“Learning computing was obviously a massive help with my job choice now, but Solent wasn’t just about the degree.”
BSc (Hons)Computer Science
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2024
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
UCAS code: CS01
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 112-128Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a computer science degree at Solent University
Find your specialism on this BCS-accredited degree. Gain problem-solving skills, create innovative technologies and prepare for a career in many industries, including cybersecurity and data analysis.
- 0thin the UK for assessment and feedback for computer science studies (NSS 2023)
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- Professional practice is integrated in the course with several staff accredited in Prince2, Oracle Java and SQL, E-C Council Certified Ethical Hacker and through the Solent University Cisco Academy.
- Gain industry-recognised professional qualifications alongside your degree, such as PCAP Python Fundamentals.
- You will study in up-to-date specialist facilities - including a usability lab with eye-tracking facilities, used to test and refine interfaces.
- Our close links with industry ensure this course is informed through a range of guest speakers, live briefs, and access to regular BCS meetings (The Chartered Institute for IT), held at Solent University.
- You will be studying in the South East which continues to dominate the tech industry alongside London (BDO UK, Nov 2022).
This video 'Why study BSc (Hons) Computing or BSc (Hons) Software Engineering' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Course overview
This practical degree encourages you to develop an extensive knowledge of computer programming using Java and Python. A range of projects will also help you build practical experience in designing, building and implementing computer systems, culminating in a major final-year software development project.
We believe it is important that you enter the world of work with a range of skills that enable you to succeed, and actively focus on enhancing your employability throughout the degree. You will be supported to gain work experience throughout your degree, and recent students have worked with a wide range of companies including large organisations such as the NHS, General Dynamics, Qinetiq, Garmin, Rackspace, the Met Office, Ordnance Survey and Capita and many more local SMEs such as CleverTouch, Transactor Global Solutions, Zentive, Westermo and MWR Security.
Thanks to the course team's close links with industry, the curriculum is informed through a range of guest speakers, live briefs and access to regular British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT) meetings, held at the University.
Professional practice also extends into the curriculum with several current staff accredited in Prince2, Oracle Java and SQL, E-C Council Certified Ethical Hacker and through the Solent University Cisco Academy.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukAccredited by:
Course features
Placement year
If you apply for this course with a placement year, you have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry between your second and third years
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for those with a passion for understanding and developing software systems, databases, web development and other computing-related disciplines – and who aspire for a career where they support, research, design, deploy and maintain computing systems.
What does this course lead to?
Recent course graduates have gone on to various roles in the software industry, in roles at organisations such as IBM, Si Digital, LeadStream, Fujitsu UK and Guernsey Post.
Solent stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The course team has wide-ranging experience of business computing, computer systems, networking, web development and software engineering.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
We have up-to-date IT laboratories and a usability lab with eye-tracking facilities, used to test and refine interfaces. Students also have the opportunity to learn to program robotic devices such as robotic arms and drones, and can develop apps for android devices. You’ll have access to our devices lab, a special test area integrated within one of our existing software development spaces. It consists of a range of real mobile devices mounted on flexible tethers, giving you the chance to test your websites and apps on real equipment.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Problem Solving though Programming
This module will introduce you to software implementation through the process of understanding how to solve problems using programming.
Introduction to Networks and Security
In this module you’ll explore networks by using a network simulator to learn what devices and connections are used. These will then be applied to various principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies.
UX
On this module you will learn the techniques (Qualitative and Quantitative) and tools to design, plan and develop a user research strategy.
Introduction to Databases
In this module you are introduced to the skills and concepts required to develop and use relational databases. You will learn how to write programs interacting with databases and how to create them.
Data Analysis, Tools and Application
Explore how digital technology has fundamentally reshaped traditional business, and how businesses try to keep up. Learn to collect, analyse, and interpret data, and to present your findings effectively.
Web Technologies
On this module you’ll be introduced to common client server-side scripting technologies used in the development of web applications, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Individual presentations
- In-class tests
- Project work
- Practical activities
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
Access Solent provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
The UK’s IT industry is worth £58 billion annually. With employment of IT professionals expected to grow nearly twice as fast as the UK average between now and 2020 (e-skills UK), it looks like demand for well-qualified computing graduates is set to remain strong.
Computing is among the top 30 most in-demand jobs in the UK in 2023, as well as being among the top highest paid graduate jobs.
Thanks to the course team’s extensive links with industry, you’ll be supported to gain contacts and work experience opportunities throughout the degree – there is also a chance to attend the regular ‘Happy Hour Digital Industry’. These talks are designed to offer an insight into working in the tech and digital industries, and are mainly focused on early career or how to get into the industry - with speakers presenting their journey and professional practice. Recent speakers have included professionals from LUSH Digital, IBM, Westermo and LittleBigBox.
We also guide and encourage students to get involved in attending local tech meet-up and Hackathons to practice and hone professional skills.
We have industry links through our Placement activities and also the University runs a mentorship programme.
Our links with industry
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £16,125 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance in under three minutes Student funding - the essentials
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
112-128 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D, T-level Merit or equivalent, which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 112 UCAS points.
- A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma will be considered in conjunction with other qualifications.
- Note: Students should have a strong interest in learning computer programming as this forms a large part of the course.
- Direct entry to year two may be offered to holders of an HND or HNC in an appropriate subject.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
112-128UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukHow to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
We will prepare you for your future
Solent’s Computing course will prepare you for a wide range of graduate level employment opportunities. Suitable roles for graduates include:
- Software developer
- Web designer
- Full stack developer
- IT support
- Network manager
- Project manager
- Database manager
- Data analyst
- DevOps
- User experience (UX)
We will help you start your career
The Solent Futures team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Find out more
Support at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
Find out more
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
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Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
