Dean's International Scholarship£2,000 per academic year
full-time international students
Check eligibility →
Brunel University of London · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Placement Year Bachelor's degree at Brunel University of London
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Placement Year at BUL is taught in English and leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree. You'll explore specialisations such as Software Engineering, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Web & Mobile, Cloud & DevOps, Games…
BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Develop software solutions to business problems with Brunel's Computer Science BSc, and learn to specify, design, code, modify and test software yourself From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Placement Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at BUL, based in Brunel University Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 95% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.5
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent84
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100
Moderate evidence Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong70
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Compulsory Group ProjectCompulsory
Module details
The group project aims to integrate skills covered by the Year 1/Level 4 modules into a non-trivial, practical group task including a significant degree of programming and technical engagement. It is also intended to develop confidence in technical abilities.
- Data and InformationCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to different kinds of data and how it can be collected, stored, retrieved, analysed and then communicated to satisfy user information needs.
- Introductory ProgrammingCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide a basic level of programming competence.
- Information Systems and OrganisationsCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to develop understanding of the complex, dynamic, and emergent behaviour of information systems (IS) with particular emphasis on the way these characteristics are modelled in the modern working environment.
- Logic and ComputationCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide knowledge and skills needed to model problems using mathematics and logic, to transform such models into versions which are amenable to computational solutions, and to give a basis for how to select the appropriate modelling methods and computational paradigms in order to achieve practical computational solutions.
- Programming ApplicationsCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide opportunities for students to apply fundamental programming concepts as a solution to non-trivial problems.
Year 2 6 modules
- Level 5 Group ProjectCompulsory
Module details
The group project aims to integrate skills covered by the Year 2 modules in a practical group task including analysis, programming and technical engagement and requires the gathering and analysis of information, production of detailed requirements statements and designs, the development and integration of data and non-trivial code, and the communication of the outcomes in clear and concise fashion.
- Software Development and ManagementCompulsory
Module details
The module aims to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the design and implementation of software systems using recognised methodology, tools and technologies. The module provides an introduction to software engineering and follows a development process from requirements and design through to implementation, creating a number of software artefacts.
- Usability EngineeringCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of usability engineering guidance and principles and how they might be applied within the design and development cycle when creating computing-related products, services and applications
- Networks and Operating SystemsCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to investigate issues and motivations involved in creating applications that make use of the networking facilities provided by the Internet or corporate Intranets, as well as the impact that the underlying operating system has on such applications.
- Algorithms and their ApplicationsCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to develop an understanding of a set of useful data abstractions and algorithms, to stimulate students' critical thinking and develop their ability to choose appropriate algorithms in solving practical problems and implementing them in software.
- Fundamentals of AlgorithmsCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to develop knowledge and comprehension of various valuable data structures and algorithms, to stimulate critical thinking and enhance skills in evaluating the trade-offs involved in selecting the most suitable algorithms for specific purposes.
Year 3 9 modules
- Computer Science Final Year ProjectCompulsory
Module details
The final-year project enables a demonstration of an integrated approach to topics covered in the programme: analytical and problem-solving skills; defining a problem to be explored and the work to complete it; independent research and development; describing and solving a problem so it can be evaluated; adapting and applying knowledge and skills in the investigation and solution of a problem.
- Advanced Topics in Computer ScienceCompulsory
Module details
This compulsory module provides an opportunity for students to research advanced and debatable issues in Computer Science. An advanced topic is one that is related to the area of Computer Science, will typically be a current area or issue of concern, but is not explicitly covered in this level of detail elsewhere in the course.
- Artificial IntelligenceOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is to introduce the key concepts, principles and fundamental methods of artificial intelligence, and to develop your skill in analysing of problem requirements, applying appropriate artificial intelligence methods to defined problems, and evaluating the effectiveness of the adopted approach.
- Digital Media and GamesOptional
Module details
This optional module aims to critically examine the use of a complex and heterogeneous mix of digital media in the delivery of entertainment content and the creation of games. In addition, the module aims to provide a practical understanding of how such content is utilised in the development of console, mobile and web-based entertainment and gaming systems.
