Learn, explore and experiment. On the Bath Spa computer science degree you'll be equipped with the computing technologies and tools that empower your ability to create.

  • On this cutting edge and innovative course, you'll learn the methods and tools needed to design and develop digital solutions.
  • Develop your professional skills through projects informed by tech and digital sectors across Bath, Bristol and beyond.
  • This course is practical and hands-on. With project and coursework-based assessment, you'll create high-end, skill-showcasing projects to boost your employability.

Interested in applying?

For more information on the application process and timelines, please contact our Admissions service on +44 (0)1225 876 180 or admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Bath Spa is hands-on, experimental and solutions-focused. You’ll gain a confident understanding of the principles of Computer Science. You'll use your knowledge to design and create algorithms for digital solutions – right from the start of the course.

You’ll focus on choosing the right tools and technologies, performance implications, and grow an awareness of sustainability in the sector. You’ll also increase your skillset through learning to collaborate with others and how to effectively communicate your ideas.

A primary focus of the course is industry knowledge and job readiness. We collaborate closely with technology firms in the South West to ensure the course remains up-to-date and aligned with present market needs. Our connections with the industry provide great chances for you, meaning you can work on live briefs,real projects and show your skills. This will help the tech sector notice you.

The Computer Science degree at Bath Spa University responds to the market's need for skilled and adaptable people. Equipped with strong technical knowledge and well-developed problem-solving skills, our graduates are well-prepared for a successful tech career. Our Computer Science graduates are current, creative, and prepared to make an impact on the digital economy both in the UK and worldwide.

The course offers an Integrated Foundation Year option for students who wish to build their skills before transitioning to an undergraduate honours degree in Computer Science. There's also the option to specialise in either Data Analytics or Artificial Intelligence in one of our pathway programmes.

When you graduate, you'll be well-equipped with the skills for a successful career or postgraduate study.

Top 25 in the UK

for Teaching Quality in Computer Science (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

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Find out what our students are working on:

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What you'll learn

Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science is both practical and conceptual. You’ll learn a range of programming skills, such as how to use C++, Python and other language appropriate for different tasks and situations. You’ll learn about different types of Artificial Intelligence and how to use them to solve problems. You’ll also learn how to build web sites, web applications and Internet of Things devices.

There’s also strong emphasis on software engineering and you’ll gain an understanding of what good software is and how to create it. You'll also gain a solid understanding of how to create algorithms to search, sort and manipulate data. And if you choose the Data Visualisation option, you'll learn how to best present the insights learned from that data. 

Computer Science at Bath Spa University prepares students for a successful career in a range of industries. Learning by doing is a key aspect of our course and through a range of projects you'll learn how to apply your skills and understanding projects that build to industry requirements. For example, your skills in software engineering will also include knowing how to ensure software is designed and developed to meets the stakeholder requirements and constraints of schedule, budget and quality standards.  

Upon completion, you'll have the competence and skills to continually grow throughout a successful career or postgraduate study.

The integrated foundation year is designed to provide you with an accessible path to study Computer Science. You’ll have opportunities to explore computing concepts and experiment with a range of tools in preparation for level 4.  

Students without traditional academic backgrounds or STEM skills will develop the core logical and mathematical knowledge needed to study Computer Science.  

In addition to an introduction to industry and career development, you’ll also be introduced to academic and study skills in preparation for the next stage of your learning. 

Year one

Strong fundamentals. You'll start with an induction to computer science through computer systems architecture, networking, and learning about the ideas behind modern computing innovations. Programming skills and software design principles form the second pillar which enables more sophisticated projects throughout the course. You'll finish the year by developing knowledge around data storage and management across the Internet.

Year two

Solution Development. Your second year of study broadens and deepens your knowledge, with the beginnings of specialisation needed for advanced modules. Your understanding of software development is enhanced with object-oriented programming and software engineering. You'll also grow your confidence in modelling and developing computational solutions. 

Building physical computing projects (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and Artificial Intelligence algorithms encourages experimentation and pushes you into new spaces. You will finish the year by choosing from different modules that match your interests. These may include computer graphics and data visualization.

Year three

Showcase your talent. The final year centres on projects that enable you to apply technical expertise learnt from previous years and modules. You’ll also go further with specialist options aligned with real world domain-specific scenarios. This year provides the opportunity to highlight your professionalism, creative thinking and ability to expand your knowledge.

The assessment of BSc (Hons) Computer Science mainly involves coursework and project-based evaluation. You’ll design and develop a varied collection of digital solutions including prototype software solutions, experimental interfaces, algorithm designs. Project assignments are complemented by contextual essays, reflective commentaries, reports, examinations, and presentations.

You’ll be taught through workshops, lectures and seminars, as well as occasional individual and group tutorials  There will also be the opportunity to hear from industry experts and guest lecturers.

Teaching hours usually range from 10 to 12 in year 1. In year 3, they decrease to 8 to 10. There's a greater focus on independent study in year 3. 

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Why Computer Science?

 

A Computer Science degree is generally for those who wish to engineer new technologies; it emphasises computation and theoretical maths.

Our BSc Computer Science places less emphasis on the maths and theory in computer science – and more on experimentation and learning how computing technologies really work. You'll be encouraged to explore, try, fail and learn from the process. 

Computers are present in all aspects of modern life and have the potential to change our world. With this degree, you’ll learn to extend and create computing technologies in new and innovative ways that lead to new opportunities. 

Opportunities

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Pitch your great ideas to great companies.

We collaborate with various digital and tech companies across Bath, Bristol and beyond. Our students are invited to collaborate with professonals within local industries, on research work and commissions. You can also draw on our networks to help secure work placement and internship opportunities.

A small selection of our contacts and collaborators include:

  • IBM Watson
  • Bristol Virtual Reality Lab
  • Pervasive Media Studio
  • Complete Control
  • Create Studios
  • TechSpark
  • Network N

Careers for Computer Science graduates are numerous and varied, and include (among many others):

  • Full stack developers
  • Software engineers
  • App developers
  • Systems developer
  • Computer and information research scientists
  • Back-end developers
  • Data scientists
  • Web developers
  • IoT Embedded Systems Engineer

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Professional placement year

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.

Facilities and resources

As a BSc Computer Science student, you'll have access to our:

You can also hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.

Interested in applying?

We look for students with a passion for computing technology and experimenting with new ideas for solving problems. Successful applicants will be focused, organised and analytical thinkers. Programming experience is not essential – we teach coding from the ground up.

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, and we take your relevant skills and experience into account.

  • A Level – Grades BBC with at least a grade B in either A Level Maths, Computer Science or Physics.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in subjects related to Maths, Physics or Computing.
  • T Levels – Grade Merit preferred in a subject related to Maths, Physics or Computing.
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required, including a minimum grade H5 in Maths, Physics or Computing.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) in subjects related to Maths, Physics or Computing.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, and we take your relevant skills and experience into account.

  • A Level – Grades CCC
  • BTEC: Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) to Merit Merit Merit (MMM) accepted in any subject
  • T Levels – Grade Pass preferred in any subject
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 27 points are required, including a minimum grade H5 in any subject
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 30 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).

Applicants will have to demonstrate in your personal statements why you're interested in this course.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Other Requirements for International Applicants

Higher Secondary School Certificate/Indian School Certificate (standard XII) from the following boards CBSE/CISCE/WBCHSEB, with minimum 55%, including grade C in at least three subjects. 
If you're apply from another country, please contact admissions@bathspa.ac.uk for more information.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply webpages.

Course leader: Dave Cobb
Email: d.cobb@bathspa.ac.uk