Computer Science (with Industrial Experience)

MSci Hons

  • UCAS code G404
  • Entry year 2024 or 2025
  • A level requirements AAA
  • Duration Full time 4 years

This course has Clearing vacancies for 2024

Apply now to make the most of your grades at a Top 10 UK university, with guaranteed accommodation in your first year.

Check vacancies and apply

Overview

The study of computers and computational systems is a dynamic discipline with a diverse range of career paths. This programme provides you with a unique blend of academic content and exciting industrial experience, working with leading organisations in contemporary technology-based environments.

Our Computer Science programme provides you with the knowledge and skills required to become a computing professional. Delivering a broad yet rigorous grounding in computer science, this programme uses both theoretical and practical learning approaches, and provides you with the opportunity to gain high-level professional experience, working with one of our exciting partners in industry. You will gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills through state-of-the-art equipment and expert teaching offered at the School of Computing and Communications.

In your first year, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of the discipline, combined with their modern day application. Throughout your study, you will gain skills and experience from a range of modules, including Software Development, Information Systems, and Digital Systems. Taking a practical approach to education, you are encouraged to build and analyse systems and software, as well as work with end user feedback to refine and adapt solutions.

After gaining an overview of the subject in the first year, you will be motivated by topics that become progressively deeper and more specialised as your skills develop throughout second and third year. In addition to progressing your foundational understanding, programming, and software design skills, you will explore social, ethical and professional issues related to the discipline and will complete a group project. This will prepare you for and give you experience of computing in the real-world.

Your third year will also give you the opportunity to explore a range of well-constructed and enriching optional modules, as well as undertaking an individual project. In this project you will work closely with one of our academics, allowing you to use and further develop the skills acquired throughout your degree.

Your fourth year will present you with a range of advanced modules as well as practical and professional experience. Blending contemporary technical training with advanced professional development, you will complete a variety of integrated industry activities during a dedicated ten-week industry placement. This is complemented with a further seven-week fourth-year project. Together, this will allow you to apply the skills you have learnt while gaining valuable real-world experience.

Assessment

We offer an excellent range of learning environments, which include traditional lectures, laboratories and workshops. We are also committed to providing timely feedback for all submitted work and projects.

Assessment varies across modules, allowing students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways, including laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions, oral presentations, and formal examination.

Careers

In today’s world, computer science underpins every sector and industry, and pervades every aspect of modern life. The opportunities open to graduates of computer science degrees are, therefore, almost endless - from working for major technology companies (such as Google and Microsoft) to pursuing a future in software development and design or even beginning your own tech start-up. The problem-solving skills you’ll gain, alongside your technical expertise in a range of coding languages will make you highly desirable to employers, or otherwise provide you with the foundations to pursue MSc or PhD qualifications in computing. Our computer science and software engineering graduates also have excellent earning potential, with the median starting salary of graduates from our courses being £30,361 (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).

Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MSci Computer Science students have progressed into upon graduating:

  • Graduate Software Developer – The Hut Group (THG)
  • Senior Software Engineer – Raytheon
  • Cyber Security Specialist – Darktrace
  • Graduate Software Engineer – BBC
  • Data Scientist – Yordas Group
  • IT Operations Analyst – CMS Distribution
  • Software Engineer - Dolby Digital
  • Graduate Trainee – Sellafield Ltd
  • Cyber Security Assurance Manager – BAE Systems
  • Frontend Engineer – Seaquake
  • Software Developer – Sky
  • NHS Digital Graduate – NHS

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level AAA

Desirable Subjects We are committed to encouraging the adoption of the A level Computing curriculum and recognising desirable subjects. Students applying with an A level or IB Higher Level in Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer.

GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6, English Language grade C or 4

IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Distinction

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

core modules accordion

Core

core modules accordion

Optional

optional modules accordion

Core

core modules accordion

Optional

optional modules accordion

Core

core modules accordion

Optional

optional modules accordion

Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2024/25 are:

Home International
£9,250 £28,675

Fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

Scheme Based on Amount
Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} Amount {{item.amount}}

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

Undergraduate open days 2024

Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.

Undergraduate Open Days
two students sitting and reading on some outdoor steps
  • Virtual tour

    Take five minutes and let us show you what Lancaster has to offer, from our beautiful green campus to our colleges, teaching and sports facilities.

  • Accommodation guide

    Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.

  • The city and beyond

    Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the picturesque Lake District.