Computer Science BSc(Hons)
Learn from a diverse range of experts to help you become a daring computer scientist.
Course overview
New immersive realities, data-rich and informed interactions, automations and ever-more connected clouds are shaping the way the world operates and how people interact with each other – computer science underpins it all. You’ll leverage scientific principles and cutting-edge technology to create new and compelling products and services.
Choose between a three-year degree, a four-year degree with a year of professional practice or a four-year degree with an Integrated Foundation Year.
You will:
- Get practical hands-on experience, immersing yourself in computer programming and software engineering to build your own software
- Work on complex real-world problems set in partnership with industry and explore a range of market-led incubation opportunities identified by our RealWORKS employability team
- Advance your knowledge of computer science and computing technologies in a way that enables you to incorporate cutting-edge advances into the digital products and services you create
- Leverage user-centred design thinking in your system development lifecycles, taking advantage of our research strengths in this area
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary Agile teams to realise projects with real commercial potential
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway is subject to validation.
Course details
On this Computer Science degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BSc(Hons) degree over three years or the option to study Computer Science BSc(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year and/or Sandwich Year study options.
From learning the foundations of computer science to producing real projects with multiskilled teams from across the Games Academy and the Cornwall Business School, you'll gain the theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience and business insight to become an innovative and resilient computer scientist.
Your first year will be shared with all courses in the computing subject area. Working within the bustling Games Academy, you'll develop a foundational knowledge of the discipline and get a practical introduction to programming and computer technology, as well as the pipelines and processes used to create engaging digital products and services.
Modules
Development Principles
Creative Computing
Principles of Computing
Individual Creative Computing Project
Multidisciplinary Development Practice
In your second year you'll explore the various specialisms of computer science, taking modules in complex problem solving, design thinking, software engineering, algorithms and optimisation and mathematics for computer scientists. You'll also work with peers in the School of Entrepreneurship to deliver real projects.
Modules
Algorithms & Optimisation
Mathematics for Computer Scientists
Complex Problem Solving
Software Engineering
Design Thinking
Optional modules
Artificial Intelligence
Distributed System
Interfaces & Interaction
You’ll gain real-world, hands-on experience in this optional year-long placement.
In your final year, you'll delve deeper into more advanced topics in computer science and focus on preparing for your future career. Alongside an individual research project into novel and emerging technology, you'll embark in collective innovation, applying your knowledge to a major development project as part of a team.
Modules
Advanced Topics in Computer Science
Digital Innovation
Major Project
Research & Development: Practice
Research & Development: Dissertation
If you choose the Integrated Foundation Year pathway, you'll study five core modules in your foundation year. These are all designed to help you explore the foundational elements of your subject. You'll gain relevant technical skills, learn to experiment and take risks, develop an understanding of professional practice, have opportunities to work across disciplines and collaborate with other students on live project briefs.
By the time you progress into year one of your degree, you'll have a deeper knowledge of your subject, a clear understanding of your strengths, and develop a practical and technical skillset and the confidence to excel in your chosen subject.
Modules
Explore
You'll begin your foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. You'll take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.
Technique
You'll take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. You'll also enhance your analytical and organisational abilities.
Apply
You'll work with your peer group to think beyond discipline by addressing a societal or global issue. You'll then showcase your work to your peers and deliver and accompanying evaluation of your process.
Industry
You'll enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. You'll also gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.
Launch
You'll develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project will be the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work you have created.
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway is subject to validation.
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
We are making changes to our curriculum framework for courses starting in 2022. Modest amendments to our course module structure will provide you with new opportunities to collaborate and co-create with students from across disciplines during your studies.
This course page will be updated when these changes have been finalised and applicants will be notified.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details for the 3 year course, 4 year course (Sandwich Year) and Integrated Foundation Year.
How you'll learn
You'll learn through lecturers, seminars, tutorials and guest speakers, as well as practical demonstrations, workshops and studio practice. Mirroring industry practice, we put a focus on working in multi-skilled teams and schedule regular crit sessions to support peer-to-peer learning. We also provide mentoring opportunities.
At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here
How you’ll spend your time
|
Year |
Timetabled teaching and learning activity |
Guided independent study |
Placements |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Foundation Year |
N/A |
||
|
1 |
33% |
67% |
0% |
|
2 |
33% |
67% |
0% |
|
Sandwich Year (optional) |
0% | 0% | 100% |
|
3/4 |
33% |
67% |
0% |
How you'll be assessed
|
Year |
Written exams |
Practical exams |
Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Foundation |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
1 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
2 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
3/4 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
*These percentages are indicative and may vary
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through coursework only. This can take many forms, including:
- Practical projects
- Papers
- Pitches
- Portfolios
Designed to mirror industry practice, you'll be continually assessed on group projects through a group working strategy.
Foundation year assessments are 100% coursework based.
Staff
By joining this course you'll become part of a vibrant community of artists, writers, designers, animators, composers, producers, entrepreneurs, programmers and other computing enthusiasts.
You'll be taught by a blend of academic and industry experts with many years of experience working in the industry. Staff include computer science scholars and researchers working in the fields of games, web development, immersion, user research, and artificial intelligence. With our global industry connections, you'll also benefit from on-the-ground insights from the sector.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.
Facilities
State-of-the-art development studios, which house the latest technology and professional facilities:
- Modern i7 machines
- Attached labs for console development, immersive experience design and robot fabrication
- Specialised computing hardware for game development, deep learning projects, motion capture and immersive experiences
- Standard packages used in software development for the creative industries, including Adobe and Autodesk suites
- Access to free software via Microsoft Imagine
Games Academy Facilities
Our Games Academy offers professional-standard studios, a dedicated craft room, breakout spaces, and...
Library Facilities
Offering extensive collections, our two libraries provide a wealth of digital resources, magazines, ...
Sports Centre
Our Sports Centre, on Penryn Campus, includes a spacious gym with up to 90 of the latest, new statio...
How to apply
| Course route | UCAS code |
|---|---|
| Computer Science BSc(Hons) three year degree | I100 |
| Computer Science BSc(Hons) with Sandwich Year | I101 |
| Computer Science BSc(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year | FY35 |
Application advice & interview information
Go to ToolkitWe consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you've specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.
| Course route | Entry requirements |
|---|---|
| BSc(Hons) three year degree |
104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C) |
| BSc(Hons) four year degree with Sandwich Year |
104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C) |
| BSc(Hons) four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year |
80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C) |
UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. Applicants should have GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
For starting your studies in 2023
UK applications: 25 January 2023 (for equal consideration)
Applications after the 25 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.
International fee payers
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
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