

UCAS code
G400 (BSc), I100 (MEng)Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placement, 5 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
Develop technology that will define the future.
On this Computer Science degree, you'll build a solid foundation of core computer science concepts – everything from program design, data structures and algorithms, networking and operating systems to cyber security.
Further strengthen your knowledge on an optional placement, following past students who've gained industry insight at global organisations like IBM and BAE Systems.
BSc or MEng?
The 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) and 4-year integrated Master's degree (MEng) share many of the same modules in years 1–3.
The MEng allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with an extra year of undergraduate study, which can further enhance your career prospects. In the final year of your MEng, you'll study advanced topics and complete an interdisciplinary project to get practical experience in the field.
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
- Specialise in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, robotics, data mining, cryptography and the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Take part in fast-paced hackathons and visit companies with specialist computer science departments
- Learn from experts researching artificial intelligence that could save lives and winning awards for prototype software to predict a Covid-19 diagnosis

Accreditation
BSc
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT), fulfilling academic requirement for CITP, and partially meeting academic requirement for CEng
MEng
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT), fully meeting the educational requirement for CITP and CEng.
Entry requirements
Bsc (Hons) entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112–128 points, including an A Level in a relevant subject, or equivalent (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.
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
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development, T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Digital Business Services, T Level in Digital Support and Services, T Level in Science, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 29–30
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
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.
MEng entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–ABB
- UCAS points – 128–136 points to include a minimum of 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from Mathematics, plus one other relevant subject (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit–Distinction
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 30-31
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.
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–ABB
- UCAS points – 128-136 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from Mathematics, plus one other relevant subject (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit - Distinction
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development, T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Digital Business Services, T Level in Digital Support and Services, T Level in Science, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 30–31
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
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.

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.

System Administration and Networking Suite
Design and develop large-scale network deployments on 200 specialist dual-boot (Linux and Windows) PCs that can handle network simulation experiments.

Device Loans Library
Test and display your projects on the latest devices, including smartphones, smart watches, Raspberry Pi's, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Arduino boards and even lightbulbs.
Careers and opportunities
More than 40,000 'open' roles advertised in Auguest 2022 asked for related computer science skills and qualifications.
The skills you get on this Computer Science course will set you up for a career implementing the latest computer science concepts in innovative global companies. You'll also be suited to a career in academic or industrial research.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for 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
You could also become a qualified teacher by taking the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) pathway – you'll save an extra year of study and get a £9,000 bursary.

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.

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."
Placement year opportunities
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 or set up your own business, giving you the change 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:
- mobile developer/cross platform developer (Flutter)
- project management intern (mobile apps)
- DevOps
- software developer
- junior software tester
Potential destinations
They've worked at exciting companies, including:
- ONS
- IBM
- BAE Systems
- Pepsico
- Industrial Light and Magic

