Computer Science BSc

Within your first year, you will be introduced towards the fundamentals of computer science, contextualizing the mathematical and scientific theories underpinning the discipline through practice-led modules whereby you will develop microcontroller-based robotic systems and computer software through the design, development, implementation and evaluation lifecycle stages across modules within the year. 

In this module you will learn the key foundational concepts in programming and will apply your knowledge to construct, analyse and debug programs.

In this module you will design and develop software applications that reinforce computer programming concepts. You'll gain insights into the lifecycle of software development, system specification design, user interface and software prototyping and evaluation in a supported and structured environment. 

This module teaches you the fundamental knowledge and principles computer science theory, such as discrete mathematics, propositional logic and graph theory. You will study the existing fundamental algorithms that are ubiquitous across computer networking and programming, gaining insights into their application in real-world computing systems.  

This module provides you with a practical understanding of the organisation of computer-based systems, from small-scale (for example gates, processors and memory), through the medium-scale (for example personal computer organisation), to large-scale (for example the internet). 

In your second year you will study modules to become a proficient computer scientist. You will be taught to understand and practice developing computer systems across different platforms through a range of programming languages, algorithms, data structures and software engineering principles. 

In this module you will learn the concepts object-oriented programming, including the fundamentals of objects, classes, inheritance, composition, encapsulation and polymorphism. You will learn some basic object-oriented design principles and patterns and will be able to design, implement non-trivial object-oriented programs.

In this module you will have practical experience in Operating System Management using a 64-bit Linux system, adopting active learning and reinforcing material covered in workshops. You will learn fundamental networking skills, exploring OSI and TCP/IP models, switching, and routing concepts, laying a strong foundation for understanding network layers.

In this module you will build on the programming fundamentals you learned in your first year, through studying the software development process, software engineering tools and techniques and analysis of algorithms and data structures. You will learn about designing, implementing, testing, profiling, and optimising software, for polished, accurate and efficient execution. You will apply several software engineering tools and methodologies to the design, oversight, testing and profiling phases of software development.

In this module you will gain practical experience developing dynamic websites using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You'll learn how to store client-side data and get first-hand experience of web services and the server-side data storage, considering the needs of a wide and diverse range of stakeholders. 

You will undertake a relevant work placement to gain work experience in a technical employment role, applying your theoretical knowledge to practical problems and providing solutions. You will develop your professional qualities, communication skills and work in a management structure and as part of a team. A placement is the opportunity to learn independently and develop the maturity required to perform well in your final year. Placements are a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 15 months.

In your third year you will consolidate your skills and knowledge by studying a set of advanced and research-led modules. You can also choose two optional modules to specialise in diverse computing pathways, each furthering your technical and practical skills through case-based authentic assessments, and support your career development.

You will also embark on your final-year project, which is an opportunity to explore a computer science field of interest through a hands-on project, whilst being guided and mentored by our dedicated course team. We will ensure you are well-versed in theoretical concepts and possess the practical skills needed to thrive in the workspace and further studies. 

In this module you'll gain a deep insight into the evolving and complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science technologies. You will gain a nuanced understanding of the latest advances in data science, machine learning, algorithms, deep learning, techniques and natural language processing, and their practical applications. You will critically evaluate and skilfully apply these cutting-edge technologies in a variety of real-world scenarios. You will also learn about equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practices and the ethical and societal implications of using AI technologies.

This is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and experience from other modules with an individual project. It must incorporate a solution to a computer science or IT problem or to a theoretical research problem relevant to the computer science or IT discipline.

This module introduces you to a range of AI theories and techniques, including the most used algorithms for search space and optimisation approaches. You will appraise and critically evaluate each algorithm for effectiveness metrics and learn how to implement these techniques, to enhance your software development knowledge and skills. 

Descriptive data models can be used to gain a better understanding of overall organisation and predictive data models inform decision making in all aspects of business. In this module you will learn techniques and approaches used to capture, store and analyse organisational business intelligence data. You will learn about information retrieval, data presentation, pattern recognition techniques and data models that can be used in business intelligence applications.  

