GCSE Mathematics C/4 plus 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or a specified score in an equivalent accepted test; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS requirement. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 26,325 a year. International tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year)

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