BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects · University of PortsmouthBachelor's degree · 3 years
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University of Portsmouth · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth

BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects at University of Portsmouth. The university, founded in 1869, is a recognised UK degree-awarding body and holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Portsmouth. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Computing graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,000. (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.

8.8
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent89

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
Exceptional90

Stronger evidence Published sample: 105. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent85

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 85% (2021-23; 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 14 modules
  • Interactive Learning Skills and CommunicationCore20 credits
    Module details

    It also means you understand the value of scholarships, allowing you to move on to postgraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth.

  • Maths for Science and ComputingCore20 credits
    Module details

    Completing this module demonstrates a strong understanding and application of essential mathematical skills.

  • Programming ConceptsCore10 credits
    Module details

    Completing this module will allow you to demonstrate a strong understanding of programming concepts and the ability to apply basic programming knowledge and skills.

  • Business StudiesCore20 credits
    Module details

    You'll gain an appreciation for the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and operate a business. Topics covered include core concepts in business studies, understanding the business environment, different forms of business structures, business strategy and planning, enterprise, innovation, and entrepreneurship. You'll also delve into key principles and practices in human resource management and operations management.

  • Digital Literacy, Sustainability and AICore10 credits
    Module details

    Learn how to practically use key Microsoft applications and demonstrate this knowledge in their studies and future careers. You will also learn of the potential and risks of AI software and how to use it responsibly in the classroom, as well as in assessments.

  • New Media and Digital CulturesCore20 credits
    Module details

    Successful completion of this module indicates that students have obtained a good understanding of and ability to understand and rationalise aspects of emerging New Media; and indicates that students have obtained a good understanding of and ability to apply the requisite basic understanding and critical thinking skills to enable them to proceed to a range of programmes at the University.

  • Research Methods, Critical Thinking and ExpressionCore10 credits
    Module details

    Strengthen your understanding of argumentation, rationalisation of evidence, and assessing the credibility of sources.

  • Design ConceptsCore10 credits
    Module details

    You'll focus on developing your ability to translate ideas to hand drawings and sketches as an important part of the design process. Successful completion of this module indicates that you will have obtained a good understanding of and ability to apply the requisite basic Design Concepts knowledge and skills. Collect, assess and evaluate a variety of data required to undertake a design project. Understand the structure of the design through transformation and convergent stages. The principal phases from consideration of market need through specification, conceptual designs, feasibility, detail design to manufacture, modification, development, use and retirement.

  • Introduction to Computer Animation and VFXCore120 credits
    Module details

    What will I learn? You'll develop your 3D modelling skills, beginning with hard‑surface props and assets before moving on to stylised character creation. Your animation abilities will grow step by step, starting with basic shapes and core principles, advancing through body mechanics, and culminating in full character performances to strengthen your portfolio. You’ll also expand your compositing and visual effects skillset through a range of fundamental exercises, including rotoscoping, digital matte painting, and particle effects. All of this learning comes together in a final large‑scale practical project, where you’ll apply your core skills to produce a polished portfolio piece that showc

  • CGI Lighting and Look DevelopmentCore20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll combine creativity and technique to explore the key VFX skills of a Lighting Technical Director. Study how to film scenes and train your artistic eye to make realistic CG images. Improve your technical skills by developing efficient pipelines between applications. You’ll show your aesthetic style by balancing texturing, shading, lighting, and rendering. This module helps you to light CGI with imagination and precision, getting you ready for different jobs in the global VFX industry. You’ll talk about your work using both creative and technical languages. In the end, you’ll have the experience and confidence to shine with your CGI lighting talents.