Sam's placement experience took him to pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly
"My placement transformed my final year... Seeing the work and the world that I could be a part of was pretty motivational. I knew that coming to Portsmouth University would change the way that I work with things. But I didn’t think it would make as massive a difference as it did."
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
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify the logical concepts underpinning the design of computer systems
- Demonstrate the application of practical digital circuit design and optimisation techniques
- Define the fundamental developments and functions of the CPU and OS (operating system)
- Apply mathematical skills that support the technical aspects of computing at basic and advanced levels
What you'll do
You'll learn a brief history of computing, as you discuss its sub-disciplines and its current trends and advances.
What you'll do
You'll look at the lifecycle of systems development to learn how to analyse a business-need, collect requirements, and design a relational database. You'll implement your design using industry standard software.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Use structured analysis techniques to identify the requirements of an information system
- Demonstrate the fundamental principles of database design and development
- Identify legal, ethical and professional issues associated with information systems
- Identify which database technology to use when making decisions on storing non-traditional data
What you'll do
You'll work in practical lab sessions on current and past technologies, using Windows and Linux platforms.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Recognise and use computer systems network terminology
- Define the fundamental principles of computer networking topologies, security and professional standards
- Describe the 7-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and discuss its application
- Examine the fundamental requirements of systems management and security
- Develop an awareness of the importance of ethics and communication law to the practice of journalism
- Identify network security and the impact of network vulnerabilities
What you'll do
You'll learn about practical programming techniques using the Python and Java programming languages.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Design, implement and test algorithms to solve problems using appropriate data types and control structures
- Design, implement and test object-oriented programs based on a specification
- Describe and analyse fundamental programming concepts and techniques
Core modules
What you'll do
You'll also analyse and use these structures as you design efficient algorithms. To choose this unit, you need to have taken a first year programming module, and be confident in elementary mathematics.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Construct and use fundamental data structures to solve problems
- Demonstrate the practical effects of different data structures and typical algorithms
- Review and analyse the practical effects of using different data structures in the design of algorithms
What you'll do
To study this module, you'll need to take at least one of the Computer Architectures and Operating Systems, Programming or Application Programming modules in your first year.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Interpret and apply mathematical notation for problems in computing science
- Apply proof techniques and logic in order to prove the correctness of solutions to mathematics problems
- Apply graph algorithms to solve practical problems
- Design, write and test programs using a functional programming language
What you'll do
You'll look at the implementation of operating systems, microprocessor architectures, routing, mobility, and security protocols. To study this module, you need to take the Architectures and Operating Systems, Networks, and Programming modules in year one.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate a multi-tasking and multi-user operating system
- Demonstrate the role of concurrency and communication in modern operating systems and processors
- Analyse the operation of advanced computer architectures and high performance processors
- Examine the principles, limitations and applications of current computer networks
- Apply the principles of error control, quality of service and security to networks
- Develop and interpret simple codes in a system-level programming language
What you'll do
You'll then explore the design and implementation of programming language concepts including language evaluation, syntax specification, compilation, control structures, memory allocation and abstraction mechanisms.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Design, implement and test programs making use of appropriate architectures, data structures, linked lists and design patterns
- Construct event based software applications with graphical user interfaces
- Explain the components of different programming languages and critically compare their design
- Define formally the syntax of language constructs and describe the operation of the phases of program compilation
What you'll do
You'll develop and document a medium sized software system as part of a project team. You'll also explore aspects of software development such as planning, requirements engineering, collaborative coding and testing, as well as best practice and application in specific industries.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Articulate the problems of scale in the development of larger software systems
- Review the diversity of 'difficult' software scenarios and their special problems
- Apply technical and process solutions to the problems of particular 'straightforward' software developments
- Discuss software development in a thoughtful, investigative, and well-argued manner
Optional modules
What you'll do
You'll explore virtual reality (VR), 3D web authoring, 3D printing and prototyping, 3D visualisation and simulation, and creation of movies and video games.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explain the key concepts, processes, principles and issues of 3D computer graphics
- Appraise and use modelling and animation methods and tools
What you'll do
You'll explore data mining of unstructured data, business needs for analytic insights and scale-out architectures/platforms to perform analytics queries on large datasets. To study this module, you'll need to take the Programming module in year 1.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of main scale-out and Big Data system architectures.
- Analyse operating systems issues related to Big Data
- Design, implement and run algorithms to deal with large structured or unstructured datasets
- Apply the methods and algorithms for dealing with data streams
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate how data can be effectively presented for a range of different needs.
- Identify how data can be analysed and used for informed decision making.
- Demonstrate use of appropriate tools for presentation of data in a way that supports decision making.
- Demonstrate how to communicate clearly and effectively in a range of situations.
- Identify tools and technologies that can be applied to data presentation and visualisation.
What you'll do
You'll focus on known classes of vulnerabilities and will cover standard pen-testing techniques such as scanning, intelligence gathering, local/network enumeration, local privilege escalation, persistence and domain privilege escalation.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate tools and techniques for intelligence gathering and enumeration, and for enumerating data/command injection vulnerabilities
