Computer Science BSc(Hons)

Your first year will be shared with all courses in the computing subject area. Working within the Games Academy, you'll develop a foundational knowledge of the discipline and the various branches of computer science. You’ll get a practical introduction to programming and computer technology, as well as learning about the pipelines and processes used to create engaging digital products and services.

Modules

Principles of Computing

In this module, you’ll learn the principles of computing, discrete mathematics, statistics and technical communication. Through a series of tasks, you’ll begin to use core computer science concepts, techniques and methods to solve practical problems and leverage algorithms in your solutions.

You'll also delve into the history of computing, engaging with the plurality of voices in the profession and the controversies evoked by algorithmic bias. 

Digital Creativity

On this module, you will explore digital media formats including text, image and sound.  

You’ll play, tinker, experiment with and extend digital artefacts, transforming what already exists in one form into another form as a means of appropriation. You will then integrate your digital artefacts with digital game technologies, notably game engines, to make them interactive in some way.  

You’ll also consider moral and legal questions surrounding digital creativity, such as plagiarism, intellectual property law, licensing rights, representation and media literacy.

Development Foundations

On this module, you’ll gain foundational experience of the basic principles, terminology, roles and tools used in the development of digital products and services.  

Through several small-scale team projects, you’ll practice a range of prototyping methods and pitch your idea for a future project. These projects will help you to develop your project management skills, while building a professional, inclusive and supportive studio culture.

Data Fundamentals

In this module, you’ll learn the fundamentals of the data science life cycle. This will include learning how to formulate questions, collect and clean data, explore and visualise data, make statistical inferences and predictions, and report insights in a way that informs decision making.  

You'll also gain an awareness of the responsibilities, obligations and legalities of working with sensitive and personal data, including its collection, storage, analysis, management and transmission.

Individual Programming Project

In this module, you’ll refine your approach to computer programming by developing an architecturally sound project focused on object-orientated solutions.  

Through this project, you’ll build your confidence with various interfaces that enable interaction within and across different system components. You’ll practice more disciplined software engineering methodologies, develop your mastery of the notations for describing and refactoring system architectures, and apply the mathematics associated with circuit design.  

You’ll also gain a greater awareness of ethical considerations such as safety, accessibility, sustainability and the impact of supply chains.

Multidisciplinary Teamwork

On this module, you’ll work in multi-skilled teams to make a digital product or service in response to a prompt or brief.  

This work will give you the opportunity to increase your knowledge of organising and managing a software development project. Working in a multidisciplinary team will also give you hands-on experience of the full systems development lifecycle and production pipelines in an ‘agile’ context commonly used in professional practice.  

By the end of the module, you and your team should have produced and evaluated a modest but functional proof of concept.

The second year involves much deeper specialism in computer science, with modules in complex problem solving, web technologies, distributed systems, algorithms and optimisation and mathematics for computer scientists. You will also work in partnership with peers in Cornwall Business School on challenge-led briefs to deliver commercially-minded projects.

Modules

Complex Problem Solving

In this module, you’ll learn and practice multiple methods of approach to complex problem-solving and explore outcomes through simulations.  

You’ll be introduced to ‘systems thinking’: an absolute necessity for contemporary business leaders, who will be working in environments of densely layered interdependencies and networks.

Computational Mathematics

You’ll learn key mathematic principles, such as linear algebra, geometry, trigonometry, 3D transformation, and calculus that underpins computing. You’ll then apply these principles to your own technical working practices.  

You’ll also explore the relationship between computational mathematics and cybersecurity, learning to programme defensively and become familiar with security topics such as common threats and attack vectors, cryptography and steganography, certification and malware. 

Web Technologies

In this module, you’ll boost your knowledge of system development lifecycles and the engineering of computing systems, applying more disciplined approaches to some of the challenges you may have encountered in the first stage of the course.  

You’ll explore case studies and engage with topics such as the design and implementation of full-stack, database-driven systems with browser-based user interfaces. You’ll continue to exercise your programming skills across topics such as: entity relationship modelling, methods of scaling and optimising computing systems, and more. You’ll also leverage appropriate theory to make informed architectural decisions. 

Distributed Systems

In this module, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of distributed systems, computer networks, databases, and Internet of Things architecture. 

There will be a particular emphasis on how to use industry-standard socket architecture, data structures and transaction processing techniques, and system security that can create high performance, robust and secure platforms.  

