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Computer Science: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
BSc
Address
Computer Science: University of Birmingham, School of Computer Science, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Computer Science
Duration 
4 years with a year in industry or a year abroad
Scholarship and Grants 

http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/admissions/unde...

Telephone 
+44 121 414 3744
Fax 
+44 121 414 4281
E-mail 

off...@cs.bham.ac.uk

Website 
http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk



Report Recommend

Computer Science is a dynamic discipline. What began with the curiosity of only a handful of academics has blossomed into a field with an impact on our lives that would have astonished many pioneers. In the past 50 years computers have contributed to numerous advances in almost every field. Yet developments still show no sign of slowing.

Computer science now forms the nucleus of a new mathematical science of information processing and communication. Future changes in computing technology will depend on advances in this science.

You will learn about all kinds of computational systems, their theory, design, development and application. This includes programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, operating systems, databases, nature-inspired computation, concurrent computing, robotics and the theory of computation. The degree incorporates concepts from fields as diverse as mathematics, engineering, linguistics and psychology.

First year

The first year is designed so that you can delay your decision about specialisation until the end of that year. You gain a firm foundation in the principles of algorithms, artificial intelligence, software and hardware engineering and relevant mathematics. You also learn computer programming in Java – a language widely used in business.

Second year

In the second year you move on to study enabling technologies such as databases, graphics and the formal basis of programming languages. Our approach is to teach these in conjunction with programming. This is because implementing the techniques gives you a much deeper understanding. You also learn to work in a team to produce software, and learn new styles of programming in Java and a second language. You can choose modules from a range of options including an Introduction to Nature Inspired Computation, Software Engineering, Computer Vision and Natural Language Technologies.

Third year

In the final year you have enormous freedom of choice: you can pick eight modules from over 20. You can study subjects relevant to industry, such as computer networks, distributed systems or commercial programming. You can also study current research in areas such as evolutionary computation, neural computation, intelligent robotics and natural language technologies.

Some modules allow you to acquire further programming skills. You also spend one-third of your time on a final degree project. This includes writing a large piece of software, and brings together all the computing skills you have acquired.

Teaching and assessment

Our teaching employs a mixture of lectures, tutorials, exercise classes, practical work, projects, and independent study all aimed at strengthening your understanding by active involvement.

Career opportunities

Most of our graduates go directly into employment in the IT or business sectors. with an average of 76% finding full-time employment within six months of graduating.

We have strong recruitment links with many companies, including technology consultancies such as Accenture and LogicaCMG, and the well-known IT corporations such as Microsoft, Oracle, Hewlett- Packard and IBM. Opportunities also exist in investment banking (working for organisations such as Goldman Sachs), in retail banks and telecommunication companies.

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offer: ABB
  • Required subjects and grades: Mathematics GCSE at grade B
  • General Studies: accepted
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 30–34 points including Mathematics at SL

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details. Please note that Access qualifications are not suitable for this programme.

Additional information

  1. It is desirable, but not essential, to have some experience of writing computer programs.
  2. This degree can be taken with a year in industry, leading to a Certificate in Industrial Studies.
  3. This degree can be taken with a year of study abroad.
  4. A subject booklet is available on request – please visit www.cs.bham.ac.uk/admissions/lit-request.php

About courses in Computing and Artificial Intelligence

 Contact details

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal address: The University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    United Kingdom
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

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