  • Creative Research and Project InitiationCore20 credits
    Module details

    You'll discuss research approaches and gain skills to strategise methods for independent study. You'll formulate plans tailored to your goals, create research proposals and hone your scholarly writing. Investigating your chosen career path, you'll identify opportunities, appraising your skills and interests. This experience provides a robust foundation to initiate an impactful creative project aligned with your aspirations

  • Real-Time Animation and VFX ProjectCore20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll use virtual production tools to quickly create assets that meet professional benchmarks, ranging from creatures to environments. This joint effort will involve elements of staging, cinematography, and VFX compositing, pushing you to intuitively combine these aspects within strict deadlines. This module also introduces you to technologies that improve efficiency. From this, you’ll gain a deeper industry understanding and enhance the quality of your project work.

  • Commercial Asset Production for Real TimeOptional40 credits
    Module details

    You’ll research, design, and develop a character and environment following an industry-standard brief. Create model sheets and mood boards to guide your 3D workflow and visualise your concepts as you take your asset from concept to finish. Finally, you will use professional real-time techniques to create a demo reel that shows your technical excellence. This module will equip you with practical experience and key skills in creating triple-A game assets, VR/AR content, and other real-time 3D applications.

  • Study ExchangeOptional60 credits
    Module details

    Through a study exchange overseas, you'll manage tasks and projects relevant to your course, working independently or collaboratively as part of a team. The experience enables you to showcase your talents on a global stage while reflecting on your personal growth. With enhanced employability prospects, you return home with a new perspective to inform your practice.

Level 5 21 modules
  • Design and Visual Research for Cinema and GameOptional20 credits
    Module details

    It will help develop your practical knowledge and collaborative abilities to thrive in the film and games industries. You’ll use drawing to capture animal forms, structure, texture, and proportions. Relating visual research to the design process, you’ll develop industry-standard workflows, put your skills into practice through industry-led briefs and create professional-quality concepts and assets. You can immerse yourself in the production pace and pipelines of entertainment studios through collaboration in a simulated studio environment. You’ll finish this module with real-world creative experience and a portfolio of your design talents.

  • Designing for AnimationOptional20 credits
    Module details

    In this module, you'll generate and evaluate ideas that bring narrative concepts to life. In the design process, you'll express your vision through composition, observation, and interpretation. Experiment with software to advance your surfacing, lighting, and rendering techniques, then use your new technical and creative skills to craft an animated short through performance and visual storytelling. With this module, you can transform a story from page to screen using 3D animation and visualisation abilities. By the end, you'll have valuable experience in creating captivating characters and animated worlds.

  • Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary PracticeOptional20 credits
    Module details

    Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you. You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others. This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.

  • Professional ExperienceOptional20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace. By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.

  • Sculpting and Rigging for FilmOptional20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll master digitally sculpting detailed models, observing their form, shape, and structure for animation. Use industry methods to rig characters that are creatively and technically sound. Come up with your own solutions that fit creative ideas while keeping in line with the workflow. By working on your own projects, you’ll use what you’ve learned to make sculpts and rigs for your portfolio. Understand your work in the broader context of animation as you lay the groundwork for a career in film VFX. By the end of this module, you’ll have the essential skills to model and rig any kind of character: human, creature, or alien. Unleash your creativity as you get ready to be part of the new wave

  • Student EnterpriseOptional20 credits
    Module details

    As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies. Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, whic

  • Visual EffectsOptional20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll experiment with simulations and procedural methods to tackle typical production issues. The aim of this will be to improve shot flow and deepen audience engagement. You can study exemplary professional work by developing inventive approaches based on industry research. This analysis will inform your technical choices as you skillfully blend various elements to create cohesive scenes.

  • Creative Group ProjectCore20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll study examples from animation and visual effects in the industry, giving you the chance to choose techniques that will really connect with your audience. Working together on this project, you’ll share specialist knowledge with others. You’ll improve your technical skills and creative abilities.

  • Creative Professional DevelopmentCore20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll find opportunities that match your interests, and look into different areas and specialities. By learning from professionals, you’ll get how to showcase your talents and past work. The highlight of this module is that it helps you explain your own style and what you want to achieve. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to confidently show the value you’ll bring to future employers or clients.

