Name: BSc (Hons) Computing
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BSc (Hons) Computing

UCAS CODE: G400 (Full-time) or II10 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

Overview
Course Details
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees
Employability
Teaching Team

Study Mode: Full Time
Location: High Wycombe
Duration: Three or Four Years
Start Date: September 2025

From analysis and design, through to database theory, networking, object-orientated programming, mobile computing and web-development, this specialism offers a strong understanding of current computing applications, design and development.

You'll learn about all crucial aspects of computer system and software development including analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance. You'll study a full-range of system development skills, including maintenance and quality assurance.

No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*

*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)

No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*

*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)

Why study Computing at BNU?

Industry Partnerships

Studying at BNU, you’ll benefit from our partnership with Amazon's AWS Academy, giving you access to industry-standard knowledge and skills. This means you'll be learning the latest technologies and practices used in the industry, making you highly competitive in the job market. Plus, you'll have opportunities to prepare for professional certifications from top companies like Microsoft and Cisco.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

You'll have access to fully equipped computing facilities, including the latest industry-standard software and hardware. These resources provide an excellent learning environment where you can develop your technical skills and work on cutting-edge projects. The labs are fitted with dual-screen systems and cutting-edge software, giving you the best tools to succeed.

Focus on Employability

The course is designed to reflect the latest issues in computing, ensuring you're ready for employment or further postgraduate study. You'll learn fundamental vocational skills such as programming, networking, and software engineering, making you well-prepared for a variety of computing-related careers.

Diverse Modules and Specialisations

This course covers a wide range of topics, including database theory, networking, mobile computing, and web development. You'll have the opportunity to prepare for professional certifications from global companies like Amazon AWS and Oracle. This breadth of knowledge and specialisation options ensures you’re able to find out what interests you the most, and graduate with the knowledge and abilities to go straight into your chosen career.

The teaching staff have gone above and beyond to make sure we are confident and equipped when entering the industry. This has been achieved by providing us with excellent real-world scenarios that prepare us for any future endeavours within the computing world.

Anum Hanif

What facilities can I use?

We’ve invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning. Our computing facilities are packed with the latest industry-standard equipment and software, meaning you can make an easy transition from education into employment. Most of our large computing labs have dual-screen, dual boot (Windows and Linux) systems.

Hands-on experience is what we are all about. We have numerous devices that will provide the basis for various supervised projects you will carry out across the programme. These include but are not limited to Virtual Reality headsets, 3D printers, Raspberry Pi microcomputers, EEG headsets.

Our library is the perfect place to find the resources you need and a quiet place to study, filled with four floors of books, journals, computer suites and study rooms. Or, if you’d rather work off campus, e-Journals and resources are only a few clicks away using our Virtual Learning Environment.

I was very well prepared for work as we had studied a work-based project in the second year which gave me valuable experience and I was also helped with CV writing which helped tremendously when applying for work.

Nigel Allen IT & Cloud Services Manager, ATE Enterprises

What will I study?

This programme focuses on the technical foundations of software and web technologies, preparing you for careers in web-based computing across a variety of industries. You’ll gain both theoretical understanding and practical experience, applying your knowledge to real-world projects that develop your ability to solve complex problems and adapt to different business and user needs.

Throughout the course, you’ll study cloud-based architectures and learn how to develop and deploy secure, mobile-ready web applications integrated with backend databases. You’ll also build strong programming skills in Java, C#, and C++, while mastering database management and the full systems implementation cycle using industry-standard tools such as CASE.

Your studies will cover a wide range of computing topics, including computer architecture, networking with Cisco technologies, application programming, web development, user experience, and digital innovation. You’ll also develop technical proficiency in user-interface design, mobile systems, secure software engineering, and information and network security.

Learning extends beyond the classroom, with opportunities to attend industry events such as Amazon AWS forums and visit important computing landmarks like Bletchley Park. As part of the course, you can access a 50% discount on the AWS Cloud Architecture certification exam, which is optional. For further information, please contact Dr Rafid Al-Khannak.

How will I be taught and assessed?

We have a strong computing department at the University, with a dedicated team of academics and professionals delivering industry-relevant courses in a suite of well-equipped computer labs. Our lecturers work closely with industry through partnerships or by helping web development and related industries with research, consultancy, technical and managerial inputs. These relationships provide a professional edge to our teaching. They are also a useful source of internship and industry-brief opportunities for our students.

