BSc (Hons) Computer Science Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BSc (Hons) Computer Science at York St John University received Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. You'll explore specialisations such as Software Engineering, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Web & Mobile, Cloud & DevOps, Games…
About this course
Immerse yourself in the world of computer science and help to define the society of tomorrow. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Computing graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (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: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; 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.
Year 1 6 modules
- Application DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Explore the core concepts and models of application development. Through practical exploration and lectures, further your problem solving and programming skills in coding, software development and testing tools, problem solving, teamwork and time management.
- Mathematical Foundations of Computer ScienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn about the mathematical foundations of computer science, using mathematics as a tool to model and analyse problems. Introduction to mathematical techniques and skills used in industry.
- Systems SecurityCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn the fundamental concepts and methods needed to design, implement and deploy complete systems in the face of malice or error. Analyse various threats and investigate how these can materialise in different scenarios. Explore legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology.
- Web Application DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Fundamental concepts and models of Web application development. Skills to create platform independent and responsive web applications using HTML, CSS, Javascript and PHP.
- Operating Systems and LinuxCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Develop transferable and employable skills in Linux OS, Linux programming, systems thinking, time management and problem solving. Introduction to the internal operations of computing hardware and techniques for managing and organising operating system components.
- Software EngineeringCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Fundamental techniques of software engineering through practical skills development, with focus on design and realisation of a web based artefact. Create, plan, design and assemble a basic web based multimedia app.
Year 2 6 modules
- Systems Software DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Greater understanding of high level programming language, scripts, and scripting language. Philosophy of trustworthy software development through designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining software in a trustworthy manner. Practical and conceptual skills for systems software development.
- Database SystemsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Explore the principles of databases and gain practical experience of designing, implementing and managing database systems interfaced to web application systems. Investigate current and likely future developments in database technology.
- Databases and NetworksCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Explore the essential concepts behind databases and networks. Gain practical experience in designing, implementing and managing database systems. Learn about technical details of networked and inter-networked systems and current and likely future developments in database and networking technology.
- Advanced ProgrammingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn about advanced programming ideas and methods, including software development and engineering. Apply knowledge in Standards of Learning sessions developing intermediate and advanced software. Areas covered include Java Programming Language, Java Object Model, Event Driven Programming, Java Multi-Threading, Distributed Programming with Java-RMI and Software Development Tools.
- Artificial IntelligenceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Study artificial intelligence systems and learn about the application of AI to data mining. Learn about the purposes, capabilities and range of systems that deploy artificial intelligence approaches and techniques. Explore practical techniques for designing and implementing intelligent systems.
- Professional PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Take part in collaborative entrepreneurial projects that help to prepare you for the workplace. Work with businesses to develop computer-based solutions to their business problems. Build core professional skills around interacting with employers and wider industry.
Year 3 9 modules
- DissertationCompulsory40 credits
Module details
Apply the knowledge and practical skills developed throughout the course to complete a major individual project. Produce a software product from initial idea through to successful evaluation and substantial report to demonstrate research. Project might focus on development of a game or research into emerging technologies. Chance to collaborate with students from other Computer Science courses.
- Internet of ThingsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The Internet of Things is a term used to describe an internet comprised of networked objects, incorporating concepts of computing, ambient intelligence, and machine to machine communication (M2M). Explore questions about how the use of smart technology in public and social spaces will affect how we relate to each other. Develop Internet of Things technology for use in public or social contexts through a practical project.
- Data MiningCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn how to transform raw data into insights that can influence the strategic direction of a business. Emphasises the importance of using data to identify patterns, trends, and correlations. Use data mining skills to convey knowledge in meaningful ways.
- Immersive TechnologiesOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore the use of immersive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and 360 degree cameras to examine and evaluate new and innovative computer interaction technologies. Practical experience of working with Virtual Reality (VR) headsets is a key element of this module.
- Privacy and Data ProtectionOptional20 credits
Module details
Organisations have an obligation to protect privacy and must consider important legal, ethical, and reputational concerns when working with personal or sensitive data. Learn about critical privacy concepts, engineering privacy requirements, and controls used in products and services.
- Network SecurityOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore the current state of network security architecture, operations, and continuous monitoring. Gain in depth technical insight and practical training needed to defend network infrastructures confidently.
- Web Technologies and DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Develop skills in Web technologies and development tools, Web 3.0, Blockchain, problem solving and deployment methods and tools. Cover more advanced programming techniques associated with web service applications. Examine major theories and concepts behind CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript, Python and Flask.
- Cloud Computing and BlockchainOptional20 credits
Module details
Develop both practical skills and theoretical knowledge related to cloud computing and blockchain technology. Consider how best to implement them across different industries and professions.
- Mobile Application DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Learn about the characteristics of mobile devices and how they affect software engineering decisions. Develop an understanding of software fundamentals found across all platforms. Build understanding of design, usability, implementation and evaluation for all types of apps, and learn about key concepts in high level programming.
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 immerses you in computer science fundamentals and builds towards specialist depth. You'll usually start with programming essentials in languages such as Python and Java, computer systems architecture, and discrete mathematics. Year 2 typically moves to algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence. By Year 3, you'll select specialisations such as cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, or human-computer interaction, alongside security fundamentals and a substantial individual software project where you design, build and evaluate a system under supervision.
Who it's for
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; 94% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent over recent years. The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students was 96–111 points. This course suits those with a foundation in computing or mathematics who want to develop practical and theoretical expertise in computer science.
Careers & job market
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after 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
This is a 3-year full-time BSc (Hons) Computer Science delivered in English at York St John University, a university founded in 1841 and based at its Main Campus. Your degree is a recognised UK qualification. The university holds a Silver award 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.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
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 | 94% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 3% |
| a previous degree | 2% |
| an Access course | 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. 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 York St John 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
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.
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 | £26,000 | £23,000 – £30,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £22,500 – £35,000 | 20 |
| 5 years after | £36,000 | £25,000 – £48,000 | 20 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; 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: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; 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 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
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: 35; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Computer Science worth it?
Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, BSc (Hons) Computer Science is worth about +£90,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.
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 13.9. 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.
Is 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
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. 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 8.6 out of 10: NSS 83.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John 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 YSJ Main Campus
2,229 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 York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £12,100 / 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 York St John 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 York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at York St John University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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