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Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc

Start date
September
Duration
4 years (with a year in industry)
UCAS code
G401
Course Type
Undergraduate, Single Honours
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025/26:
£9,535 (UK)
£32,400 (International)
Further fee information

Our BSc Computer Science with a year in industry degree programme prepares you, at every stage, for your future career. Your industrial placement year will develop your industry knowledge and transferable skills to ensure you stand out in future applications.

 At the University of Birmingham we recognise that today’s computer scientists are in high demand and have a range of expertise. We also know that at this point in time it is essential that the course you choose meets your future career aspirations, that’s why our BSc Computer Science with a Year in Industry offers a balance of general computer science with practical software engineering and the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, whilst tailoring your degree to suit your interests and career goals.

Our flexible BSc Computer Science with a year in industry degree is structured to provide you with a thorough understanding of a wide range of computational systems to ensure you are equipped to meet the challenges of your individual and group projects – as well as a life and career beyond university. 

The transition to University level learning can be difficult and that is why during your first two years we ensure you study the key components of computer science which provide you with a firm foundation in the principles of algorithms, AI, software engineering and relevant maths. 

We are committed to ensuring you develop key skills needed to boost your future prospects. That’s why in your second year you will work in a team to produce software and also learn new styles of programming in Java, a language widely used in business and industry, and a second language. You will spend your third year working in industry, gaining a valuable insight and experience in your chosen industry and helping you develop your future aspirations.

You will return to Birmingham for your final year. Your final year enables you to tailor your degree to suit your interests and strengths with a wide range of modules to choose from and an individual project, either developed from your own idea or from a wide selection offered by staff members.

Why study Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc at Birmingham?

  • State-of-the-art facilities which include: research labs for Medical Imaging, Intelligent Robotics, HCI and security; Computer Science reference library; Robotics teaching labs and exclusive computing labs just computer science students
  • We are a leading centre for Computer Science teaching and research in Europe and we are home to many acclaimed research groups which filter into teaching on the course
  • Your Year in Industry will enable you to gain transferable skills and vital experience which will help to prepare you for a career after university
  • Friendly and sociable department, where staff and students harness great relationships
  • Flexible module choices throughout your degree allow you to tailor your education to suit your interests and strengths

British Computer Society logoAccredited degree

Our undergraduate programmes are fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).

Meet our Student Bloggers

The best way to find out what life is really like as a student in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham is to hear from our students. Our students study a range of programmes from across our college – from Mathematics to Mechanical Engineering. Get some great tips and a real insight into what life is really like if you choose to study with us.

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This Computer Science with a Year in Industry course is a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, we also offer a five-year Master of Science (MSci) degree version too.

We also have degree programmes available in:

I was interested in computers from a young age, especially gaming and I knew a degree in Computer Science was a no brainer. The School has everything we need; access to mac, Linux and window machines with a whole suite of industry standard software packages. There is 24/7 access and a VPN ensures we always have access to the facilities we need. I will be doing my industrial experience year with General Electric and working in the European HQ for Fleet Transport as part of their IT Leadership Programme. The most prominent thing I noticed when at the interview is how well prepared my degree course has made me for working life. Employers are always impressed by our course.

Matt Boyle, BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year

Modules

Year 1

Your first year and second year are comprised of compulsory computer science subjects, and you’ll receive a comprehensive education in fundamental, relevant topics. You’ll be given an overview of the subject and gain a firm foundation in the principles of algorithms, artificial intelligence, software engineering and relevant maths. You’ll also learn computer programming in Java – a language widely used in business and industry.

Core modules (all 20 credits)

Year 2

You’ll move on to study more fundamental subjects in computer science, including enabling technologies such as databases, graphics and the formal basis of programming languages. Teaching these together with programming allows you to put the theory into practice, giving you a much deeper understanding. You’ll also learn to work in a team to produce software, and you’ll learn new styles of programming in Java and a second language.

Core modules (all 20 credits)

Year 3 (in Industry)

We encourage our students to gain as much real world experience as they can during their studies. The University has strong links with a number of employers offering internships or formal placements that can range from two months over the summer vacation to a full sandwich year as part of your degree course. 

Computer Science Industrial Placement (120 credits).  

In order to proceed to Year 3 (the industrial year), you must:

  • Not have any modules to repeat during the year. If they have resit examinations, they must arrange for time off to take these.
  • Have found a company willing to provide a placement which meets the School's requirements, which include providing an Industrial Tutor. The placement must involve a component of skills training (approximately 40%) and technical project work (approximately 60%). The skills training can include formal taught and/or self-study courses and apprenticeship style learning "on the job". The training and project work must be of a technical nature relevant to the degree programme. The project work will most typically involve programming but other types of project work are acceptable.
  • Students who do not meet the academic requirements or cannot find a suitable industrial placement will transfer to the degree programme without the Year in Industry component.
  • A student who fails the Industrial Studies module will be permitted to transfer to the degree programme without the Year in Industry component.

Tuition fees for placement years (where applicable)

There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.