You’ll benefit from small class sizes that give you a chance to develop close working relationships with the tutors and other students. You’ll be taught through a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, and seminars. You will also benefit from guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities.

Course assignments reflect real-life problems because we believe that’s the best way to learn – and it’s more fun! Over the years of your course you will be assessed and graded in a multitude of ways to allow you to develop and expand on your abilities and skills.

Assessments for the various modules will mostly take the form of practical coursework, lab tests, shorter written exercises and written exams. However, the main focus will be on testing the practical application of the various concepts and techniques being conveyed.

We also encourage you to gain work experience whilst studying and actively look for clients for your project work, which provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills in a work-base setting.

The course addresses the professional and customer-facing skills that are essential for employment in computing industries. Modules also provide opportunities to prepare for the professional certification programmes of global companies such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Hewlett-Packard and Cisco. (Full accreditation is via self-funded examinations.)

The range of traditional modules and modern computing topic modules on offer at BNU helped me stand out from the crowd when looking for a role after graduating.

Robert Collcott 2nd Line IT Engineer Jisc

Robert Collcott head and shoulders picture

BSc (Hons) Computing Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required as well as GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Introduction to Programming

This module will teach you foundational programming skills. You’ll learn about data types, variables, control structures, and algorithms. You’ll solve problems, create documented software, and by the end, design and test your own programs, effectively communicating your work.

Computing Essentials

This module covers computing fundamentals, you’ll explore data structures, algorithms, computational thinking, databases, and the societal impacts of computing. You’ll learn to store, access, and search data efficiently, solve problems mathematically, design relational databases with SQL, and consider computing’s ethical implications.

Core Mathematics

Dive into computer science and discrete mathematics with this module. You’ll tackle mathematical and network algorithms, critical path analysis, linear programming, and game theory. It’s a journey through finite and infinite concepts, preparing you for advanced mathematics and practical computing applications.

Design Principles

In this module, you’ll delve into human-computer interaction and user-centric design, focusing on human factors and user needs to create immersive products. You’ll also explore computer technologies for creating and distributing digital resources, ensuring they meet diverse media platform requirements.

Professional Skills Review

In this module, you’ll reflect on and develop professional skills through project production. You’ll enhance your reflective writing, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, gaining insight into your strengths and areas for growth.

Final Project

In this module, you’ll collaborate with other students on a project within your subject’s themes, honing vital professional skills like leadership, interpersonal relations, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving, essential for teamwork in real-world scenarios.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Programming Concepts

Credits: 20

Discover the foundational principles for programming languages. You'll study variables, data types, assignment, conditionals, functions, data structures and the object-oriented paradigm. You'll work with other students on a project to simulate the working environment and will develop your problem-solving and computational thinking skills.

Computer Architecture

Credits: 20

You'll look at principles of computer organisation, the layered nature of systems structures & the interfaces between them. You'll also study: components of a computer, the architecture, how they're organised, hardware, data representation, computer logic circuits, manipulation of data at the bit level & the theory of computation and its paradigms.

Networking

Credits: 20

You'll study the architecture, structure, functions and models of the Internet and computer networks. You'll use models to examine protocols and services at the application, network, data link & physical layers and will analyse the principles & structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, network media & network operations.

Web Development

Credits: 20

You'll study key concepts of the Internet and WWW applications, like HTML, stylesheets and JavaScript, then more advanced Web scripting techniques such as: the Document Object Model; DHTML event-driven scripting for dynamic user experience; contemporary frameworks and standards for cross-platform operability, sophisticated layouts, SVGs (Scalable V...

Computing Computational Fundamentals

Credits: 20

This module introduces the mathematical language, knowledge and problem-solving skills that you'll need to study computing. You'll look at concepts such as set, relation, function and recursion/induction and principles of counting and finite probability. The fundamental notions of logic and their use for representation and proof are also explored.

Cyber Threat and Risk Management

Credits: 20

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Algorithms and Data Structures

Credits: 20

This module extends the Level 4 Programming module to introduce alternative data structures to arrays and lists in addition to a variety of algorithms that perform typical operations such as sort, search, insert, delete, and find on these data structures. You'll also look at how to evaluate storage structures and algorithms based on requirements.

