Computing and Information Technology BSc (Hons) – 2023 entry

Key information

Start date: September 2023

AwardUCAS codeCourse duration
BSc (Hons) UCAS: G5603 years View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: G5614 years with professional training View KIS data set

Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.

CourseUCAS codeInstitution code
BSc (Hons)G560S85
BSc (Hons) with professional trainingG561S85

Visit UCAS.com

Why choose this course

Surrey is one of the UK’s leading universities for computer science, with an excellent record for graduate employability. In fact, 100 per cent of our undergraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey 2022, HESA). We also run an award-winning Professional Training placements scheme, which gives students industry experience and prepares them for roles in various sectors.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for information technology systems in the Complete University Guide 2023 and 3rd in the UK in the National Student Survey 2022.

This course provides you with a unique combination of computing, business and technical knowledge, enabling you to work as a business analyst or consultant.

You’ll also benefit from teaching by academics at the forefront of their field and lectures from industry experts.

Computer Science: Undergraduate | University of Surrey

Five reasons to study computer science at Surrey

What you will study

This course enables you to build strong technical knowledge together with a functional management focus.

Through a lively mix of teaching methods, you’ll learn about:

  • Business finance
  • Information security management
  • New developments in computing – particularly emerging web and cloud technologies
  • Programming
  • Software engineering.

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).

Professional recognition

BSc (Hons) - BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

BSc (Hons) - BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

Careers and graduate prospects

We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

Over the last decade, our employment figures have been among the best in the UK.

Computing skills are the foundation of numerous professional careers in many dynamic sectors, such as technology, business, finance, health and the games industry.

Our course prepares you to work at the cutting edge of computing and its applications.

Employers are increasingly seeking people with a broad range of skills that encompass management and leadership, as well as technical ability. Our BSc combines technology, industry relevance and professional training to produce highly employable people.

Our graduates are sought after in the software, consumer electronics, telecommunications and security industries.

Former students are involved in many different fields, from software development and building simulation systems to devising IT strategies and managing organisations.

Recent graduates are now employed as:

  • Analyst Programmer, Avco Systems
  • Computer Programmer, Stanhope-Seta
  • Forensic Data Analyst, PwC
  • Software Engineer, Thales UK
  • Software Engineer, Xceptor
  • Technical Architecture Consultant, Accenture UK Ltd
  • Technology Associate, Morgan Stanley.

Academic year structure

The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.

Modules

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.

The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.

Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.

Timetables

Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).

Teaching

Teaching includes large group lectures, small group tutorials, classes in computing laboratories and drop-in sessions for programming.

You’ll benefit from an integrated range of learning methods, ranging from tutorials, case studies, projects and coursework, to practical and discussion classes, including the use of interactive voting handsets.

In the early stages of the course, the methods of teaching and assessment aim to ensure you gain the relevant knowledge. This allows you to see how relevant the knowledge and skills you gain on your course are and how you can use it in industry and research.

The methods used in your final year broaden and deepen the knowledge you’ve already gained, and help you develop the specialist skills you’ll need as a professional.

Year coordinators are also available throughout your period of study at Surrey to help with matters concerning your course or personal life.

There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.

Assessment

We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:

  • Coursework
  • Essays
  • Examinations
  • Practical sessions
  • Presentations
  • Reports.

Contact hours

Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.

Entry requirements

A-level

Overall: ABB.

Required subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Computing or Software Systems Development.

Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at Grade B(5) (or equivalent).

BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma

Overall: DDD (and A-level Mathematics grade B)

Required subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing or Software Systems Development.

International Baccalaureate

Overall: 33.

Required subjects: Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science HL5/SL6.

GCSE or equivalent: English HL4/SL4 and Mathematics HL4/SL4 or Mathematics studies SL4.

European Baccalaureate

Overall: 78%.

Required subjects: Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science 7.5

GCSE or equivalent: English Language (1/2) - 6 English Language (3) - 7 Mathematics 7.

Access to HE Diploma

Overall: ​​​QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma, 30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 Credits at Merit. Also A-level Mathematics grade B.

Required subjects: Modules must be in relevant subjects.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at Grade B(5) (or equivalent).

Scottish Highers

Overall: AABBB.

Required subjects: Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language: Scottish National 5 - C Mathematics - Scottish National 5 - B.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Overall: Pass overall with ABB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.

Required subjects: A-level Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics ­– Numeracy as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.

Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Do I meet the requirements for this course?

We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).

International entry requirements by country

Other international qualifications

If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element.

View the other English language qualifications that we accept.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

We normally make offers in terms of grades.

If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.

Recognition of prior learning

We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. 

If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience. 

There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. 

Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries. 

Fees

The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2023

BSc (Hons)

UK
£9,250
Overseas
£23,800

BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)

UK
£9,250
Overseas
£23,800
Professional training
£1,850

View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.

  • Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms. 
  • Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
  • Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements. 
  • Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements. 

The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.

Payment schedule

  • Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
  • International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
    • 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
    • 50% in January of the same academic year.

The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.

If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.

Professional Training placement fees

If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.

See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.

Additional costs

There are associated costs with this course:

  • Books/stationery/admin: Costs may be incurred associated with the purchase of writing paper and associated stationary
  • Commuting (local travel expenses): Depending on placement, students can incur travel, visa and accommodation costs.

Placements

Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement. 

Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way. 

Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices. 

Computing and information technology placements

Many computer science students continue working with their placement employers by basing their final-year project on work related to their company. This results in a project with a strong industrial focus that demonstrates their ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world problems.

The Professional Training placement counts towards the experience required for professional membership of the British Computer Society (BCS). Our students take up placements at a wide range of companies, with recent examples including:

  • Accenture
  • Avco Systems Ltd
  • BAE Systems
  • Cisco Systems Ltd
  • IBM
  • Microsoft
  • Nintendo
  • Sky TV
  • Sony Europe Ltd
  • Xceptor.

Applying for placements

Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement. 

Find out more about the application process.

Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.

Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.

Study and work abroad

Studying at Surry opens up a world of opportunity. We want you to take advantage of our international partnerships, explore the world and expand your skills for the graduate job market.  

Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. 

View our study and work abroad information to find out more and see where you can go. 

Partner institutions

In your second year, you’ll have the option of spending a semester abroad at one of our partner universities. Students have gone to study in:

  • America
  • China.

Find out more about our international partner institutions.

You may wish to spend your Professional Training placement working in another country. Students have worked at Movilitas in Germany, Yokogawa Europe in the Netherlands and Pfizer in the US.

Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect. 

Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.  

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Placement location

As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.

University of Surrey Admissions

Contact Admissions Team

Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH