BSc (Hons) Computer Science Bachelor's degree at Keele University
BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Keele University is accredited by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
Develop skills in programming and software development with Computer Science BSc at Keele University, preparing for careers in the digital sector. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% 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.
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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (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.
Modules 15 modules
- Agile Minds: Development and the Professional WorldCompulsory
Module details
This module introduces you to aspects of professionalism and ethics, communication, teamworking, and writing styles: these are also useful transferable skills in science and engineering more generally. The module provides you with important transitional skills that will be built upon in future modules and subsequent careers. The module provides guidance on enhancing employability skills, and advice on working in teams. Delivery of the module will include workshop activities providing you with op
- Computational FoundationsCompulsory
Module details
This module introduces the core mathematical and algorithmic principles that underpin Computer Science, enabling you to model, analyse, and solve real‑world computational problems. You will learn to work with abstract data structures such as sets, relations, functions, and graphs to represent complex scenarios, apply basic statistical techniques to summarise and interpret data, and develop algorithmic thinking to approach problem-solving systematically. The module also explores the theoretical l
- Problem Solving and Computer ProgrammingCompulsory
Module details
In the first part, the module introduces the fundamental concepts underlying computer programming, together with techniques for applying these using Python. The module has a strong practical element. Examples will come from various areas of Computer Science and Data Science. You will gain skills of producing, compiling, and debugging simple programs in Python. These skills will be refined in later modules with applications in various areas of Computer Science. In the second part this module teac
- Introduction to Cybercrime: Systems, Society, and SecurityCompulsory
Module details
This module will enable you to actively engage in the digital environment/e-society with an understanding of the risks you will encounter and the measures that may be taken to counteract them. The module will also help you to acquire a firm understanding of the technologies that underpin today's digital information society.
- Fundamentals of Computer SystemsCompulsory
Module details
You will learn fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software and achieve a foundation for other computer science modules. You will obtain an overview of computer systems, bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications and gain an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of modern IT. You will see logic design for core hardware components, the architecture of operating systems, essential features of programming languages, a selection of computing applications, hardwar
- Web Technologies and DatabasesCompulsory
Module details
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to web technologies and databases, equipping students with the practical and analytical skills to design, develop, secure, and deploy modern web applications with robust data-driven backends. Upon completion, students will be able to apply industry-standard tools and best practices in contemporary web and database development.
- Human-Centred Software EngineeringCompulsory
Module details
This module integrates principles and practices from software engineering and human-computer interaction (HCI) to provide a comprehensive exploration of the processes involved in designing, developing, and evaluating interactive software systems. Students will work both individually and in teams to apply agile software development methodologies alongside user-centred design techniques, ensuring that technical functionality and usability requirements are addressed throughout the development lifec
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningCompulsory
Module details
This module will provide students with an introduction to artificial intelligence. Topics will including neural networks, deep learning, evolutionary algorithms and neuroevolution. The focus will initially be on understanding the underlying principles, structures, algorithms and capabilities of AI systems, and then on writing programs that use appropriate machine learning software libraries to pre-process data and apply AI to tasks such as text analysis, data analytics and visualisation, compute
- Selected Topics in Computer ScienceOptional
Module details
An opportunity to pursue a personal interest in computer science, learning and applying programming and technical skills that complement and extend those taught within the curriculum, under guidance from a staff member.
- Cloud and Distributed ComputingOptional
Module details
This module introduces cloud technologies and distributed computing, focusing on both principles and practical applications. You will explore big data technologies like Hadoop and NoSQL databases and gain hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services. You will also develop skills in digital communication principles, as well as cloud and network security and compliance.
- Computer Graphics and AnimationOptional
Module details
This module provides students with an introduction to computer graphics and animation; and with appropriate programming and media development skills to design and develop animated media. These topics are investigated through lectures, practicals and independent study. The module provides skills relevant to 2D and 3D computer graphics, and animation that have relevance to careers in animation, games and digital media production.
- Research and Development Project in Computer ScienceCompulsory
Module details
This module enables students to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a relatively large or complex technical, software, programming, research or business problem within the discipline.
- Advanced Web Development and DatabasesCompulsory
Module details
This module provides an advanced understanding of database techniques and the contemporary issues involved in deploying modern database systems. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop secure, distributed, multi‑tier web applications using current and emerging technologies. Designed with industry relevance in mind, the module focuses on practical competencies that prepare students for professional web development and database‑driven application design.
- Software Engineering PracticeOptional
Module details
This module provides a deeper understanding of object-oriented programming and the concept of concurrent programming, using Java as a working language. You will learn more advanced design patterns which can be applied in a range of real-world application areas. You will gain a comprehensive foundation in software development management and its associated processes. This will cover the skills needed to manage software products and their quality and explore Test-Driven development. You will be abl
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Data EthicsOptional
Module details
This module will expand on the range of artificial intelligence themes introduced earlier in the degree. It will allow students to explore in greater depth, selected research-led topics at the forefront of current thinking in the rapidly evolving field of AI. The module will also provide students with insights and understanding of fundamental issues relevant to data ethics, security and AI governance. Students will acquire practical data science and machine learning skills such as dataset analys
Level 5 1 modules
- Flexible Work Placement (Level 5)Optional
Module details
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your
Level 6 1 modules
- Flexible Work Placement (Level 6)Optional
Module details
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your
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 develops skills in programming and software development, preparing you for careers in the digital sector. A course like this normally moves from programming fundamentals and computer systems in Year 1, covering imperative and object-oriented languages, hardware and networks, and discrete mathematics, through algorithms, databases and software engineering in Year 2. Year 2 also introduces artificial intelligence and machine learning. In Year 3, you'll typically choose specialist options such as cybersecurity, distributed systems, graphics or advanced machine learning, complete foundational work in security and networks, and undertake a substantial supervised software project. The emphasis throughout is on designing efficient solutions and building maintainable systems in practice.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're interested in computing, programming, and technology. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff among accepted students was 80–95 points. You'll need to be comfortable with problem-solving, logical thinking, and continuous learning, as the field evolves rapidly. Whether you're drawn to software development, data analysis, security, or emerging technologies, this degree provides the foundation to pursue those interests.
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 continuing their studies. Graduate earnings data shows starting salaries typically range from £25,000 to £35,000 at 15 months; after five years, this rises to £29,750–£42,000. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. The field remains in demand across sectors including finance, technology, healthcare, and public services.
University & format
Keele University is a university in Staffordshire, England. This BSc (Hons) Computer Science is a 3-year full-time degree taught in English. It is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; your degree will be nationally recognised. Keele was awarded Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 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.
- 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.
Contextual Offer. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
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 | 84% |
| another higher-education qualification | 11% |
| an Access course | 3% |
| a previous degree | 2% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
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.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code G400). 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Keele University →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
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.
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 | £25,000 – £35,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £23,500 – £34,500 | 65 |
| 5 years after | £37,000 | £29,000 – £49,000 | 65 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 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
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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. 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.
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 · 60% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
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: 70; response rate: 55%. 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.
How 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) LimitedIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. 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
95% 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 8.7 out of 10: NSS 80.9% · in work or study 95% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Keele University
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Keele University
88 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
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 Keele University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Keele University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Keele University’s funding pages.
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 Keele University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Keele University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.