Computer Science MEng, BSc

Computing underpins modern life, and the link between current research in computing and commercial product is critical to the continuing success of the IT industry. This course will equip you with the core technical and problem-solving skills to tackle current and emerging challenges in this crucial and fast-changing field.

You will start with the fundamentals of programming and the underlying mathematical principles of computer science, before developing skills in software engineering and algorithm design and exploring challenges in mobile computing, robotics, and graphics that will shape the future. You’ll learn to work with state-of-the-art technologies and select optional modules that suit your interests and career plans, from cloud computing to bio-computation and machine learning.

You’ll be taught by experts in world-class facilities and undertake project work in every year, to build the range of skills you’ll need throughout your professional career.

You can choose to take either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BSc) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BSc) degree on this course.

Find out more about the MEng, BSc and BSc.

Specialist facilities

You will have access to specialist facilities including well-equipped labs containing Linux and Microsoft platforms.

For final-year project work you’ll also be able to make the most of our research facilities, such as a 53-megapixel powerwall display and dedicated 3D virtual reality suite, a new testbed for cloud computing and dedicated labs with high-spec, dual-display Linux workstations, iPad, Mac and Android development areas.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. An accredited computer science course must meet the quality standards set by the BCS.

Completing this degree course fulfils the academic requirements associated with becoming a member of the BCS. By completing our MEng, BSc degree course you will have exemption from the Engineering Council professional examinations, the first step towards becoming a chartered engineer.

Our courses in Computer Science, and Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence share a common first year, which focuses on the fundamentals of programming and the mathematical principles that underpin computer science. This gives you the flexibility to switch easily between the three courses if you choose.

Year 2 allows you to deepen and broaden your knowledge of computer science, with core modules introducing you to topics such as artificial intelligence and developing your understanding of algorithms, operating systems, and computer networks. You’ll also select optional modules to focus on topics that suit your interests or career plans, such as data mining or web application development.

You will build on this in Year 3, when you’ll also have far greater choice in your optional modules. You could study robotics, build your skills in computer graphics or mobile app development, or explore cryptography and the challenges of secure computing among others.

If you continue onto Year 4 to gain the MEng qualification, you can also select modules on topics such as natural language processing, knowledge representation or bio-computation. You will also take part in a substantial group project on a specific engineering problem that allows you to apply everything you’ve learned during the course.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem-solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects

Ethics

You’ll study computing ethics as part of your course. This is taught using real-life case studies, with input from specialist ethicists as well as your tutors and lecturers. The team responsible for the ethics taught in computing has produced educational material used to stimulate debate in class about topics such as ethical hacking, open source software, and use of personal data.

Not only will this enhance your reasoning and decision making skills which are crucial to employers, but it will help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you will encounter in your professional life in the IT industry.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Computer Science MEng, BSc in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Computer Science BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industrial visits allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in science and technology-related careers. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

Our personal tutorial system will provide academic and pastoral support. You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds. He or she will be an academic member of staff: you will have weekly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first year, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester.

In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You will be assessed using various methods including formal exams, laboratory practicals and project reports. Throughout the year, you’ll also be assessed using coursework, worksheets, in-module tests, example sheets and presentations to develop your knowledge and allow us to monitor your progress.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including Mathematics or Computing. Grade B (6) or above in GCSE Mathematics is required if no Mathematics A-level is taken.

Where an A-level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Due to the competitive nature of this course, the Admissions team may take a variety of factors into account when assessing applications. Please read the admissions statement for further information.

Extended Project Qualification - Whilst we recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, we do not currently include this as part of our offer making. We do however encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement and if invited, at interview.

GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.

Other course specific tests:

Lower offers may be made based on demonstrated interest and aptitude for the subject (typically AAB). Where Maths or Computing are required this must be at grade A.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction (including an appropriate number of Mathematics modules) and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.

• BTEC

  D*D*D with Distinctions in all Mathematics units. Mathematics units must include Further Mathematics. This unit may be optional on your BTEC but is it required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information. Please note: there may be different requirements for the new RQF BTECs, please contact Admissions.

  Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level including 5 points at higher level in either Mathematics or Computing. If only Computing is offered from the IB, Grade B or above in GCSE Mathematics is required.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2, including Mathematics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics or Computing, and AABBB at Higher level.

• Other Qualifications

  IT or Engineering Diploma: A (plus A or above in Mathematics or Computing in A-level).

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB, including an A in Mathematics or Computing. Grade B (6) or above in GCSE Mathematics is required if no Mathematics A-level is taken.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with a Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Applicant days

If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £23,500 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are available.

Graduates from the School of Computing have excellent job prospects. With the continuing application of computer technologies, rapid growth of hardware and software technologies, their allied industries, and widespread application, the demand for our graduates is set to continue for the foreseeable future.

Our graduates find employment in the IT industry, ranging from start-ups to international organisations, and across a range of other sectors including technology, retail, finance, public authorities and consultancies. We have close links with companies such as IBM, Accenture and Hewlett Packard, and employers ranging from small/medium enterprises to large multi-nationals consistently target our graduates.

Many graduates have launched careers as software developers and engineers, mobile solution engineers, technology consulting analysts, production project managers and business system analysts at organisations including:

• Amazon

• BAE Systems

• Barclays

• BT

• Deloitte

• Gazprom

• GlaxoSmithKline

• IBM

• IG

• Microsoft

• Saudi Aramco

• Toshiba Research Europe

• Transport for London

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working

Careers support

You will have access to our dedicated Employability team, located centrally in our Employability Suite, who will provide you with specialist face-to-face support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and year-in-industry placements, as well as graduate positions.

You'll also benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. The team also works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Find out more about careers support and employability

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

Find out more on the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

With the help and support of our faculty Employability Team, you can choose to undertake an industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

As a BEng student you have the option to undertake the placement between years 2 and 3. MEng, BEng students can choose to do this either between years 2 and 3 or years 3 and 4.

Find out more about work placements.