- Network ComputingOptional
Module details
This optional module aims to investigate the impact that network systems, the internet or corporate intranets, have on the development of advanced networked computing applications.
- Software EngineeringOptional
Module details
This optional module aims to provide a grounding in topics that directly influence the quality of software, an understanding of key artefacts that inform software quality from a process and product perspective (in particular, the use of and application of software metrics), and to articulate the state-of-the-art in terms of topics such as software patterns, service-oriented engineering and security issues.
- Human-Computer InteractionOptional
Module details
This optional module aims to develop an understanding of the importance in emerging technology domains and the role of advanced research approaches to solving problems and evaluating solutions arising within HCI.
- Software Project ManagementOptional
Module details
This optional module aims to provide explicit coverage of project management tools and processes in order to consolidate the project management experience experienced during the rest of the programmes. It deals with planning, monitoring and control of a project, and the important people issues of which a project manager must be aware.
- CybersecurityOptional
Module details
This optional module aims to develop the competencies and skills sets required for delivering cybersecurity solutions in practice.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course teaches you to specify, design, code, modify and test software solutions to business problems. A course like this typically moves from core fundamentals through intermediate topics to specialist options and a final project. In your first year, you'll usually study programming fundamentals (in languages such as Python and Java), computer systems and architecture, and the discrete mathematics underlying algorithms. Year 2 builds on this with algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. By Year 3, you'll typically choose specialist options in areas such as cybersecurity, data science, human-computer interaction, or systems and networks, alongside a substantial individual project. A placement year offers practical industry experience during the course.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications; 94% of accepted students came in with these. The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students is 112–127 points.
Careers & job market
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £25,000–£35,000 at 15 months; after three years, £23,375–£33,000; and after five years, £29,750–£42,000. These figures reflect national outcomes, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
Brunel University of London is a public university founded in 1966, located on the Brunel University Campus. This BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Placement Year is a 4-year full-time degree taught in English. Brunel is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the degree is nationally recognised. The university received a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryABB-BBB (A-level) typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Contextual offersPublished by this provider
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
AccreditationBCS
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
PlacementBuilt into the named course route
With placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Open daysBook an Open Day
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of ABB. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent94% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check BUL's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 94% |
| a Baccalaureate | 2% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| Other | 2% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Offer-based entry
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask BUL whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Home (source figure)£9,535 / yr
International£17,400 / yr
Provider-sourced figure; academic year not supplied. The 2026/27 England cap is up to £9,790. Verify this course.
Check fees at BUL →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario; provider-source year unavailable
illustrative borrowing over 4 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All BUL funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
talented sportsmen and sportswomen
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
StudyKit · free
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £28,000 – £35,000 | 35 |
| 3 years after | £37,000 | £29,500 – £45,500 | 170 |
| 5 years after | £46,000 | £34,500 – £62,500 | 175 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
100%
in work or further study 15 months on
95%
in highly skilled work or study
70%
continue past their first year
70%
find their work meaningful
60%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£30,000
£25,000 – £35,000After 3 years LEO
£37,000
£23,375 – £33,000After 5 years LEO
£46,000
£29,750 – £42,000national rangethis course’s medianaxis £21,500 – £48,000
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
100 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
80% working20% working and studying0% in further study95% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
This course £46,000Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £29,000–£43,000
83rd percentile
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 55% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Computer Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,535/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 83.7% · in work or study 100% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Brunel University London
All students12,705
International34.6%
Aged 25+25.3%
Computing across the UK
Students205,990
Aged 25+31.2%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Brunel University Campus
1,392 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 429Anti Social Behaviour 365Shoplifting 132Public Order 94Other Theft 75
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to BUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,400 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
BUL offers the Dean's International Scholarship (£2,000 per academic year) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BUL and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at BUL
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by BUL. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 95% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The latest provider-sourced home-fee figure in our data is £9,535, but its academic year is not supplied; verify the 2026/27 fee on the provider's course page. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
No obligation
Request information about BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Placement Year
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.