Computer Science BSc (Hons)
Subject to validation.
Course start date 2025.
Length:
3 years
Institution Code:
N39
Study new systems, methodologies, and ways of thinking to solve real-world problems with our Computer Science BSc.
Do you enjoy programming? Do you want to know how to talk to audiences to understand their needs, and be able to specify, design, build and test the software they want? If you do and want to learn about the fundamentals of computer science, software engineering, networks, and the latest trends in tech, our BSc (Hons) in Computer Science is for you.
From harnessing coding to exploring AI, web platforms, communication technology, and machine learning, you’ll acquire the knowledge and skills that top employers seek. We understand that theory alone won’t cut it in the real world, so this course prioritises practical hands-on experience through real-world projects and industry collaborations. Whether you aim to become a software engineer, a systems analyst, or a tech entrepreneur, our course offers the flexibility and support to match your career aspirations and passions.
Grounded in core principles and practical application, this course provides a solid foundation in communication technology and machine learning. The course has been developed with an iterative approach to study, where you will gain understanding and skill sets as you progress, acquiring rigorous grounding in essential concepts, theories, and hands-on practical know-how. Each of the projects is designed to develop problem-solving abilities, facilitating an ability to understand the fundamentals of how computers process, store, and retrieve data. The hands-on nature of the course allows you to experiment with coding languages like Python, Java, or C++, while also learning about database management, web development and networked communications. As you progress, you will develop confidence in dealing with more complex aspects of the discipline, such as algorithms, software engineering, IDE development, AI, computer vision and real-time performance systems.
One of the distinguishing features of the course is the emphasis on collaborative and independent work. You will participate in team-based projects throughout the course, learning to solve real-world problems and develop software in group environments that mirror industry practices and processes. In your final year, you undertake an individual problem-based project, exercising your creativity and innovation to design and implement a software solution to the problem, applying scientific principles you have learnt.
Why Study with us
- Study fast-developing areas such as software engineering, concepts in artificial intelligence, networked communications, and cloud-based systems.
- Learn the principles of computer science and how to apply them to problems across different industries and contexts.
- Develop creativity and teamwork through project-based learning, working with your classmates to solve problems together, a core attribute highly valued by employers.
- Excellent tutorial support and extensive course-specific interactive teaching in a friendly and supportive learning environment.
Course Content
Year 1
This unit covers the fundamentals of computer science, including computational power and foundational concepts prepares students to innovate and adapt within the dynamic landscape of computer science. Blending theoretical learning with hands-on exploration, it explores the significance of computer science in shaping the modern world and initiates students into technical learning with high-level programming languages, such as JavaScript and Python, alongside fundamental mathematics relevant to computing. Students will engage with both the historical and cultural impacts of computer science throughout.
40 credits
This unit introduces key research methodologies in Computer Science and user research and user centred design, preparing you for advanced study and professional challenges in the field. It will develop your critical thinking, practical research skills, and ethical awareness. Real-world applications are explored through case studies, design simulations, and problem-based learning, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to tangible issues. Technical learning includes web programming, building websites, and designing interfaces and interactions using HTML 5, CSS, and JavaScript.
40 credits
In this unit you will explore some of the key contemporary concepts within computer science. You will explore data security, trust, and network management in computational and networked environments. You will explore strategies for creating secure networks, including industry-standard protocols for firewall management, penetration testing, intrusion detection, data encryption, and Wi-Fi security. You will engage with full-stack development, incorporating both SQL and NoSQL databases. You will gain hands-on experience in data analysis for detecting security anomalies and understanding attack patterns, as well as ethical considerations around hacking tools and user privacy.
40 credits
The first week of each academic year is called Wayfinding week. It’s an opportunity get your bearings, establish new connections and, after your first year at Norwich, re-establish old ones. Your course team will talk you through the year ahead and explain the expectations for the year. We’ll help you navigate new encounters and identify areas to focus on as you progress through your course.
An important element of Wayfinding Week is taking part in our annual ‘Make it Manifest(o)’ project. Your course team will introduce the project in which we’ll ask you to consider your hopes and vision of the year ahead at Norwich and work with students in other year groups to bring your ideas to life. The project culminates in a celebratory display of work across the campus. The project will help you to develop your critical creativity through different approaches, concepts, and mediums. You’ll encounter diverse perspectives and build friendships and networks within our university community.
Interchange weeks are opportunities to step away from your disciplinary studies and engage in projects, workshops, visits and talks that extend your knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether you learn a new skill or take part in a global challenge project with students from other courses, you will come away with new insights to take back to your course. Interchange is part of the schedule for all Norwich students with sessions held across and beyond the campus led by university staff, visiting lecturers and students.
Year 2
How do you develop high fidelity multimedia content across web platforms? This unit focuses on developing computational skills and methodologies for audio-visual media, emphasising design thinking, multimedia optimization, and introduces real-time rendering. You will engage in workshops applying HCI and UX principles, gaining experience in audio mixing, and machine learning theory, as well as essential multimedia practices. Design thinking sessions will develop both your divergent and convergent thinking, supporting iterative ideation and data-driven problem-solving approaches.
