BSc (Hons) Computer Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Kent
BSc (Hons) Computer Science at University of Kent is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body framework, ensuring your qualification holds national standing.
About this course
Unlock the world of technology with a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science at the University of Kent. Develop programming, problem-solving, and software development skills to prepare for a career in tech, AI, and software engineering. Apply today! From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Kent, based in Canterbury. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (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: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 82% (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.
Stage 1 6 modules
- Programming ICompulsory
Module details
Designed for beginners and assuming no experience, this module equips you with essential programming concepts and skills. The module is a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on exercises with the Python programming language. The skills you acquire will help you learn other programming languages such as Java and C++. Practical assignments and projects enable you to apply and hone your skills. Additionally, you'll learn basic debugging techniques and best practices in coding style and docum
- Programming IICompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll learn how an object-oriented approach to software development allows us to think in a particular way about solving problems. This approach increases the likelihood that our code will be well-written and reliable. You'll also learn about abstraction and inheritance and develop a deeper practical understanding of how to program beyond simple problems.
- Internet TechnologiesCompulsory
Module details
In this module you'll examine the fundamental technologies that make modern web applications work. You'll learn to use operating and cloud systems to deploy, configure, and monitor software. You'll dive into networking, from the basic principles of network latency and bandwidth to addressing and transmitting at different layers, from the datalink to HTTP application layer. You'll also develop a foundational frontend web development skill set, learning how to structure web pages using HTML, s
- Human Computer InteractionCompulsory
Module details
Throughout this module you will learn about design quality and the need for a professional, integrated, and user-centred approach to interface design and development. You'll explore various analysis and design methods, understand what good interaction design is, and learn how to design easy to use, effective, and efficient interfaces. You'll learn about different design principles and how to apply these principles to optimise the interaction between humans and computers. You'll master the fundam
- Foundations of ComputingCompulsory
Module details
Mathematical reasoning underpins most aspects of computer science. Knowing and understanding the mathematical methods, techniques and abstract reasoning skills required to solve problems and analyse data is vital for moving on to other modules in our computing degree courses. This module demonstrates the role of mathematics in Computer Science with relevant examples. Starting with algebra, reasoning and proof, set theory, functions, statistics and computer arithmetic, you'll progress to the more
- Computer SystemsCompulsory
Module details
When we write software, it will eventually run on a computer system. You'll learn about the fundamental hardware and software components of a computer system, and how these components cooperate to execute software programs. You'll deepen your knowledge of computer systems from the lowest level of abstractions in hardware to the highest level of abstractions of modern programming languages. For example, you'll explore how logic circuits, machine language, programming language implementations, and
Stage 2 5 modules
- AlgorithmsCompulsory
Module details
Algorithms are the most essential concept in computer science. They are what allow Google to search the entirety of human knowledge in nanoseconds, answering a query for millions of users worldwide simultaneously. Algorithms are behind GPS routing software and every successful rocket launch. Algorithms are what allow our DNA to be replicated and passed on through generations. Understanding algorithms and how to analyse them–both for correctness and efficiency–and learning how to develop new algo
- Database SystemsCompulsory
Module details
Database systems are a cornerstone of most software. The contact list of your phone is managed by a database, as are the custom-made applications used by small and midsized enterprises, as well as the large-scale databases of internet platforms with their billions of users. This module introduces you to the theory and practice of database systems. You'll model, design, implement, and use database systems, gaining valuable skills you will need in your career as a software developer. By the end of
- Web DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
Embark on a transformative journey into the dynamic world of web development with this intermediate module covering internet technologies. Designed to empower aspiring developers with the skills needed to thrive in today's digital landscape, this module offers a deep dive into the foundations of both front-end and back-end web development. From crafting captivating user experiences with the latest browser technologies to mastering server-side programming, databases and sound design principles, t
- Software DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
Software is everywhere you look, and modern software systems need to adapt to changes quickly. Software teams release new versions of their software frequently to keep up with changing requirements. You will learn about the best practices for developing such software within a team using the agile methodology. You'll discover the importance of customer involvement for identifying requirements, writing automated tests for verifying functionality, and code reviews for improving the quality of the c
- Fundamentals of AIOptional
Module details
The omnipresence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniable; it is not merely a futuristic concept but a current reality that permeates almost every facet of our lives. As we witness AI's pervasive influence, it becomes evident that it is destined to be an integral part of our everyday existence. In this dynamic module, you will be intro
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 emphasises programming, problem-solving and software development across a breadth of practical and theoretical topics. You'll usually begin with programming fundamentals in Python and Java, alongside computer systems, architecture and the discrete mathematics that underpins algorithms. In Year 2, a course like this normally progresses to algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. Year 3 allows you to specialise in areas such as cybersecurity, data science, systems and networks, human-computer interaction, or software engineering, culminating in an individual software project. Throughout, you'll develop skills applicable to roles in tech and software engineering.
Who it's for
This course suits those with strong interest in computing and problem-solving who want a comprehensive grounding in computer science principles and practice. Recent entrants typically held A-levels or equivalent qualifications (84% of accepted students), with a common UCAS tariff band of 128–143 points. You should be prepared for full-time study and ready to engage with both technical and applied aspects of the discipline.
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 undertaking 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 the broader graduate outcomes landscape rather than guarantees specific to this institution.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) Computer Science is studied full-time over 3 years at the University of Kent, a public university in Canterbury. Taught and assessed in English, the degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, making it nationally recognised. The university holds Silver in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality.
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Year in industry. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
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% |
| a foundation course | 8% |
| a Baccalaureate | 3% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| Other | 2% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Kent →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 | £32,000 | £25,000 – £40,000 | 25 |
| 3 years after | £37,000 | £27,000 – £48,500 | 230 |
| 5 years after | £47,500 | £35,000 – £66,000 | 250 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
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: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. 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.
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 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% 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: 75; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Computer Science worth it?
Yes, for most students BSc (Hons) Computer Science is well worth it. On its graduates’ median earnings, the course is worth about +£205,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, after the fees you pay.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 8.8. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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
Published home tuition is £9,790/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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,000. 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 7.9 out of 10: NSS 76.3% · in work or study 80% · continued 82%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Kent
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 Canterbury
318 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 University of Kent from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £23,500 / 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
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Kent’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 University of Kent and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Kent
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)BSc (Hons) · University of KentBSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security) with a Year in IndustryBSc (Hons) · University of KentBSc (Hons) Computer Science with a Year in IndustryBSc (Hons) · University of KentBSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) with a Year in IndustryBSc (Hons) · University of Kent
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.