You’ll also explore the ethical considerations of storing user payment information and the role of anonymity in networked environments, as well as managing equality, diversity and inclusivity in the design, development and management of social platforms.

Algorithms & Optimisation

Throughout this module, you’ll practise and develop your computing skills with a focus on the design and analysis of algorithms. 

You’ll explore strategies for creating efficient and optimised code; learning to apply methods of profiling and resource management. You’ll also be challenged to consider sustainability as a theme for your optimisations, with attention to maximising the use and/or extending the lifecycle of hardware that is difficult to recycle, to reduce (notional) energy usage and to better manage processes with environmental impacts. 

Collaboration

This module allows students to have a shared and reflective learning experience with students from across the University, contributing to reflective, collaborative practice and work.  

The module utilises a Challenge Based Learning (CBL) learning approach that, through student-led small group working, develops transferable interpersonal and collaborative skills.

You can choose to take an optional placement year after your second year on a three-year programme, or after your third year if you’re studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year.  

You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the RealWORKS employability team.  

Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying.  

How you’ll study during your placement year

You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks.  

You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation.

Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth.

In your third year, you’ll develop greater intellectual freedom, both as an individual but also in tackling a challenge in collaboration with others. 

With modules focusing on developing your personal specialism alongside stretching your collaboration skills and a rigorous module in Advanced Computer Science, at the end of this year, you’ll have experience working on multidisciplinary teams and delivering a substantial development project.  

Modules

Research & Development: Proposal

In this module, you’ll plan and commence an individual ‘major’ research and development project in computing. You can choose to conduct primary research centred on or supported by a novel computing artefact, or practice-based research with significant technical depth.  

The development of your written proposal will include identifying an opportunity, critically reviewing relevant literature, setting a hypothesis and designing a mode of data collection, while considering all ethical implications, as well as prototyping a novel and substantial computing artefact. 

Advanced Topics in Computer Science

In this module, you’ll be introduced to more advanced and emerging topics in computer science, such as language and compiler design, functional programming, formal methods to apply rigorous engineering methods to the implementation and deployment of robust (safety-critical) software whilst engaging with appropriate legal and ethical frameworks; as well as big data analytics. For each of these topics, you’ll be encouraged to embrace the state-of-the-art, exploring both the theoretical underpinnings as well as the practical aspects through a series of computer science experiments.

You’ll also consider the context of recent developments in the field of computing, reflecting diverse voices amongst professionals in the field as well as the impact of computing upon various populations of users and stakeholders.

Future Skills

In this module, you’ll develop your commercial awareness and entrepreneurial mindset for graduate opportunities, building the knowledge and skills needed to set up your own business, establish yourself as a freelancer, or join an existing business or organisation.

This will help you to further develop your goals, values and employability skills, as well as to explore options available to you.

Research & Development: Dissertation

On this module, you’ll continue your individual ‘major’ research and development project. Building upon the proposal you submitted, you’ll further develop your prototype computing artefact into a potentially deployable solution. In doing so, you’ll deepen your knowledge of software engineering, the use of advanced research tools, technical writing and academic conventions, as well as the interpretation and visualisation of results from statistical analyses of quantitative data.  

Under the supervision of a subject-matter expert, you will: realise a novel and substantial computing artefact; execute your research and development; and critically analyse your results, disseminating your findings through a written academic dissertation. You’ll also present your insights to peers alongside a demonstration of the final computing artefact, referring to the potential impact of your project, any ethical concerns, and potential future work.

Major Collaboration

In this module, you’ll leverage your experiences from the prior stages of the course to deliver a substantial collaborative project. You’ll work in a multi-skilled team to design and implement a potentially innovative product or service.  

Typically, this will be the continuation of your previous project, but it could also be a newly proposed project that satisfies a real need, a response to a market opportunity identified by the University, a live brief from or collaboration with industry partners or research teams, or a solution to a problem presented by an external stakeholder.  

You will continue to put into practice the ethically-informed methodologies you have outlined in previous modules. Contexts can also vary but could include: enterprise solutions; mobile apps; installations; games; web applications; robots; immersive experiences; software development tools; and more.

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.

If you apply for and enrol onto a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year, you’ll have the option to switch onto a five-year version including a placement year. That means you’ll complete the first three years of your course before completing a placement in industry in your fourth year and returning to Falmouth for the fifth year of your programme.