- Propose recommendations for securing a system
What you'll learn
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
What you'll do
To study this module, you need to take a mathematics module and demonstrate your understanding of data representation (such as hexadecimal and binary.).
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Synthesise a secure computer system
- Evaluate common cryptographic techniques
- Analyse a cryptographic system, identify vectors for attack, and determine mechanisms for closing vulnerabilities
What you'll do
You'll spend five to six days with students in local schools from key stage 2 to sixth form, beginning your initial teacher training (ITT) award. To study this option, you'll need to demonstrate your commitment and suitability for school work, and pass a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate the skills required to work in an unfamiliar environment
- Explain the key aspects of teaching computing in schools, including knowledge of the National Curriculum, appropriate teaching techniques, and computing related topics
- Devise and evaluate appropriate ways to communicate a difficult principle or concept
- Reflect on your learning and experience during your time in school
What you'll do
You'll also cover the integration of client and server programs with API-based services, such as database access.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify industry best practices in web application design
- Design a contemporary web application using industry best practices
- Evaluate the design and implementation of web applications
Core modules
What you'll do
To study this module, you need to take the Operating Systems and Internetworking module in year 2, or show an understanding of communication networking environments from a hardware and software perspective.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate current and emerging issues in the research and development of distributed systems
- Develop a conceptual model for evaluating distributed systems and their constituent components, encompassing new and emerging technologies, within distributed systems
- Apply and evaluate authentication and access control techniques for distributed systems
- Analyse the impact of attacks upon distributed systems.
What you'll do
You'll analyse relevant issues and literature, propose solutions to your problem, and investigate through lab or field based activities, case studies, surveys, documentary or database research to produce a final report.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Employ best practice methods and approaches to manage a large-scale project
- Identify and summarise the problem to be solved and put it in context
- Identify legal, ethical, social and professional issues relevant to your project and take necessary action(s) to address these issues
- Conduct a formal literature search, identifying, analysing, comparing and contrasting sources and writing an evaluative review
- Design, implement and test a substantial relevant artefact (or several smaller artefacts)
- Critically evaluate your work against its objectives, reflecting and generalising on the learning achieved in your written report
What you'll do
You'll learn about language theory, automata and sorting problems. To choose this module, you'll need to study the Discrete Mathematics and Functional Programming module in year 2, or show your understanding of basic algebra, set theory, logarithms and the structure of mathematical proof.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse different computation models
- Demonstrate practical skills in the design of automata
- Explain the concept of computability
- Solve and analyse computation complexity of algorithms for practical problems
Optional modules
What you'll do
You'll work in a group to research and review selected protocols and techniques or design a solution to an advanced networking problem. To study this module, you'll need to take the Fundamentals of Networks module in year one, and Operating Systems and Internetworking in year two.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate the needs and requirements for wireless network technologies
- Identify the limits and applications of current networks and examine alternative technologies
- Apply the principles of security, error controls, modulations, and impairments of communication principles to the network technology
- Evaluate, assess and simulate the different techniques that shape the emergence of new network technologies
- Analyse, simulate and evaluate current network configurations and technologies, identify issues and provide solutions
What you'll do
You'll examine the philosophy of AI, how knowledge is represented, and various AI approaches to solving problems.
You'll need competence in at least one programming language and familiarity with basic mathematics.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explain the motivation for pursuing Artificial intelligence, the implications and associated philosophical issues such as the nature of intelligence and learning
- Assess the differences between the major kinds of machine learning approaches (supervised learning, unsupervised learning and reinforcement learning) and describe and implement the founding principles for solving such problems
- Describe the main principles of Neural Networks, Fuzzy logic and Genetic Algorithms
- Understand, design, implement and critically evaluate the application of AI approaches
What you'll do
You'll apply analytic methods to business performance factors, and learn how to operate and query a data warehouse.
Part of your study will be in the Bloomberg Suite available at the Portsmouth Business School, where you'll work with the same data, analytics and software used by financial professionals to make fast-paced investment, trading and financial decisions.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the different types of financial data, reports and business decision making process
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of data warehouse core concepts by modeling and querying a data warehouse
- Select and apply suitable forecasting and analytics techniques for a given business analysis task
- Understand and identify shadow data, trends and outliers within a dataset
- Use basic data visualisation techniques to summarise and present financial data and insights
What you'll do
You'll be part of a interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial student team that receives a unique problem from a sponsor, drawn from areas such as policy, economics, technology, national security, environment or logistics. Using a range of 'Lean Start-up' methodological tools and techniques, you'll understand the problem and propose a potential solution for your sponsor.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a sophisticated and empirically-grounded understanding of challenges facing large organisations
- Engage critically with a range of methodological tools and approaches commonly deployed to address real-world challenges
- Understand the practical dynamics underpinning team-based approaches to addressing challenges
What you'll do
You'll explore the tech industry landscape, looking at how you might fit into it, and how it affects business, government and society. You'll also look at entrepreneurial activities and employability strategies to support your early career.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Appreciate the effects of new technologies on businesses, government and society
- Use critical and analytic skills to assess the use of new technologies by organisations
