MComp

Computer Science (with integrated year in industry)

Computer Science (with integrated year in industry) Code G419 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

G419

  • UCAS Tariff

    144 - 136

  • Course duration

    5 years

Further details on entry requirements

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Computer Science, at Aberystwyth University, covers a vast range of topics including programming, computer operating systems, software design and the engineering of large software systems - with cutting-edge research. It is also our department’s most flexible degree, providing core modules that are key for a career in Computer Science.

The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) accredited course will equip you with specialist skills such as software engineering, graphics and visualisation, artificial intelligence, robotics, telematics, mobile computing and open source computing - that are highly sought out by employers in this industry.

The prestigious MComp in Computer Science is similar to the Bachelors degree but provides two additional years of instruction in the form of an integrated year in industry and an integrated Masters.

Course Overview

Why study Computer Science (MComp) at Aberystwyth University? 

  • Students on this course will be taught by lecturers who have close links with the industry and software engineering conferences

At Aberystwyth our Computer Science students have access to: 

  • Regularly updated laboratories providing access to a full range of computing environments including iMacs, Linux and Windows 
  • Core modules in computer science 
  • Use of state of the art research equipment, including mobile robots, sailing robots and manipulator arms, vision and motion tracking systems
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.

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
Algorithm Design and Data Structures * CS21120 20
Modelling Persistent Data CS27020 20
Software Engineering * CS22120 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Artificial Intelligence CS26520 20
Robotics and Embedded Systems CS26020 20
Scientific Python CS24520 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Sandwich Year CSS0060 60

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Agile Development and Testing CS31310 10
Major Project * CS39440 40
Professional Issues in the Computing Industry * CS38220 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Advanced Algorithms CS31920 20
Computational Bioinformatics CS31420 20
Computer Graphics and Games CS32420 20
Mobile Development with Android CS31620 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Our graduates are eagerly sought by employers, particularly with a Masters-level qualification. The year in industry option on the degree means that students can finish their degree having already had a year’s experience of working in computing, making them even more attractive to employers.

Our degree prepares you for a variety of careers:

  • Software design
  • Communications and networking
  • Computer applications
  • Web development
  • IT consultancy and management
  • Systems analysis and development
  • Computer sales and marketing
  • Education

What skills do I acquire from this degree?

Employability skills are the core values of our degree.

As part of your degree you will be required to take part in a residential where you and other students will have work in teams to solve problems.

This activity will encourage and improve;

  • Communication skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Time management
  • Working independently and as part of a team
  • Organisation skills
  • Implementation skills
  • Research skills
  • Technical skills

Industrial Year students have the opportunity to join a second year residential weekend concentrating on skills to help you find a great placement. This includes:

  • CV skills
  • Interview practice
  • Networking with employers
  • Online presence

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

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

In your first year you will be introduced to:

  • Programming
  • Computer infrastructure
  • Web development
  • Problems and solutions

In your second and fourth year, you will undertake:

  • Our software development life cycle module. This module will allow you to take a role which exists in the industry i.e. project manager, designer etc, you will be required to produce a working software product, following best current industrial practice at every stage.
  • Data structures and algorithms
  • Development processes, techniques and technologies for constructing real operational software
  • Individual project, where you will develop a piece of software in an area of particular interest to you
  • A range of further electives to specialise in areas of your choice

Your year in industry will be undertaken during your third year.

In your final year you will undertake both team and individual projects as well as modules at Masters level. Open-ended challenges are a chance for you to explore and test your knowledge, and success demands an independent-minded, but nonetheless strictly professional and well-organised approach to study. 

How will I be taught?

Our enthusiastic staff will teach you through the medium of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals and individual/ group based project work.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practicals, projects, workshops 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 144 - 136

A Levels AAA-AAB

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

BTEC National Diploma:
DDD-DDM

International Baccalaureate:
34-32 points overall

European Baccalaureate:
80% overall

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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