Introduction
Society is in the midst of a digital revolution, from the smartphones we use to navigate our daily lives to the advances in artificial intelligence set to transform global industries.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree provides students with the opportunity to develop the experience, skills, and knowledge to design and develop a variety of software and hardware computing solutions for real-world problems. Particular attention is paid to cutting-edge topics, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, in addition to core computer science disciplines. This aims to ensure that students' studies are at the forefront of research in the field and meeting the needs of the computing industry. In addition, students are encouraged to work with academics on research projects.
The course is designed to provide a broad foundation in computer science and provides students with the chance to develop the mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills required to succeed in the challenging and exciting modern computing industry. The degree covers digital technologies such as big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and robotics, which are currently driving advances in all aspects of the modern world. Those with expertise in these areas of computer science are finding employment and developing careers in a wide range of sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, power and energy, and cybersecurity.
How You Study
In the first year, students have the opportunity to study the fundamental areas of computing science. This includes operating systems, maths for computing, and computer architectures.
The second-year aims to build on this foundation, covering artificial intelligence, database systems and networking, with industry certification opportunities available to students for topics such as database systems, networking, and software development. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a group project in the Team Software Engineering module.
In the third year, students study topics such as machine learning, Big Data, and parallel programming. Additionally, students can choose a number of optional areas of study that are of specific interest, such as autonomous mobile robotics, cloud computing, cross-platform development, or cybersecurity. Third-year students will also be expected to undertake a substantial individual project on a topic of interest.
Contact Hours
Contact hours vary by course and can take many forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. A full-time undergraduate student should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time, supplementing contact hours with independent study. This is an important aspect of university-level education. As a general rule, you will be expected to spend two to three hours working independently for every hour in class.
Methods of Assessment
The way in which you will be assessed will depend on your chosen course. It may include coursework, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work, or presentations. A full breakdown of current assessment methods can be found on the individual course pages of this website. The University of Lincoln’s policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Modules
First Year
Algorithms and Complexity (Core)
Computer Architectures (Core)
Maths for Computing (Core)
Object-Oriented Programming (Core)
Operating Systems (Core)
Problem Solving (Core)
Programming Fundamentals (Core)
Second Year
Advanced Programming (Core)
Artificial Intelligence (Core)
Network Fundamentals (Core)
Scalable Database Systems (Core)
Team Software Engineering (Core)
User Experience Design (Core)
Third Year
Big Data (Core)
Machine Learning (Core)
Parallel Programming (Core)
Project (Core)
Autonomous Mobile Robotics (Option)†
Cloud Computing (Option)†
Cross-Platform Development (Option)†
Cyber Security (Option)†
Graphics (Option)†
Image Processing (Option)†
Logic and Computation (Option)†
Physics Simulation (Option)†
Virtual and Augmented Reality (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
This course is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, projects and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework-based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of computer science, and in many instances are informed by the types of tasks currently undertaken in the industry.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
“The range of academics and facilities has been noted by many of my friends from other universities. The Careers and Employability team helped me get a dream placement as a software developer with J.P. Morgan.”
James Allington-Kay, BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduate
Entry Requirements 2021-22
United Kingdom
GCE Advanced Levels: BBC
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and will consider applicants who have a mix of qualifications.
We also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Special Features
There is a range of equipment for loan, including Raspberry Pi devices, smartphones, robots, and virtual reality equipment such as HTC Vive and Oculus Quest.
Students on this course are taught by academics whose research has been internationally recognised. Researchers in the School include Marc Hanheide, Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Interactive Systems, and Nigel Allinson MBE, Distinguished Professor of Image Engineering, who has been supported with a £3.3 million grant from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for advances in medical imaging.
The School is also a Microsoft Imagine Academy member and Cisco Academy member, which gives students the opportunity to gain industry-recognized qualifications such as Microsoft Technology Associate and Cisco certification.
Placements
This programme is optionally available in a sandwich mode variant. If students choose the sandwich placement option, they take a year out in the industry between the second and third years. This provides the opportunity to gain industrial experience. Students are supported throughout their placement, which can be overseas. Students are required to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while on placements and study visits. There is no tuition fee for the placement year.
There are also opportunities to take shorter work placements, for example over the summer period, and to be involved in systems development projects for real industry clients.
Accreditations and Memberships
This course is accredited by The British Computer Society. The University of Lincoln is also affiliated with The Institution of Analysts and Programmers.
Career Opportunities
This degree aims to equip graduates with the mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills that make them well-placed for computer and technology-related roles across a range of sectors. Recent graduates have secured roles at GCHQ and major companies including IBM, Bloomberg, PwC, J.P. Morgan, Cisco, Sky, and G4S. Some graduates may wish to pursue academic careers and study at the postgraduate level.
