Computer Science BSc (Hons)

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Study the fundamentals of Computer Science including artificial intelligence (AI), coding, DevOps, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and cybersecurity. Challenge your creativity and technical skills with a series of exciting, hands-on practical projects.

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Overview

This interesting and challenging course combines hands-on development with the theories behind how and why computers work as they do.

You'll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of tools and technologies, becoming adept in software development and configuration, and learn industry-relevant languages (e.g. Javascript, C#, Python, SQL) and various methodologies for professional development. You'll work alongside other students and academics (who are experts in their field) in the David Goldman Technology Centre, and have access to various specialist computer science labs.

Topics you'll study include: software development, database systems, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), DevOps, emerging technologies, robotics, industry projects, and cybersecurity. We provide professional-level developer software and advanced hardware through accreditations with Cisco and other major companies. We also have excellent links with industry and provide all BSc (Hons) Computer Science students the opportunity to study for additional industry certifications.

Why us?

Our Computer Science courses are 11th in the UK for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
You'll have access to state-of-the-art equipment so you can apply your skills in an industry-standard setting

Our Computer Science and Information Systems courses are 7th in the UK for feedback satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
Available as a 4-year sandwich course with a full year spent on placement

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions. You will be encouraged to develop independent study skills as well as work with other students on group projects.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also ongoing opportunities for feedback and consolidating your learning.

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Programming and Software Development (30 credits)

This module is a practical introduction to game development, perfect for beginners, with no prior programming experience needed. You'll explore the full game creation process, from understanding the roles involved to designing engaging gameplay using core concepts like mechanics and dynamics. Through hands-on workshops, you’ll work with professional game engines, create simple visual assets, and learn the basics of programming logic and scripting to bring your ideas to life. You'll learn how to identify and fix common issues, ensuring a smooth, bug-free experience for users. Designed with employability in mind, this module gives you direct experience with the tools and processes used in the gaming industry, preparing you for future careers in game development, interactive media, and beyond.

Computer Systems and Networks (30 credits)

Ever wondered how your computer handles complex tasks in just milliseconds? In this module, you'll dive into the core systems that power modern computing, from how processors execute instructions to how networks keep the world connected. You’ll explore how computers “think,” communicate, and operate efficiently behind the scenes. You’ll learn how CPUs and memory systems work together and how computers understand and process information. Through hands-on experience with industry standard tools and technologies, you’ll develop both the technical understanding and practical skills needed to design, manage, and optimise modern computing environments, preparing you for a broad range of careers in tech.

Full Stack Web Development (30 credits)

This module will introduce you to full-stack web development, teaching you how to create dynamic, responsive, and data driven web applications from start to finish. You'll begin with the foundations of great web interfaces, focusing on user experience, accessibility, and responsive design. You'll learn how to structure web pages using semantic HTML and style them using modern CSS techniques like Flexbox, Grid, animations, and transitions. As you progress, you'll add interactivity with JavaScript and connect to external data using APIs. On the server side, you’ll work with scripting languages like PHP to process user input, manage sessions, and interact with databases such as MariaDB. You’ll also explore modern front-end frameworks like React, learning component-based architecture, state management, and API integration. Finally, you’ll cover deployment strategies to take your applications live in a professional environment.

Cybersecurity (30 credits)

This module offers an introduction to cybersecurity, giving you the practical skills needed to keep information safe in today’s digital world. You'll explore how core concepts like authentication, cryptography, and malware defence work together to secure systems, and you'll examine the legal and ethical responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals, including data protection and regulatory compliance. Through practical training, you'll develop skills in Linux, secure coding, debugging, and digital forensics, gaining experience with tools used in the industry. The module also introduces you to how cybersecurity underpins careers like ethical hacking, security analysis, and forensic investigation.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Optional: Industrial Placement (120 credits)

Spend 48 weeks on placement working within the industry. Refine, plan, schedule and produce an individual project based on your experience. Critically reflect on the skills and experience gained as part of your placement.

Industrial Project (30 credits)

How do development teams turn client needs into real world tech solutions? In this hands-on module, you’ll work directly with external clients to design and develop an innovative product that meets real industry requirements. Through entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, you’ll pitch ideas, build prototypes, and deliver solutions that add genuine value. You’ll learn how to analyse client briefs, design effective responses, and apply engineering approaches to prototype development. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your ability to work in teams, communicate complex technical ideas to different audiences, and reflect on your progress using professional development models. By the end of the module, you’ll have practical experience solving real challenges and the confidence to collaborate with stakeholders across a range of industries.

Systems Design and Development (30 credits)

This module takes you inside the world of professional software development through the lens of object oriented programming (OOP). You’ll learn how to break down complex problems using core OOP principles like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, and apply them to build clean, reusable code. You'll also explore how design patterns, data structures, and algorithms improve software performance. You’ll also discover why version control, testing, documentation, and collaborative practices are essential for developing robust, large scale applications. By the end, you'll have the skills to design, develop, and document functional software that meets professional industry standards.

