UCAS code
GG46Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023Accredited
Yes
Overview
Millions of people rely on sophisticated technology every day. From mobile apps that track our spending and wearable devices that measure our fitness goals, to networks like the internet and cloud computing that connect our families and workplaces. Learn to harness computing and make your mark on the lives of millions.
On this BSc (Hons) Computing degree, you’ll learn how to turn your interest in computing into a career. You’ll develop skills across fundamental areas, such as software engineering, databases, web development, user interface design and network management.
You'll be able to use these skills, and those you choose to specialise in, to build a career as a computing professional in any number of fast-paced industries, including finance, construction, transport, technology, health and government.
The University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality in computer science and informatics
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Course highlights
- Tailor your degree to match your career ambitions and interests, with optional modules such as 3D animation, ethical hacking, the Internet of Things and cryptography
- Get the chance to attend workplace trips, pop-up lectures and hack days where you'll collaborate on projects with other students and solve challenging problems
- Benefit from our Student Union clubs and societies, such as the IT Society, AI and Robotics Club and Gaming Society
- Apply your skills to real issues through our work with charities and organisations such as Code Club, which places students in afterschool clubs to help 9-13-year-olds with their Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python projects
I chose to study at Portsmouth for its modern facilities and high-quality teaching. It was clear to see there was a really positive learning environment and that was very important to me. The staff also make you feel very welcome and are there to support you all the way through your programme.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT), fully meeting the educational requirement for CITP and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112–128 points, from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including an A level in a relevant subject (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
You may need to have studied specific subjects – 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.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Usability Laboratory
Test your applications with eye-tracking equipment and find out if your subject is looking where you'd expect them to look when interacting with your product.
High Performance Computing Laboratory
Our most powerful hardware for working with big data. Fitted with a Hadoop Cluster with 12 nodes, 144 virtual cores and 384GB RAM for completing process heavy tasks.
3D Vision Laboratory
The 3D Vision Lab is the School of Computing’s newest development, hosting various virtual reality headsets, including Oculus Rift, a room-scale implementation of the HTC Vive and a 3D scanner.
SAP Next Generation Lab
SAP is the world's leading cloud-based business software, used by 171 million users in 180 countries. You'll get practical experience with SAP business resource planning software and equipment, in areas including customer resource management (CRM), business analytics, financial planning and intelligent technologies.
Cisco Networking Laboratory
Use our bespoke network laboratory with in-lab and remote access to over 200 routers and switches in a data-centre environment. The lab also has specialist dual-boot (Linux and Windows) PCs and a private cloud, for implementing and testing virtualised computing and network infrastructures.
SCIAMA Supercomputer
Use a supercomputer that can simulate vast regions of the Universe, investigate the properties of hundreds of millions of galaxies and has been used to run complex cosmological experiments and simulations, including supermassive black hole simulations.
Study Computing at the University of Portsmouth
Shikun Zhou shows you round the Cisco networking lab.
This is one of the flagship labs in the whole university.
All of our course team work with students for more than 20 years. We have all sorts of experience that you need.
The university constantly puts lots of investment to upgrade all the state of the art Cisco devices. You can touch them, you can configure them, you can learn how it works.
On top of that this course is also a member of Cisco Network Academy, as well as a VMware I.T. Academy. So we give you the chance of pursuing an excellent degree as well as professional certificates, plus we do have our very own cloud service. You will learn everything about the cloud and then you will build your own cloud with us.
We will open the door for you and we will hopefully welcome you very soon.
Careers and opportunities
The skills you learn on this course are in line with what employers are looking for, and make it likely that you'll graduate into a market where your computing skills are highly sought after – in April 2021, more than 40,000 'open' job roles asked for related computer science skills and qualifications.
If you want to push the limits of where computing can go, you could continue your studies to MSc or PhD level, specialising in areas such as health informatics, forensic IT and networking.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
- BAE Systems
- Fujitsu
- Barclays
- Metricell
- Macquarie
What jobs you can do with a computing degree?
Our graduates now work in roles including:
- cognitive global market developer
- field application engineer
- IT business analyst
- network performance developer
- software developer
Interested in becoming a Computer Science teacher?
You can combine your computing studies with teacher training and school teaching placements by taking the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) pathway. If successful, you'll save an extra year of study, get a £9,000 bursary in your final year of study and get Qualified Teacher Status with your BSc Computing degree.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Computing graduate, Ahsana, now works for multinational investment bank J.P. Morgan Chase & Co
Outside of work, Ahsana runs a successful beauty and tech blog which has received global attention, and also spends time working towards greater technology visibility across the south coast by running community events. Ahsana is also a strong advocate for women in STEM.
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
Potential roles
Previous students have been successful in roles such as:
- system engineer
- software developer
- support analyst
Potential destinations
They've worked at exciting companies, including:
- Clevertouch
- Pear Technology
- NATS
Melwyn won the Alumni Entrepreneurial Award in 2021 for his innovative business ideas
"During my degree, I was amazed how all the technologies in the world gradually became part of our daily life now. This is what I found most challenging in entrepreneurship; making innovation and technology available to solve daily life problems."
What you'll study
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Architecture and Operating Systems – 20 credits
- Core Computing Concepts – 20 credits
- Database Systems Development – 20 credits
- Networks – 20 credits
- Programming – 40 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Business Information Systems Security – 20 credits
- Database Principles – 20 credits
- Operating Systems and Internetworking – 20 credits
- Software Engineering Theory and Practice – 20 credits
- User Experience Design and Implementation – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- 3D Computer Graphics and Animation – 20 credits
- Big Data – 20 credits
- Computing Undergraduate Ambassador – 20 credits
- Data Analytics and Visualisation – 20 credits
- Ethical Hacking – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
- Web Programming – 20 credits
On this course, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Advanced Networks – 20 credits
- Individual Project (Engineering) – 40 credits
- Usability Testing – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Advanced Database Concepts – 20 credits
- Advanced Systems Analysis – 20 credits
- Artificial Intelligence – 20 credits
- Business Analytics – 20 credits
- Computer Science Teaching Placement – 40 credits
- Graphics and Computer Vision – 20 credits
- Information Systems Management – 20 credits
- Internet of Things – 20 credits
- IT and Internetworking Security – 20 credits
- Practical Data Analytics and Mining – 20 credits
- Project Management – 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.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- digital laboratory work
- project work
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- multiple choice tests
- essays and portfolio work
- written exams
- mini projects
- presentations
- case studies
- blogs
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.
Supporting your learning
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 also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
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.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International (non-EU) students – £19,200 per year (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.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
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 show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
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.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – GG46
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also 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.