student smiling at a monitor, blue overlay

Computer Science

BSc (Hons) (Top-up)

Study Computer Science at University Centre Leeds

Passionate about tech? Want to make a change? Computer science is a priority skills area with a shortage of computer science professionals (WYCA, 2021), so now is the time to enter this exciting and thriving sector. The growth in employment in the technology sector in the Yorkshire region is significant. There are nearly 9000 tech companies in the Yorkshire region with a turnover of £3.67bn (Information Age, 2019).

With this top-up course, you will refine and develop your knowledge and skills across computer science, be ready to problem-solve and apply yourself to the many opportunities and roles in the sector. With the chance to make social, political, global change and more, you can look forward to being part of a sector making enormous contributions to society, and that's at the forefront of technology.

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 1 year full-time
  • Venue: University Centre Leeds
  • Fee: £8,745 Full Time (per academic year for UK students)
     
    International Fee: £14,000 full-time (per academic year) £3,000 Scholarship available
  • UCAS Course Code(s): G401
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Validated By: The Open University

Entry Requirements

TYPICAL OFFER

Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

Computer Science

Computer Science is an ever-important subject and is useful in both the modern world and digital economy. An academic as well as a practical subject, this course will provide you with a taste of both aspects of Computer Science. It deals with the process of solving problems, and every part of our world has some sort of problem that needs solving. It’s also a field that offers many career opportunities. 

As a computer scientist, you will be able to embrace the many opportunities available to you to make enormous contributions to society. A large and lucrative job market with a variety of jobs is available to graduates of this programme because the program was developed with your career aspirations and goals at the centre.

This course was created with the knowledge and recognition that today’s computer scientists have a range of expertise and are in high demand. This course will enable you to combine analytical knowledge and technical skills as you learn, research and develop solutions to real-world problems. This course will provide you with the technical as well as analytical skills to make you excel in a Computer Science career such as data scientist, data warehouse developer, data warehouse engineer, machine learning developer, machine learning engineer, data analyst and many more.

There is a strong emphasis on practical skills development in this course that will ensure you are ready to commence your career journey immediately after completing the course. In this course, you will obtain the knowledge and the skill of using data and algorithms to imitate the way that humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy in the machine learning module. Machine learning is a branch of AI and has become an important component of the growing field of data science. Another important module in the course is Data Warehouse. Data warehouse is a type of data management system that is designed to enable and support business intelligence (BI) activities, especially data analytics. Data warehousing is growing in importance because of the importance of Big Data. This module will enable you to learn and acquire skills in developing a data warehouse. Other modules in this course are research methods and digital entrepreneurship.

This course is validated by The Open University 

The Open University Logo

How To Apply

How to Apply:

  1. Register for an Account: Click the link below and use the "Create a New User" facility to register for an application account. An email will be sent to the address you provide, with a verification link.
  2. Verify Your Email: Click the verification link in the email to confirm your account.
  3. Complete Your Application: Once your account is created, you can start your application. You can save your progress and return to it later if needed. Your username will be the email address you used to register.

To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.

Apply Now: Direct Application Form

Need Help? For further information, please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk 

Please note, if you apply directly, we are required to submit a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) application to UCAS on your behalf if your application is successful and you enrol.

If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.

The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.

The application fee for applying through UCAS is £28.50, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).

Apply via UCAS

If you are:

  • a current student with University Centre Leeds,
  • due to complete your Foundation Degree and
  • don't already have an application in UCAS for this cycle,

you can make an application directly to us for this course.

To make your application, use the below link and register for an application account via the Create a New User facility. You will then be sent an email to the email address you provided when registering for an account, on which you will need to click the link to verify your email address.

Once you have created an account, you will then be able to start and save your application, should you not be able to complete it all in one go. Please note that your username is the email address you provided when registering for an account.

To access your account again should you need to complete and submit your application form, simply use the second link provided in your verification email.

