BSc Computer Science

Compulsory modules

Year 1

• Computer Systems Architecture: Develop foundational knowledge of computer system architecture, including binary representation, machine language, processors, and memory, and understand the joint forces of hardware and software interaction.
• Databases: Implement and manage a database to structure, store, access and retrieve data by taking methodological steps. You’ll develop your problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork abilities, alongside awareness of end-user needs and testing.
• Mathematics and Computation: Consider the application of mathematics and algorithms to computer and data science. You’ll be presented with relevant mathematics in linear algebra and data analysis and apply these through implementations in MATLAB.
• Imperative Programming: Learn how to write small programs using Java, as well as basic algorithms and fundamental software development practices such as version control, specification and testing.
• Object-Oriented Programming: Collaborate as a team to develop a program and use it to share and merge source code. As well as developing key programming skills, you’ll increase your abilities in complex problem-solving.

Year 2

• Data Structures and Algorithms: Explore these two essentials of computer programming and develop your teamwork abilities, critical thinking and professional writing skills. You’ll solve a large problem that integrates components of data structures, algorithm development and implementation.
• Operating Systems and Networking: Develop your understanding of modern operating systems, basic concepts and theories of computer networks. You’ll review the history and development of operating systems and apply theories in computer communications to real-world networks.
• Artificial Intelligence: Apply fundamental methods in artificial intelligence to various real-world problems. You’ll expand your critical thinking skills to solve large problems, together with your writing skills for algorithm development and software implementation.
• Programming in Python: Using Python programming languages, develop your skills and knowledge to use current tools in general program designs, development and data science. You’ll also develop transferable professional skills for a variety of fields that use programming.
• Software Systems Design: Explore object-oriented analyses and design (OOAD) skills, concepts and principles. You’ll learn unified modelling language (UML) techniques to design software systems and gain an understanding of methodology.
• Software Engineering and Professional Development: Discover software engineering as a systematic approach to software development. You’ll study and apply paradigms and methodology to inform software development, innovation, management and sustainability in response to the fast-changing digital era.

Year 3

• Degree Project: Conduct a professional project within a specific area of computer science, demonstrating initiative and creativity and applying the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your studies.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Our BSc Computer Science degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the constantly evolving field of computing, whether you wish to join big multinational companies, small start-ups, or develop your own business.

As well as embedding skills development into your learning, we regularly organise for employers to come in and talk with our students about CVs, interviews and the recruitment process. As a student at Reading, you will also benefit from one-to-one sessions which help you create your CV, practice interviews and mock assessment centres.

You will be ideally placed to take advantage of the high density of tech businesses in the area by making connections with like-minded industry people at local tech and developer meetups. You can raise your own professional profile while solving real-world problems and talking through the latest discoveries and innovations.

Our graduates are well placed to progress to careers in areas including:

• software engineer
• software development
• systems analyst
• data scientist
• development operations engineer
• cyber security.