40 credits
How do we develop intelligent systems and what are the implications for society? This unit explores the ethical, social, and global challenges in Computer Science and Machine Learning, encouraging you to critically assess the implications of internationalization, localization, and the technical impact on sustainability. Technical learning will include developing machine learning systems and artificial intelligence, including neural networks, reinforcement learning and other specialist approaches. Through case studies and ethical frameworks like GDPR and AI ethics, you will gain practical knowledge of legal and moral standards shaping the industry. Awareness of unconscious bias, sustainable tech ecosystems, and ethical data handling are integral parts of our curriculum.
40 credits
This unit ensures you understand best practice in current software development and are able to work in collaborative settings to create computer codes and systems to solve real world problems. This unit explores cross-disciplinary collaboration, encouraging creative risk-taking and the cross-fertilization of ideas and practices. Through workshops and seminars, you’ll develop skills in identifying productive collaborators, understanding audience and context, and applying effective ideation and problem-solving methodologies. Technical session cover Software Engineering principles and code repository management. Hands-on experience with Agile and Scrum methodologies, alongside hackathons, enables flexible, team-oriented development practice, preparing you for dynamic, collaborative work environments.
40 credits
The first week of each academic year is called Wayfinding week. It’s an opportunity get your bearings, establish new connections and, after your first year at Norwich, re-establish old ones. Your course team will talk you through the year ahead and explain the expectations for the year. We’ll help you navigate new encounters and identify areas to focus on as you progress through your course.
The first week of each academic year is called Wayfinding week. It’s an opportunity get your bearings, establish new connections and, after your first year at Norwich, re-establish old ones. Your course team will talk you through the year ahead and explain the expectations for the year. We’ll help you navigate new encounters and identify areas to focus on as you progress through your course.
Interchange weeks are opportunities to step away from your disciplinary studies and engage in projects, workshops, visits and talks that extend your knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether you learn a new skill or take part in a global challenge project with students from other courses, you will come away with new insights to take back to your course. Interchange is part of the schedule for all Norwich students with sessions held across and beyond the campus led by university staff, visiting lecturers and students.
Diploma Year (optional)
Students have the opportunity to spend a year after the second of their degree (or the third year if studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year) enhancing their employability options through a Level 5 Diploma. They can choose from courses designed to provide:
- opportunities to gain industry insight, developing employability skills through a series of supported experiences, expanding professional networks and building confidence in the workplace, or
- an introduction to creative computing, building an understanding of how coding skills can be used to advance and complement creative practice.
Final year
This unit provides a practical understanding of how to develop and deploy systems with leading approaches to cybersecurity. It provides the organisational context to know how this supports critical business needs. Students will gain hands-on experience through cybersecurity hackathons, penetration testing, ethical hacking, and secure deployment using cloud platforms. Exploring roles such as SOC Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst, and AI/ML Engineer, you’ll map career paths and essential skills needed across the field. In this unit, you also reflect on your personal future career and identify key skills for roles and sectors you intend to work in upon graduation, including start-up culture. Workshops cover postgraduate study options, freelance project management, and the legal and financial aspects of tech startups, alongside best practices in independent working strategies.
40 credits
In this unit, you will develop real-time systems that leverage computer vision, gaining insight into how cutting-edge research in these areas is conducted. Alongside technical learning in computer vision and real-time performance systems, the unit examines the intersection of ethics, technology, and innovation, equipping you to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in tech. Through case studies in real-time decision-making, you’ll explore the balance between innovation and ethics, addressing issues such as bias, user safety, privacy, accountability, and transparency. You will explore critical areas of post-humanism and the evolving boundaries between humans and machines to understand technology’s impact on society. You will also learn the essentials of crafting a research proposal, from identifying research problems to defining objectives and methodologies, ensuring readiness for academic and professional advancements in the field.
40 credits
What project will you show future collaborators and/or employers to showcase your computing skills? Your Computer Science Project is a chance to combine the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout your degree. Project work consists of independent study, guided by regular meetings with a member of staff who will advise you on how to proceed with the year’s work. You may choose a project title and subject area from a large list of project descriptions or suggest your project for possible approval to aid your graduate progression.
40 credits
The first week of each academic year is called Wayfinding week. It’s an opportunity get your bearings, establish new connections and, after your first year at Norwich, re-establish old ones. Your course team will talk you through the year ahead and explain the expectations for the year. We’ll help you navigate new encounters and identify areas to focus on as you progress through your course.
An important element of Wayfinding Week is taking part in our annual ‘Make it Manifest(o)’ project. Your course team will introduce the project in which we’ll ask you to consider your hopes and vision of the year ahead at Norwich and work with students in other year groups to bring your ideas to life. The project culminates in a celebratory display of work across the campus. The project will help you to develop your critical creativity through different approaches, concepts, and mediums. You’ll encounter diverse perspectives and build friendships and networks within our university community.
