Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £13,995 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
Course summary
- Study your foundation year, then progress to a degree with industry accreditation from the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
- Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
- Learn the skills you need to write the software of tomorrow.
- Develop complex software and systems using analytical and mathematical approaches.
- Understand the fundamental principles behind the software that powers our world.
Computer science provides a deep understanding of practical applications of computation in areas ranging from programming language design to everyday software systems. This course is aimed at anyone who wants to become a programmer, understands and can build on the fundamental principles behind the software that underpins modern society.
How you learn
The course is suitable if you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) Computer Science course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree.
The combination of learning methods across the course allow you to develop a range of skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementations and teamwork, allowing you to take an active approach to learning and encouraging self-development.
You learn through
In the foundation year, you'll build on your existing knowledge and experience, developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You'll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you'll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.
- hands-on tutorials
- workshops
- discussions
- self-study
Course leaders and tutors
Matthew Love
Principal Lecturer & Quality LeadMy own skills have developed in line with the changes in technologies, from microprocessor programming, though team building of software, multimedia technologies, sy … Read more
Applied learning
Work placements
You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.
You are supported by placement tutors and a college placement team through the process of successfully getting a placement and then while on placement. Although a placement year is not mandatory, the department has a strong track record in finding placements.
Live projects
The course includes a professional project which challenges you to solve real world problems, possibly with an external client, while developing team and project management skills.
Networking opportunities
Employers and industry practitioners are an influential part of the design, content and teaching of the course. The employability focus of the course is supported by frequent involvement of employers and IT professionals.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
Previous graduates of BSc (Honours) Computer Science have gone on to work for
- computer-science related research and development
- software development and engineering
- mobile app development
- web development
- IBMClock DigitalPlusNetServelec GroupNext
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of online lessons and face-to-face teaching with access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You are introduced to the major programming languages, including
- C/C+/li>
- Java
- JavaScript
- C#
- SQL
In the foundation year, you’ll build on your existing knowledge and experience — developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You’ll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you’ll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:
- CDD at A Level.
- MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade B or 5
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.
Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.
UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Computing Projects | Credits: 120 |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Databases And The Web | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Programming For Computer Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Software Projects | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Algorithms And Data Structures 2 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Database Systems For Software Applications | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Fundamentals Of Programming Languages | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Group Software Development Project | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Object-Oriented Programming For Computer Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Software Engineering: Concepts And Methods | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Year 4
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Case Studies In Software Design | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Concurrent And Parallel Systems | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Functional Programming | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Project (Technical Computing) | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applications: Architectures And Frameworks | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Computer Graphics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Effective C++ Programming | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foreign Language | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Mobile Applications | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Programming "Things" | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2021/22 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2021/22 is £13,995 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Computing courses (PDF)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
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