- Think strategically about job search and early career development, with an informed understanding of the current tech industry landscape
- Appreciate of the approaches and actions required for enterprise
What you'll do
You'll also study the computer vision technology that's essential for developing vision systems in artificial intelligence applications for autonomous vehicles, mobile robots, visual surveillance and welfare monitoring.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Appraise the principles and methods of 3D computer graphics and their current implementations
- Analyse and solve computer vision problems using essential computer vision methods
- Apply 3D graphics methods, web programming languages and APIs to real world problems
- Use and evaluate appropriate computer vision methods and tools
What you'll do
You'll examine the fundamental IoT design issues, and the current and emerging hardware and software technologies that are used to support a range of IoT applications.
To study this module, you need to take the Introduction to Programming module in year one, or show Java programming knowledge and a basic understanding of communication networking environments, from both a hardware and a software perspective.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate the design and development of technologies on different layers, for typical IoT systems
- Evaluate the current and emerging issues in the research and development of IoT that cover current architectures, technologies, applications and trends
- Develop effective applications or protocols to exploit commercially available sensors and actuators in an IoT architecture
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically evaluate the need for security in communication and internetworks and in the context of evolving ethical/legal constraints
- Appraise the security threats in communication and internetworks
- Critically assess the ever-changing threat to IT, communication and internetwork systems in the development of a dynamic company security policy
- Critically evaluate methods for providing IT, communication and internetwork systems security
- Critically evaluate methods for IT, communication and internetwork systems audit
What you'll do
You'll explore theoretical and practical aspects of computational intelligence and robotics, such as kinematics, sensing, motion control and human-robot interaction. To study this module, you need to take the Introduction to Programming module in year one, or show programming experience and knowledge of fundamental mathematics.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Appraise the principles and methods of robot sensing and motion control
- Analyse different approaches and techniques in the robot sensing and control algorithms and systems
- Apply computational intelligent algorithms to real robotic systems
- Implement and develop practical programming skills for robot decision-making, robot motion control and human-robot interaction and collaboration in modern robotic systems
What you'll do
To study this module, you need to take a mathematics module and demonstrate your understanding of data representation (such as hexadecimal and binary.).
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Synthesise a secure computer system
- Evaluate common cryptographic techniques
- Analyse a cryptographic system, identify vectors for attack, and determine mechanisms for closing vulnerabilities
Core modules
What you'll do
You'll look at classification, mapping and optimisation problems, as well as prediction, control and decision problems.
Your studies will cover concepts such as explainable AI for advanced decision support, machine learning and machine reasoning under uncertainty with unreliable/noisy data or costly evaluations, active/transfer learning, data augmentation for supervised learning, reflection/rotation/translation of images and active machine learning. The module covers also concepts such as Deep Neural Networks, Reinforcement Learning, Adversarial Networks/Generative Systems, Approximate Reasoning, Logical Inference, Expert Systems, Rule Based Systems/Networks and Fuzzy Systems/Networks.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Appraise AI-based methods and algorithms in the context of the issues posed by particular problems
- Select appropriate AI-based methods and algorithms to address specific problem requirements
- Critically analyse and evaluate AI-based systems using machine learning and reasoning solutions
- Design and implement AI-based systems using machine learning and reasoning techniques
What you'll do
You'll apply appropriate technical knowledge and skills and demonstrate accomplishment in a wide range of appropriate soft skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, progress reporting, communication skills, division of responsibilities, giving presentations and managing risks.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Work effectively both as an individual and as part of a team developing software for an external client
- Assess and develop existing knowledge from a range of areas and apply it to solving a problem
- Plan and manage a significant project to meet stated technical and business objectives
- Deliver an oral presentation to a client
- Critically appraise and reflect upon the management, delivery and outcome of a project
What you'll do
You'll focus on the application side and how data mining, as a tool, could be used in different applications.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of current advanced methods and techniques in data and text analytics
- Design and implement data mining based applications to solve real-world problems
- Critically analyse and evaluate the performance of different data mining techniques for text analysis and analyse and interpret the data mining results
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate the applicability of current parallel processor architectures and their associated programming environments to significant classes of computational tasks
- Analyse computational problems to expose exploitable parallelism, and estimate or measure the performance improvements that can be achieved through this parallelism
- Develop effective parallel programs to exploit commercially important parallel architectures
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explain at an appropriate level mathematical methods of scientific computation
- Implement algorithms to simulate and visualize selected physical and biological systems and analyse scientific data
- Adapt scientific algorithms to exploit high performance and parallel computation platforms
- Assess and evaluate existing software platforms for kinds of scientific computing discussed in the module
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 use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
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 13 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 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
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 – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 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 – £20,200 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.
You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.
Tuition fees for that year are:
- 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)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – G400 (BSc) or I100 (BEng)
- 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.
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – G400 (BSc) or I100 (BEng)
- 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.