BSc Computer Science

Compulsory modules

Computer Systems Architecture

Develop foundational knowledge of computer system architecture, including binary representation, machine language, processors and memory, and understand the joint forces of hardware and software interaction.

Databases

Implement and manage a database to structure, store, access and retrieve data by taking methodological steps. You’ll develop your problem-solving, critical thinking and teamworking abilities, alongside awareness of end-user needs and testing.

Mathematics and Computation

Consider the application of mathematics and algorithms to computer and data science. You’ll be presented with relevant mathematics in linear algebra and data analysis and apply these through implementations in MATLAB.

Imperative Programming

Learn how to write small programs using Java, as well as basic algorithms and fundamental software development practices such as version control, specification and testing.

Object-Oriented Programming

Collaborate as a team to develop a program and use it to share and merge source code. As well as developing key programming skills, you’ll increase your abilities in complex problem solving.

Optional modules

Applications of Computer Science

Explore the applications of computer science by selecting and applying techniques in computing problems contexts. You’ll employ relevant aspects in the systems of artificial intelligence, computer vision and robotics.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Data Structures and Algorithms

Explore these two essentials of computer programming and develop your teamwork abilities, critical thinking and professional writing skills. You’ll solve a large problem that integrates components of data structures, algorithm development and implementation.

Operating Systems and Networking

Develop your understanding of modern operating systems, basic concepts and theories of computer networks. You’ll review the history and development of operating systems and apply theories in computer communications to real world networks.

Artificial Intelligence

Apply fundamental methods in artificial intelligence to various real-world problems. You’ll expand your critical thinking skills to solve large problems, together with your writing skills for algorithm development and software implementation.

Programming in Python

Using Python programming languages, develop your skills and knowledge to use current tools in general program designs, development and data science. You’ll also develop transferable professional skills for a variety of fields that use programming.

Software Systems Design

Explore object-oriented analyses and design (OOAD) skills, concepts and principles. You’ll learn unified modelling language (UML) techniques to design software systems and gain understanding of methodology.

Software Engineering and Professional Development 

Discover software engineering as a systematic approach to software development. You’ll study and apply paradigm and methodology to inform software development, innovation, management and sustainability in response to the fast-changing digital era.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Degree Project

Conduct a professional project within a specific area of computer science. demonstrating initiative and creativity and applying the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your studies.

Optional modules

Image Analysis and Visual Intelligence

Gain theoretical and practical knowledge of image analysis and computer vision by using real-world applications. You’ll develop professional skills such as problem solving, team-working, critical analysis, creativity and technical report writing for various audiences.

Distributed and Parallel Computing 

Understand concepts and principles that underpin distributed systems and industry standard processes. You’ll learn advanced programming in C++ that allows you to specialise in the field, for example in big data analytics or as a scientific programmer.

Virtual Reality, Games and Graphics

Study virtual reality in terms of scientific issues, application areas and strengths and weaknesses of the technology. You’ll use software to design virtual worlds and/or games and learn techniques for their creation using computer graphics.

Blockchain and Security

Deploy blockchain for various applications, gaining a theoretical and practical understanding that develops your critical thinking, writing and design skills. You’ll reflect on rationale, benefits and potential societal and environmental impacts, specifically carbon emissions.

Data Integration and Information Visualisation

Transform raw data into visual insights to develop your understanding of data integration. You’ll work with peers to critically reflect on design process and outcomes, using commercial software tools and writing professionally for software design documents.

Machine Learning

Examine concepts in machine learning such as shallow/conventional, ensemble and deep learning methods. You’ll apply these to problems including classification, regression and language modelling and write for algorithm development and software implementation.

Text Mining and Natural Language Processing

Study the field of text mining and natural language processing, focusing on the theories and practice of processing text data from the aspects of lexicons, syntactics and semantics.

HCI and Web Applications Development 

Study the interaction between computers and humans, using Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) methodologies to enhance useability of web applications. You’ll learn scripting languages, such as JavaScript, to develop web application interface.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.