BSc (Hons)

Applied Computer Science

Develop the knowledge and skills you need to create technologies and applications that will change the world, with this degree at University Centre West Anglia.

Start date
September 2026
Location
University Centre West Anglia
Duration
3 years
UCAS course code
G401

It's possible to study this course on either a four year or six year part-time basis. You'll take the same modules as BSc (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

Computing can be amazingly diverse, encompassing computer design, graphics, artificial intelligence, gaming, software engineering, programming and applications development. This degree at University Centre West Anglia is designed to offer you a wide choice of career options when you graduate.

As you study, you can choose to focus on the core elements of computer science, or to specialise in areas such as software development, mobile applications, computer security, cloud computing, network administration and technical support.

You'll spend lots of time in our computing labs. You'll also have access to Microsoft Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools, VMware IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools, plus mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.

Why ARU?
  • Developed with leading employers, this course will prepare you for a fast-paced, rewarding career

  • Learn the knowledge and skills you need to create technologies and applications that will change the world

  • Apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate

  • Study in King's Lynn at University Centre West Anglia

Careers

Our partnership with University Centre West Anglia lets you study for an ARU degree in the heart of historic King's Lynn.

Our graduates go on to successful careers in many industries and fields including software development, database administration, networking, web and support. The qualification provides an ideal basis for postgraduate study or research.

We’ve developed our degree course in partnership with employers and professional bodies. By choosing particular modules, you can apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate.

Teaching and modules

This course covers critical topics in computing, including professional ethics, legal issues, AI, image processing, cybersecurity, cloud computing

As you study, you’ll learn to work effectively as part of a team and become a creative problem-solver who's aware of social, moral and ethical issues relating to the impact of computers on our lives.

This BSc (Hons) course focuses on equipping you with software engineering skills with a slight edge given to programming languages, so if it’s the ability to bend software to your will that excites you, this is the course for you. If you're interested, however, in software engineering skills with a slight edge given to networking principles, the BEng (Hons) option in Cambridge will give you the tools to enable you to configure complex network systems.

We’ll assess your progress from your written assignments, presentations, exams, major project, class and lab-based exercises and group project work.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Introduction to Programming (30 credits)
  • Software Principles (15 credits)
  • Computer Systems (30 credits)
  • Operating Systems (30 credits)
  • Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
Year 2
  • Database Design and Implementation (15 credits)
  • Web Programming
  • Digital Security (15 credits)
  • Network Routing (15 credits)
  • Software Engineering (30 credits)
  • Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures (15 credits)
  • Computing Research Methodologies (15 credits)
Year 3
  • Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
  • Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits)
  • Final Project (30 credits)
  • Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
  • Human Computer Interaction (15 credits)
Module details

It's possible to study this course on either a four year or six year part-time basis. You'll take the same modules as BSc (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

Facilities

Study at University Centre West Anglia and benefit from facilities including:

  • 14 digitally-enabled classrooms
  • 120-seat multimedia lecture theatre
  • a Learning Resource Centre, containing traditional and modern resources to enhance your learning
  • depending on your course, you may use the £2.5m Creative Studios building.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now Applied Computer Science

Apply through UCAS for 2026

UK students