In this module you will develop a deep understanding of the latest full stack programming techniques, frameworks and methodologies used by industry to develop the next generation software, for deployment on a wide range of devices and systems. You will learn the three fundamental components of a complete architecture for a software application: front-end, back-end, and system administration. You will investigate, develop and deploy the latest programming language standards, which are fundamental to app development, and widely employed in industry. You will learn how modern programming frameworks provide the essential software architecture for large-scale software development across a wide range of platforms. 

Computer systems are almost never perfect. They make mistakes, they crash and hang and the implications range from minor to catastrophic. In this module you will look at the different concepts of correct, and use practical examples to examine automatic and user-guided methods to find potential problems within systems. Finally you will learn and apply methods for ensuring that no problems can occur within a system.

In this module you will learn fundamental concepts and practical techniques for considering the user perspective when designing products and services. You will learn how to analyse the user experience through user characteristics and their tasks, and the technical, organisational and physical environment in which products or systems operate.

At Middlesex we take an innovative approach to teaching, through practical, problem-led sessions reflecting computer science in the real world.  

You will have lectures, workshops and tutorials, and learn through practical experience in supervised laboratory work and your own guided research. You will get one-to-one support from your personal tutor or module leader and take part in group seminars and workshops to discuss what you’ve learned. We develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through  

• Interactive Concept Discussion Sessions (ICDS) illustrating theories, concepts and principles through case studies, examples, and scenarios  
• Practical assignments  
• Tutorials and seminars  
• Individual and group coursework, projects, assignments and presentations  
• Workshop and seminars  
• Key concept videos   
• Supervised practical, laboratory work  
• Guided individual and group research  
• Technical and reflective reports    

You will attend advice sessions and talks by invited speakers from industry (including alumni), employability workshops and internal speakers (e.g. the Learning Enhancement Team, International Mobility, etc)  

In your final year, you will be encouraged and helped to apply for work placements, and given help with your CV and interview technique. The faculty runs sessions in conjunction with a number of employers on the opportunities available.

For one-to-one support, you will meet with either your personal tutor or module leader. We also will share our library of online resources.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. We guarantee a 3 day timetable teach week.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions, however we ensure that your timetable is spread over three weekdays to ensure you can optimise your time on campus.

Year one - typical weekly breakdown

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of a two-hour group activity with the whole cohort and three-hour lab sessions with smaller groups, per week for each module. These are both held on campus face-to-face, and in addition there will also be a weekly 1-hour online drop-in session per module when you can ask questions and get additional help and support.  

Teaching vs independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments, which include coursework, projects and presentations. 

Academic teaching staff

Our excellent teaching team will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. View the Computer Science faculty and see who will be teaching your modules throughout your degree.

Support for your studies 

We have a range of academic support available, such as support for English language, workshops and trainings at the library to improve academic skills, and student learning assistants who offer peer support to help you excel at University.  

We also offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

Assessments

You will be assessed using a diverse range of methods including:  

• Practical artefact demonstrations
• Student Observable Behaviours (SOBs)
• Project work
• Practical laboratory tests
• Online quizzes
• Assessing case studies
• Group and individual assignments
• Technical and reflective reports
• Individual and group presentations
• Lab, seminar and workshop activities
• Project milestones
• Coding and commenting
• Individual and group work
• Computer-based in class assessment. 

Formative feedback is an integral part of the assessment process and is consistently provided for all module activities. We will get feedback to you within 15 working days. This comprehensive approach ensures that you demonstrate theoretical understanding in modules, and enhances your transferable skills along the programme, such as effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

A year-long industrial placement puts what you’ve learned into practice in a real work setting, providing valuable experience and enhancing your career prospects after graduation. You’ll develop your interpersonal and practical skills, confidence in your subject and build a valuable network of contacts.  

We’ll help you make a great impression with tips and support, which will substantially increase your chances of securing a job with the company after graduation. 

Our specialist employability service will help you find placement opportunities.