Data Essentials

Credits: 20

This module aims to give you an understanding of how data is collected, stored and managed. You'll look at different approaches to data and the reasons for choosing one approach or another. You will also study issues of selecting an appropriate data solution aligned to real world use and application.

Object Orientated Design and Development

Credits: 20

Aimed at giving non-specialist software developers the chance to develop their programming capability, this module covers core techniques of the UML approach and how the resulting models are implemented in formal code in a practical Integrated Development environment using a modern OOP language.

Research Methods

Credits: 20

This module aims to support you in gaining an understanding of the research process, including principles of research methods theory (ontology/epistemology) and practical elements. You'll be guided in how to plan and prepare for a research-based dissertation or work-based project or artefact-based project.

Network Systems

Credits: 20

This is an introduction to network systems. After covering networking fundamentals you'll discuss configuration issues relating to small, medium and large system networking technologies and topics. The main topics will include modern network systems, resource management, the hardware interface, network layers and network routing.

Mobile Systems

Credits: 20

This module looks at issues surrounding mobile & ubiquitous computing systems. You'll examine the issues that arise in these systems from a technical perspective and in terms of user interaction and business aspects. The underlying theoretical and technological frameworks are introduced. You'll use development tools & techniques for mobile systems.

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Digital Innovation

Credits: 20

Building on material covered in Level 5 modules you'll study how to develop multi-tier web based and mobile-ready applications using distributed frameworks and components. You'll look at issues of web services, data access, event handling, security and caching and how to develop and deploy robust, secure, scalable web solutions for organisational n...

Project

Credits: 40

You'll carry out an individual in-depth investigation of a topic of interest, working on your skills in research, problem solving and critical analysis. The project will be selected in consultation with your supervisor and may involve a local company. You'll work on the project throughout the year, culminating in a final report and oral defence.

Optional Modules

Credits

Knowledge-Based Systems in Artificial Intelligence

Credits: 20

This module introduces key aspects & technologies of Artificial Intelligence, and how systems that employ these technologies are built. You'll study the history and philosophy of Artificial Intelligence and the kinds of problems that can and can't be solved using these techniques. You'll also examine the concept of intelligent in its various forms.

Advanced Data Technologies

Credits: 20

You'll study the development of data storage methods particularly aimed towards extensive data sets. You'll look at key data driven technologies which form part of the architecture, application and system and how to approach data analytics. Compute-and-store architecture and data-on-demand principles are a key part of this module.

Cloud Computing

Credits: 20

This module explores the essential characteristics of Cloud Computing. This includes: the architectures associated with the provision of services (software, platforms and infrastructure services); the models for Cloud deployment (e.g. private, community, public and hybrid clouds); and emerging standards for interoperability.

Design Patterns

Credits: 20

Design Patterns provide robust, reusable software solutions to common problems in different types of application. This module examines those ‘elegant’ patterns most widely used within the industry. Having successfully completed this module you should have a firm grasp of the structures, intentions and implementations of the major Design Patterns.

Software Testing and QA

Credits: 20

This module investigates and applies the successful combination of static verification techniques (inspection, walkthrough), alongside dynamic testing approaches (component, system, integration and acceptance), in the pursuit of creating software that is both fit for purpose and right first time, all within the framework of quality assurance.

Learning Machines & Intelligent Agents

Credits: 20

You'll study a variety of AI techniques including fuzzy logic, machine learning & multi-agent systems, amongst others. You'll consider which approaches may be appropriate for a given problem and examine AI in terms of legal & ethical considerations, and the professional & social implications that stem from the adoption of some of these techniques.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 *
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

What are my career prospects?

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Being able to contribute to the analysis, design, creation and management of information systems and software, graduates will find a variety of exciting and dynamic career paths open to them.

You will be qualified to work in areas such as:

Software development
Systems analysis
Corporate or Government IT
Database administration
Web system development
System support
Network engineering
Research.

You may also enjoy a career in the vibrant and growing area of Mobile and Cloud Computing.

You could also choose to stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study a postgraduate programme.

Make the most of advice from lecturers, especially in planning assignments. Use the services available, including the Careers and Employability team; they are really helpful especially on input, advice and preparing your CV for employment.

Robert Collcott 2nd Line IT Engineer Jisc