Database Systems and Data Analytics (30 credits)

This module equips you to design, develop, and manage database systems within organisations. You’ll learn the fundamentals of relational database theory, analysis, design, and management. You’ll develop databases using SQL, including advanced features like stored procedures, functions, cursors, and triggers. You’ll also explore ways to enhance database performance and protect data against cybersecurity threats such as SQL injection. The module introduces advanced topics relevant to Big Data and Data Science, preparing you for further study in data technologies. You’ll gain hands-on experience with non-relational databases like MongoDB and Neo4J, and learn data analytics techniques using tools like SQL OLAP and PowerBI to analyse and visualise data. By working with industry leading systems such as PostgreSQL and MongoDB, you’ll apply these fundamentals to design, develop, and analyse database systems for real world applications.

Artificial Intelligence (30 credits)

Have you ever wondered how AI systems make decisions or how machine learning models solve complex problems? In this module, you’ll explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and learn how to design, implement, and evaluate AI solutions for real world challenges. You’ll study intelligent search algorithms that efficiently navigate problem spaces and use industry standard tools like CRISP for data mining and model evaluation. You’ll dive into machine learning concepts, including supervised and unsupervised techniques such as classification, clustering, and regression. Hands-on experience with algorithms like linear regression, K-Means, support vector machines, and neural networks will deepen your understanding. The module also covers important ethical considerations, including bias, fairness, privacy, and societal impacts of AI.

Final year (national level 6):

Computing Project (30 credits)

The Computing Project is your chance to showcase everything you’ve learned by developing a substantial piece of independent work. Whether you want to design a system, build an application, or run technical experiments, this module brings together your technical and research skills into one final project. You can propose your own idea, collaborate with an industry partner, or work alongside an academic supervisor to explore a specialist area of interest. The project ends with the creation of a working artefact and a professional report outlining your outcomes.

Enterprise Software Engineering (30 credits)

Ready to build better software and understand what makes it work? This module takes you deep into the world of advanced software engineering, focusing on how professional applications are designed, built, and maintained. You’ll explore how development methodologies influence project delivery, and how architectural patterns make systems scalable, secure, and easy to maintain. From dynamic web and mobile applications to progressive web apps, you’ll learn how to integrate tools and technologies to build real world enterprise systems. The module also covers secure coding practices, project management, and testing strategies to ensure software is reliable and high quality.

Deep Learning (30 credits)

Ever wondered how AI powers image recognition, voice assistants, or even generates art? This module dives into the fascinating world of deep learning, one of the most powerful branches of artificial intelligence. You’ll learn how to design, train, and evaluate neural networks using industry standard tools and frameworks, gaining the skills to build models that recognise patterns, make predictions, and solve real world problems. Through experimentation, you’ll explore how different model architectures and training techniques impact performance. You'll also tackle the ethical and practical challenges of applying deep learning responsibly in areas like healthcare, automation, and creative industries. By the end of the module, you’ll have both the technical expertise and the critical insight needed to apply deep learning confidently in professional and research environments.

Robotics (30 credits)

Have you ever wondered how robots move, sense, and make decisions in the world around us? This module introduces you to the growing role of robotics across industries, from automated manufacturing and exploration to smart devices and assisted living. Through workshops and interactive seminars, you’ll learn how to design and build robotic systems that can navigate and respond to their environment by combining control, sensing, and decision making. Using industry standard tools, you’ll test your ideas in both simulated and real world settings. As you progress, you’ll explore key challenges shaping robotics’ future, including teamwork between robots, safe human-robot interaction, and autonomous decision making. Discussions will also cover important ethical, safety, and socioeconomic considerations in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.

Facilities

This course is based at the David Goldman Technology Centre, a high-tech computing environment with strong links to software companies and a constant exchange of ideas and people.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement	GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+)

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

The overall grade for the T Level must be a pass with a core grade C or above in a Science related subject.

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

£9,535 if you are from the UK*/Europe
£16,500 if you are an international student

*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Read more about EU fees and funding in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Three computer science students sitting together in the David Goldman Technology Centre, laughing at something that is off camera

Career ready

This course has a strong emphasis on real-world learning and problem-solving that boosts your employability and equips you with the transferable skills needed to make an impactful contribution to the workplace.

Career options

In your final year of the course, you will undertake a major individual project with research-active staff. This adds to your hands-on experience and, in some cases, leads to a job offer that can be taken up as soon as the course ends.

Our graduates have gone on to become web programmers, IT managers, information analysts and software developers. Employers that have taken on our graduates include Sage, British Airways and the NHS. Other graduates have started their own businesses or become software contractors earning over £50,000 a year.

Meet the students

I love attending my classes and we cover areas I'm already interested in.

Lauren Waters
The academic staff helped guide me through to secure an internship and a future job.

Zoe Etim

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Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 17 October 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.