  • Final Year ProjectCore40 credits
    Module details

    Demonstrating project management and problem-solving skills, through critical analysis and experimentation, you'll produce a body of work that advances knowledge in your discipline. Communicating scholarly outcomes with impact, you'll demonstrate your knowledge and abilities, drawing together your learning into a compelling self-directed showcase. This is the culmination of your degree journey - proving your readiness for professional and academic challenges ahead.

  • Advanced Creature FX and RiggingOptional20 credits
    Module details

    Dig into anatomy to rig complex models, meeting animation needs as you master FX techniques like muscles, skin, cloth. You'll work in teams, collaborating with modelers and animators, and learn to develop custom solutions, scripts and tools to achieve professional effects. You'll build an impressive portfolio including characters, vehicles, props and more, and use industry terminology to analyse and critique rigs. When you finish this module you'll have advanced expertise in rigging, FX and technical art sought after in film VFX. Let your creativity and problem-solving shine through imaginative rigging and simulations.

  • Advanced Visual EffectsOptional20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll experiment with various digital design and compositing techniques, learning to blend elements seamlessly into scenes. This will enhance how viewers perceive each scene, thanks to improved visual continuity. You’ll also look at industry terminology to effectively discuss the aesthetic and procedural aspects of complicated projects. This module offers thorough training for working in professional environments where creative problem-solving is key to producing visually convincing effects.

  • Animation and Setup for Computer AnimationOptional20 credits
    Module details

    Learn essential animation skills like rigging, modelling, and lighting through theory and practice. Use data to understand computer animation's history, current state, and future. Improve your art skills by studying ideas such as size and method, helping you make better designs for 3D assets. After finishing this module, you’ll have an impressive showreel that shows off your technical and creative abilities.

  • Create WorldsOptional20 credits
    Module details

    As part of your games industry training, you will work on a project that aligns with your career aspirations. This could involve creating 3D characters and worlds, designing original artwork or animating game levels. You will have the freedom to unleash your creativity and showcase your skills by incorporating real-world elements into your game designs. In addition, you will learn to make informed design decisions through independent study and proactive feedback, rather than relying solely on classroom instruction. By analysing professional works, you will be able to evaluate your own creations and ensure they meet industry standards. By the end of this module, you will have built a portfoli

  • Intermediate Visual EffectsOptional20 credits
    Module details

    You’ll experiment with physics simulations and procedural methods to significantly improve shot flow and audience engagement. As you tackle the usual production challenges, you’ll have the chance to study examples from the industry. This research will help guide your artistic and technical choices. Armed with a deeper industry understanding and digital expertise, you’ll be capable of seamlessly blending unique elements into coherent stories.

  • Motion Capture ApplicationsOptional20 credits
    Module details

    In this fascinating module, you’ll delve into this enthralling next-gen realm. Explore the latest techniques for digitally capturing human motion and seamlessly applying it to 3D character animation. Join us in our futuristic mocap studio and master the entire process, from capturing data to animating it using industry software. Experts will guide you as you critically assess different technologies and develop skills to preserve the authenticity and nuance of performances. By the end, you’ll have firsthand experience with this powerful storytelling tool, widely used to create captivating virtual characters in films, games, and beyond. Your creativity will soar as you explore the boundless p

  • Real-Time Interactive Group Project: Stage OneOptional20 credits
    Module details

    You'll prototype concepts while negotiating roles and self-managing workflows. You'll evaluate and bring ideas to life using professional project management approaches. This module empowers you to translate concepts into tangible prototypes, and put technical and artistic skills into practice, preparing you for the creative challenges of real-world production.

  • Real-Time Interactive Group Project: Stage TwoOptional20 credits
    Module details

    Collaborating in a group, you'll refine and optimise a real-time interactive experience based on the brief from an external client. Through analysis and critical reflection, you'll assess the processes undertaken and trade-offs made between project stages. The module cements both technical and teamwork skills. You'll gain hands-on practice applying project management methodologies in a professional manner. Completing this module will provide experience negotiating the realities and demands of commercial production, allowing you to emerge industry-ready.