Interchange weeks are opportunities to step away from your disciplinary studies and engage in projects, workshops, visits and talks that extend your knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether you learn a new skill or take part in a global challenge project with students from other courses, you will come away with new insights to take back to your course. Interchange is part of the schedule for all Norwich students with sessions held across and beyond the campus led by university staff, visiting lecturers and students.
Careers Information
Our degrees facilitate progression into a wide range of careers in both industry and academia. Computing graduates are in high demand across many sectors including hospitality, banking, travel, retail, manufacturing, public sector, and the media.
Typical career paths include
- AI engineer
- Business analyst
- Cyber security specialists
- Data analyst
- Forensic computer analyst
- Network engineer
- Secondary school teacher
- Software engineer
- Systems designer
- Systems engineer
- Web developer
You’ll also get specialist creative careers advice from our Business and Employability Team to help support you as you plan your career.
Tabbed Section
Entry Requirements
Typical UK offers
A / AS Levels – GCE
GCE A/AS Levels 3 A-level qualifications at grades BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points) or above. Where candidates are not taking 3 A-levels, Norwich University of the Arts will consider combinations of A-level/AS-level and other Level 3 qualifications.
BTEC National Diploma / Extended Diploma
Distinction, Merit (preferred subjects include Computer Science and ICT, or Design and Technology)
T Levels
Merit overall (preferred subjects Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Media, Broadcast and Production)
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Pass relevant diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points (preferred subjects include Computer Science and ICT, or Design and Technology)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
A minimum of 26 points
You should also have three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C). If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based A-level, you should have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics.
2024/25 University fees for new entrants
Norwich University of the Arts will assess students’ tuition fee status using the guidance provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs
Students from the UK or Ireland and EU students with ‘Settled’ or ‘Pre-Settled’ status will be charged ‘Home’ fees if they meet the relevant residency requirements. They will usually be eligible for a tuition fee loan from the UK government, meaning that they won’t have to pay Norwich University of the Arts’ tuition fees upfront.
Students who do not meet the necessary residency requirements will usually be charged ‘Overseas’ fees and will not be eligible for the UK government tuition fee loan. Since 2021/22, this includes new entrants from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who do not have ‘Settled’ or ‘Pre-Settled’ status, because the UK has now formally left the EU.
Fee status | Course | Annual fee |
---|---|---|
Home | Undergraduate degree (full-time three and four year degree) | £9,250 |
Overseas | Undergraduate degree (full-time three and four year degree) | £18,000 |
Inflation in subsequent years
The rules for inflation on fees in subsequent years depend on the type of fee status and level.
- For Home undergraduate students starting in 2024, inflation may be applied to your fees in later years, if the UK government were to increase the fee cap beyond the current limit of £9,250 per year. If such an increase were to apply, we would confirm this in advance to you of each academic year, and we would limit the increase to the maximum allowed by the Office for Students.
- For Overseas undergraduate students starting in 2024, inflation will be applied to your fees in later years. We will confirm this in advance to you of each academic year, and we will limit the increase to no more than the Office for Students’ recommended inflationary measure, which is RPI-X. RPI-X is calculated by the Office for Budget Responsibility. In setting fees for the following year, we will use the Office for Budget Responsibility’s RPI-X forecast for quarter 3 of the relevant year.
For Home and overseas postgraduate degree students starting in 2024, fees will remain the same for each year of your course.
Financial support for UK students in 2024
Tuition fee loans and loans for living costs are usually available to UK and some EU students, as well as non-repayable Norwich University of the Arts bursaries based on family income. Find out more about applying for funding.
International students
We offer a range of scholarships for international students to support your studies with us.
Learning and Teaching
Learning and teaching at Norwich combines on-campus, practical sessions in our state-of-the-art lecture theatres with pre-recorded, on-demand digital resources, providing you with flexible learning options to fit your schedule.
We emphasise learning and discovery through critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. This hybrid model of in-person and digital interaction mirrors the modern business environment, helping prepare you for the dynamic and connected world of professional work. You’ll also have ample opportunities to expand your knowledge and network through guest lectures, industry talks, and events.
The course is taught through a mixture of learning and teaching methods including (but are not limited to):
- Group briefings
- Academic tutorials
- Group tutorials
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Seminars
Assessment
Assessment at Norwich is 100% coursework. Formal exams are not used on this programme.
Assessment is the process of evaluating or assessing your learning. Sometimes it will involve consideration of work in progress, while at others it concentrates on work which you have completed and submitted as assessment requirements for each unit of study. It consists of both formative and summative assessment.
Formative assessment is the process whereby your work and progress are assessed at regular intervals with accompanying feedback from staff to help to improve your performance. Staff feedback provides students with guidance on their performance during each unit. Summative assessment occurs at the end of each unit. A summative mark is awarded based on the evaluation of your work and given a mark. Summative assessment formally records your achievement of the unit’s learning outcomes.
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