Year 4

In the final year you have enormous freedom of choice. One third of your time is spent on a project which can be chosen from a wide selection offered by staff members, or developed from your own idea. This usually involves writing a large piece of software and gives you the freedom to extend and demonstrate your skills in a manner of your choosing.

Core modules

Optional modules (all 20 credits)

Choose 80 credits of optional modules, examples listed below:

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Annual tuition fees 2025/26

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

  • £9,535
  • £32,400 - International

Visit our  tuition fees page for more information.

Scholarships

At Birmingham we ensure that fears about finance do not constrain prospective students from considering university and that excellence is rewarded.

 

Tuition fees for placement years (where applicable)

There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.

How To Apply

Apply through the UCAS website using code G401.

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

View advice on how to apply for undergraduate courses.

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
A*AA
Required subjects and grades:
A level Mathematics grade A.

General Studies or Critical Thinking not accepted.
It is desirable, but not essential, to have some experience of writing computer programs. Please note that Access qualifications are not suitable for this programme.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

7, 6, 6 required at Higher Level (including 6 in Mathematics), with a minimum of 32 points overall. We also require 5 in Standard Level English.

BTEC 

Only accepted in combination with other qualifications, which must include A Level Mathematics (or equivalent). BTEC IT is not accepted in combination with A Level Computer Science.

Access to Higher Education

Not considered. Please see our Foundation Year programme as a route to our courses.

Typical offer grades are for guidance only, other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements.

Foundation Year

Are you a UK student and would like to study for one of our degrees but lack the entry qualifications we require? If you are not studying A Level Mathematics you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We accept a range of international qualifications, please contact the admissions tutor for more information.

 

Standard English language requirements apply, learn more about international entry requirements.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

You will benefit greatly from an overhauled and re-designed curriculum in order to give you the chance to really dig deeper into your subjects of interest

How you will learn

You will be taught using a combination of lectures, labs and tutorials with lecturers available to provide additional help throughout your degree.

How you will be assessed

Each module is assessed independently with all containing some components of continuous assessment. Some modules are completely assessed by coursework. Assessment methods include examinations, written assignments, oral and poster presentations, computer-based tests, marked exercises, and laboratory and project reports. Feedback is an essential part of learning and the way we help to shape your success.

We use a wide range of methods, such as written feedback on your assessments, class feedback sessions and discussions with your tutor.

Your personal tutor

We know that starting university can be daunting, and is a big step into a new way of living and learning. That’s why from the beginning of your time with us you will be assigned a Personal Tutor who will remain with you throughout your studies and support your academic progress, developing your transferable skills and any welfare issues.

Seminars and tutorials

Small-group tutorials/personal tutorials run alongside our lectures, addressing any individual problems you may have and allowing you to consolidate and discuss lecture material with your tutor and fellow students. 

Self-study is an essential part of the programme and requires self-motivation and enthusiasm for your subject. It also allows you to pursue your own lines of enquiry and become an independent thinker.

Lecturers and world-leading researchers

Being taught and challenged in a range of ways and by a range of people help to not only broaden your knowledge but to allow you to build your network and discover your interests. Allowing you to meet and learn from different leaders in their fields is key to the course, that’s why during your studies you will be taught by a mixture of professors, doctors and postgraduates, offering you a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience.

Resources and facilities

We know that life as a student can be busy and that juggling work and a social life can be hard. That’s why our purpose built multi-million-pound building offers exclusive swipe access for all our students to access our facilities whenever they need to.

We encourage group work and face-to-face interaction with your fellow students and academics, that’s why there are plenty of student areas in the building and collaborative student and staff spaces.

Contact Hours

Depending on the programme, the modules you select, and the number of optional help sessions you choose to take part in, each week you will have between:

  • Year 1: 15 and 25 hours of lectures, labs and tutorials, with lecturers available to provide additional help outside those hours. During your first year it is important that you have a smooth transition into University. You will be able to talk to your tutors about this and discuss if there are particular areas where you need support.
  • Year 2: 13 and 22 hours of lectures, labs and tutorials, with lecturers available to provide additional help outside those hours.
  • Year 3: Year in Industry
  • Year 4: 9 and 20 hours of lectures, labs and tutorials, with lecturers available to provide additional help outside those hours.

Please note the above data is based on the most common module selections for the each year group and does not include hours for self-study.

Our courses are especially designed, at every stage, to equip you with the knowledge, academic skill and transferable skills you need for a successful career in industry or research. 

Graduates who have studied our courses

Example employers:

  • Accenture
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Honda
  • HP
  • IBM
  • Logics
  • Rolls Royce
  • UBS
  • QinetiQ

Example careers: 

  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer
  • Cloud Computing Engineer
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Systems Designer
  • Lecturer/Teacher
  • Applications Developer

Careers Network

We provide a wealth of opportunities to develop your career. From your first day at Birmingham to after you graduate, the Careers Network  is here to help you identify and achieve your individual career aspirations through its wide range of services.

Our dedicated careers team brings you information, advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Careers advisers offer one-to-one advice appointments where you can discuss your career plans and explore your options. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

Visit the Careers Network website for more details

Professional Accreditation

British Computer Society logoAccredited degree

Our undergraduate programmes are fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).