BSc

Computer Science / Mathematics

Computer Science / Mathematics Code GG14 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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You are viewing this course for September start 2024

Computer Science and Mathematics, at Aberystwyth University, allows you to uncover a fascinating and challenging discipline that combines the identification and analysis of shapes and patterns with data collation and calculation.

You will discover the fundamentals of Computer Science to solve complex problems that include analysis, design, solution choice and implementation.

This course is engineered to prepare you for the demands of industry. The skills you acquire are led from cutting-edge research, within a supportive learning environment, and are highly sought after by future employers.

Course Overview

Why study Computer Science and Mathematics at Aberystwyth?

  • Mathematics has been taught at Aberystwyth since 1872, so the department builds on over 140 years of teaching excellence, employing lecturers who are committed teachers and internationally-recognised researchers.
  • The degree is accredited by the BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT) on behalf of the Engineering Council, which gives you a head start when you enter the competitive job market.
  • Students have access to dedicated Linux, Mac OS X laboratories and central servers.
  • It is taught by lecturers who have close links with the industry and software engineering conferences.
  • Students on this course have access to our robotic equipment including Arduinos, mobile robots and sailing robots.
  • Both Departments offer a number of modules taught through the medium of Welsh. Further details may be obtained from the Departments.
Our Staff

Almost all of the Department of Computer Science lecturers are qualified to PhD level, and those who are not have considerable research or industrial experience. All new lecturers are required to obtain the PGCTHE, and hence are Senior Fellows or Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. The department also employs a number of part time demonstrators and tutors and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Research fellows and research assistants (mostly PhD qualified) may also be involved in delivering occasional teaching when it is appropriate.

All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Modules September start - 2024

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Algebra * MA10510 10
Calculus * MP10610 10
Further Algebra and Calculus * MP11010 10
Introduction to Programming * CS12020 20
Mathematical Analysis * MA11110 10
Programming Using an Object-Oriented Language CS12320 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Coordinate and Vector Geometry * MA10110 10
Differential Equations * MA11210 10
Fundamentals of Web Development * CS11010 10
Information security CS11110 10
Probability * MA10310 10
Problems and Solutions CS10720 20
Statistics * MA11310 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Complex Analysis * MA21510 10
Linear Algebra * MA21410 10
Software Engineering * CS22120 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Algorithm Design and Data Structures * CS21120 20
Introduction to Numerical Analysis and its applications * MA25220 20
Scientific Python CS24520 20
Advanced Dynamics MA25710 10
Applied Statistics MA26620 20
Distributions and Estimation MA26010 10
Hydrodynamics 1 * MA25610 10
Introduction to Abstract Algebra MA20310 10
Mathematical Physics * PM26020 20
Real Analysis * MA20110 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Minor Project * CS39620 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Career Prospects

A degree in Computer Science and Mathematics will be particularly valuable in employment situations which require specialist numerical skills and logical and analytical thought. 

The Computer Science component will prepare you for a variety of careers in:

  • software design
  • communications and networking
  • computer applications
  • web development
  • IT consultancy and management
  • systems analysis and development
  • computer sales and marketing.

The Mathematics component will prepare you to work for organisations such as the Office for National Statistics and the Meteorological Office.

Career Paths

  • accountancy and banking
  • risk analysis and actuarial work
  • finance management
  • investment analysis
  • information technology
  • research and lecturing.

Transferable Skills

Studying for a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

  • research and data analysis skills
  • enhanced mathematical and computational skills
  • effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • facility to deal with abstract concepts
  • thorough grounding in information technology skills
  • ability to work independently
  • time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
  • ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
  • self-motivation and self-reliance
  • team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

In this joint honours Computer Science and Mathematics degree course, you will divide your time equally between each subject.

In the first year you will take the following core modules:

  • software development
  • programming
  • communications and telematics
  • mathematical analysis
  • algebra and calculus.

The optional modules include Geometry and Probability.

In the second year you will explore:

  • programme design
  • data structures and algorithms
  • software development lifecycle (This module includes a group project where, taking one of the roles which exist in industry, such as project manager, designer, or quality assurance manager, you will produce a working software product, following best current industrial practice at every stage.)

You will also study linear algebra and choose optional modules from a wide range that includes abstract algebra, complex analysis and hydrodynamics.

In the third year, you will have very few core modules, but can choose from a wide range of options in both departments. You will undertake computer science projects in which you will develop and implement a piece of software, and investigate a problem of an experimental, theoretical, data analysis, instrumentation or computer modelling nature under the supervision of a member of the academic staff.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a complementary set of teaching and learning methods and approaches, ranging from formal lectures, seminars and tutorials to workshops, practicals and individual and group-based project work.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practicals, presentations and examinations.

You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC to include B in Mathematics

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM with B in A level Mathematics

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Mathematics at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Mathematics

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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