  • Final Year PlacementOptional120 credits
    Module details

    This module helps you apply your academic learning in practical settings, strengthening your professional development and future career prospects. Throughout the year, you'll reflect on your progress, build networks, and evaluate your experiences critically. you'll complete a placement assessment that includes a reflective portfolio and employer feedback, with ongoing support from careers and employability staff. By the end, you'll develop key graduate attributes like adaptability, independence, and self-awareness, preparing you to succeed in diverse environments.

  • Study Abroad - Full YearOptional120 credits
    Module details

    Complete relevant tasks demonstrating your specialised skills and independence. Gain global perspective, reflect deeply on personal growth, and build valued transferable abilities for professional life after university. Return home with experiences that inspire your practice and understanding of art’s global connectivity.

  • Study Abroad - Half YearOptional60 credits
    Module details

    Evaluating international contexts, you'll critically relate on-site activities to your disciplinary knowledge, gaining global insights. Working independently overseas, you'll complete relevant assignments, refining skills transferable to future creative studies and practice. Upon returning, thoughtful reflection will reveal your personal growth as you process new worldviews and cross-cultural competencies. This invaluable opportunity provides a chance to broaden your creative knowledge while developing adaptability as a global citizen.

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 combines computer science fundamentals with specialist practice in animation and visual effects production. You'll typically begin with core programming, computer systems and mathematics for computing in Year 1, establishing the technical foundations you need. Year 2 normally moves into algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering, alongside artificial intelligence and machine learning, skills central to modern visual effects pipelines. In Year 3, you'll usually choose from specialist options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, or human-computer interaction, and complete a substantial individual project where you apply these skills to a real animation or effects challenge. Throughout, the focus is on building efficient, maintainable systems for visual production.

Who it's for

This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Recent accepted students typically held a UCAS tariff of 112–127 points. You'll study full-time over three years, developing practical and theoretical knowledge in computer animation and visual effects alongside broader computer science skills.

Careers & job market

Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, and 75% of those working are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically fall between £25,000 and £35,000, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years.

University & format

University of Portsmouth is a public university founded in 1869, located in Portsmouth. The BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects is a full-time, 3-year undergraduate degree taught in English. It is a recognised UK degree-awarding body and holds 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.

The teaching on my course
93%
Learning opportunities
84%
Assessment and feedback
94%
Academic Support
94%
Organisation and management
83%
Learning resources
93%
Student voice
85%

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
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entry112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of 112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent96% 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 the University of Portsmouth'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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent96%
another higher-education qualification2%
a previous degree1%
a Baccalaureate1%
No / unknown prior qualifications1%

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.

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

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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 University of Portsmouth 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

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at University of Portsmouth →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 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

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Portsmouth funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£29,000£25,000 – £35,000105
3 years after£26,500£20,000 – £35,000470
5 years after£33,000£24,500 – £43,500470

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 105. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

90%
in work or further study 15 months on
70%
in highly skilled work or study
85%
continue past their first year
80%
find their work meaningful
55%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
  4. 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£29,000
£25,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£26,500
£23,375 – £33,000
After 5 years LEO
£33,000
£29,750 – £42,000
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,000 – £43,500

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.

90 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

80% working0% working and studying5% in further study70% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 105. 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 £33,000Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £29,000–£43,000
46th 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 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
  • Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
  • Web and Multimedia Design ProfessionalsSOC 2020 214 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £32,574

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: 65; response rate: 60%. 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 Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Tech companies
  • Banks & fintech
  • Consultancies
  • Government (GDS) & startups

Is 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

90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £29,000. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 89.4% · in work or study 90% · continued 85%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Portsmouth

All students24,015
International24.5%
Aged 25+27.1%

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 University of Portsmouth

2,930 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 1120Anti Social Behaviour 450Public Order 252Shoplifting 242Drugs 164

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 Portsmouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by University of Portsmouth; 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 University of Portsmouth’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 Portsmouth and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

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.
Set by the University of Portsmouth. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Computing graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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