Bachelor of Science (Hons)

Computer Science with Foundation Year

If you are looking to make an impression in the fast-paced IT world, studying a degree that provides you with a strong foundation in computing and an in-depth specialised knowledge in computer science this is a great place to start.

Software is an essential part in controlling computers, it can be a creative way to develop solutions to communication, financial, business, entertainment and healthcare problems. Working in the computing industry developing software is an exciting career that challenges you to use both analytical and creative skills and be at the forefront of the latest technological advances.

Why study this subject?

Buckinghamshier New University often asked what the difference is between their popular Software Engineering degree and their Computer Science degree? While they share many of the same key modules, computer science deals with the science behind the interaction between hardware and software systems and computational applications, with a strong emphasizes on computation theory and a wide range of subjects including coding, algorithms, machine learning, database management, and information security.

If you love the idea of creating valuable new applications and software, then BNU's BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree is perfect for you. Across the world businesses and organisations rely on complex computer-based systems, and there is an ever-increasing demand for people with the skills to update, maintain and enhance the software. It is essential for qualified professionals to be available to keep national and international economies running. This programme has been carefully designed by their industry expert academics and professional bodies to provide you with the skills and abilities needed to thrive in the fast-moving software industry.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to gain a broader understanding and expertise in a range of areas, heading you towards the specialised fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, or graphics from management, costing to project delivery. Gaining a solid grounding in these skills are crucial in ensuring that you graduate as a well-rounded and efficient computer scientist with the ability to approach projects in the most insightful and productive way.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Buckinghamshire New University is invested in you and your future. They work hard to ensure that their courses are designed with you and industry in mind, so that you can graduate confident that you can make competitive job applications post-university. They know that the industry is constantly changing and rapidly evolving, which is why they are committed to implementing new and improved technologies in their topics, teaching and facilities.

BNU is a student focused and employer led university which means that you are at the forefront of all that they do. They provide you with a thorough understanding in both computer science and software engineering to ensure you graduate ready for employment or further post-graduate study. Recent graduates of the latter have gone into industry roles like, software development, web design, information systems management and games development.

BNU's programme is a part of their strong Computing school, this means that they are a team of expert lecturers who have vast experience of working in their respective fields. This exciting course allows you to explore the diversity of modern computer science and software engineering, gaining the integral skills required for today’s industry workplace. They do not just teach in the classroom; you will increase your knowledge through involvement on real-life projects and gain hands-on experience of working either individually or in a software development team.

What facilities can you use?

BNU has invested in their facilities to ensure that you can learn on industry standard systems and software, meaning that you can make an easy transition from education into employment. Quite simply they are committed to making sure thry provide you with the best learning experience possible.

BNU make sure that they keep the University’s computing facilities well maintained and equipped. They have a range of large labs; some being enhanced with Cyber and A.I. specific facilities. Furthermore, many of these rooms are filled with dual-screen, dual boot (Windows and Linux) systems. Latest industry standard software is also included on devices to allow you to develop your skills to what is needed in the workplace.

Labs have been custom built to provide the best spaces to nurture the specific skills needed for game and internet development. These allow you to build your skills within key areas of future employment.

Hands-on experience is what they are all about. They have numerous devices that will provide the basis for various supervised projects you will carry out across the programme. These include but are not limited to Virtual Reality headsets, 3D printers, Raspberry Pi microcomputers, EEG headsets.

What will you study?

During this course you will acquire a broad range of skills covering computation theory, fundamentals of computer science, compliers and operating systems, basic programming, software development and testing, web applications and databases, algorithms and data structures, whilst building secure web and mobile applications, alongside analysing life-critical systems.

Typically, as either an individual or working on team-based software project; exploiting an agile development approach. You’ll learn how to develop highly dependable and reliable systems, within an object-oriented design approach, using a range of Industry standard approaches, such as UML. In addition, you will gain an understanding of the process involved in managing the development of large-scale software projects. Furthermore, specialist modules allow you to further explore the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Media Programming, Real-time Systems, Cloud Computing and Security.

Not only will you be learning vital information, you will be learning from innovative, forward-thinking and highly motivated expert lecturers. BNU's lecturers have close industrial links and all work together to ensure that you have the best possible enriched and stimulating learning environment. To further enhance your education, we invite in guest lectures to share their experience and expertise and host day-long interactive events run by leaders in their field giving you the chance to put your knowledge into action.

From your first day and onwards, you are with them, you will be studying topics ranging from, Computer Architecture, Discrete Mathematics, User Experience (UX) and Data Science.

As you begin to think about life after university and look for employment after graduation BNU is here to help.They encourage their students to make the most of opportunities that are available during their course, such as guest lectures and internships as these can provide invaluable industry experience and contacts. They also have a brilliant and dedicated Careers and Employment team at BNU who are always on hand to support with application, interview and presentation skills.

How will you be taught and assessed?

At Buckinghamshire New University they like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style where we have a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, seminars and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.

We like to design our course to reflect the workplace so you will have the opportunity to carry out independent study, supported through distance learning technologies such as Blackboard, our Virtual Learning Environment. We will also provide reading lists and suggested resources to enhance independent study.

You are more than a number at BNU, and they are here to support you through your education journey. They have in place regular contact hours with our tutors and provide you with informal feedback throughout the programme of study.

Over the years of your course you will be assessed and graded in a multitude of ways to allow you to develop and expand on your abilities and skills. Assessments for the various modules will mostly take the form of practical coursework, lab test and written exams. However, the focus being on testing the practical application of the various concepts and techniques being conveyed.

What are your career prospects?

Throughout your time with BNU they’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. They will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. BNU also help you find employment after graduation. 

BNU is very proud of their reputation for delivering industry standard courses and the success their graduates achieve after leaving the University. This course will provide a first-rate springboard, for your career opportunities to evolve over time. As the role of computer science is becoming increasingly prolific, this hands-on, highly vocational course provides you with the skills to pursue a career in a variety of sectors, including, commercial, environmental, government, health, education and defence.

Graduates of the degree programme can continue their studies at postgraduate level, or further enhance their employability by obtaining Microsoft Certification™.

There is an increasing demand for qualified specialists in computer science and software engineering, meaning that you can expect to graduate with a variety of rewarding career options ahead of you. With the diverse nature of computer science, you can seek out a range of job roles from:

• Programmer
• Data Scientist
• Software Developer/Software Engineer
• System Analyst
• Software Product Manager
• Computer Scientist
• IT System Manager
• Cyber Security Consultant
• Machine Learning Engineer.