To register for an application account please use the following link and use the Create a New User facility:

Internal Students - Direct Application Form

For further information in regards to this please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk

Course Information

Modules may include:

Level 6

Data Warehousing  (20 credits)

You will be introduced to the concepts and practicalities of Data Warehousing. Data warehouses are central repositories of information that can be analysed to make more informed decisions. This module will explore data warehouse architectures, decision making, data warehouse design & modelling, data quality, and data warehouse implementation in supporting decision making. You will learn and develop star and cube schemas while studying this module. The module will embrace how data and analytics have become indispensable to businesses to stay competitive. The module will also explore data mining. The content will encapsulate Data protection, GDPR, and Privacy.

 

Machine Learning  (20 credits) 

This unit provides you with the knowledge, understanding and exploration of the theory and practical application of common Machine Learning models and algorithms. The models/algorithms explored will include Supervised and Unsupervised models: Regression, decision trees, random forests; neural networks, clusters, and Principal Component Analysis. 

 

Research Methods (20 Credits) 

You will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to select and apply appropriate research methods to an independent study project. This module will enable you to acquire skills such as critical reading and critical thinking, analysis of data using appropriate statistical methods, and reflective practice.

 

Digital Entrepreneurship (20 Credits) 

You will explore how entrepreneurial ventures using digital technology and e-marketing can be developed.  The emphasis of the module is on practical aspects of digital entrepreneurship, including digital entrepreneurship skills, tools, practices and processes.  You will look at how digital entrepreneurial ventures can be monetised to generate income, and marketing strategies incorporating social media.

 

Major Project  (40 credits).  

You  will identify a problem and set about planning and delivering a solution to that problem within a strict time frame.  You may choose to develop an online solution, develop a mobile app, or provide a business solution.  You will utilise existing development methodologies and tools in order to successfully plan and manage their project. You will produce a proposal for their project, produce designs and practical elements, and write a report reviewing the research used and evaluating the development of the project.

Benefits include:

  • Learn and develop skills that employers are looking for
  • Be able to demonstrate these skills at any opportunity
  • Study fast-growing areas in computer science
  • Expand your career opportunities
  • Gain a broader skill set including team working, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Develop as an individual
  • Examine the computing industry from an employer’s perspective

The aim of the course is to prepare you for employment and a long and successful career in Computer Science.

You will develop a broad range of skills that can be used across the digital technology sector, providing you with the opportunity to work in a broad range of roles, such as data scientist, data analyst, data warehouse manager, data warehouse analyst/engineer and digital entrepreneurship.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including practical tasks, portfolios, essays, case studies and presentations.

Leeds City College’s digital degrees are delivered at the University Centre in the heart of Leeds, close to the city centre.

The computer labs are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software and high spec computers, servers and networks

TYPICAL OFFER

Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

On completion of this top-up course, you will be awarded a full BSc (Hons) Computer Science. You will also be ready to enter the exciting and evolving profession in the IT industry.

You could find employment in a broad range of roles in business analysis, database development, database management, machine learning, project management.

For the latest of Programme Specification please click here.

For the latest of course handbook please click here.

For the latest version of The Open University regulations please click here.


Information for International Students

Applications are open for 2025 entry.

To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps

You can also apply through UCAS.

For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.

Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)

Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.

For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.

Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student

International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.

  • 1 hour cultural studies
  • 2 hours academic study skills
  • 2 hours English studies

For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.


 

Hear from our Digital students!

Hear directly from our students at University Centre Leeds as they share their unique journeys, challenges, and achievements. In this video, they discuss what makes learning here special, from supportive tutors and hands-on learning experiences to the close-knit community that fuels their passion and ambitions.

Discover how University Centre Leeds has helped shape their confidence, skills, and career paths, bringing their goals within reach in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Unistats


 

Open Days

  • Book on our current open events
  • Register your interest in upcoming open events

Our online and in-person Open Events give you a chance to hear from tutors, discover the range of student support available, and find out for yourself why University Centre Leeds has the highest rating for student satisfaction in the city (NSS 2024).

Open Days

Request your Prospectus

Want to find out more about the wide range of courses, student support and more available for students at University Centre Leeds?

Request your University Centre Leeds Prospectus now - direct to your phone or delivered to your door.

Logo Dca Tass The Open University Logo (1) Qaa Logo Greenjpg Low Tef 2023 Silver Logo (1) Logo Mixed Economy Group Logo Member Qaa Logo Ofsted Logo Nnecl