Expand your horizons to the whole digital world from gaming, ecommerce and graphics to programming, networks and big data on a computing degree accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
We are 2nd in the UK overall (Uni Compare 2027 – Computer Science).
Business, medicine, education and the arts – every field of human achievement has been revolutionised by the power of computers. You can be part of the next generation pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with our computing degree.
Explore the roots of the digital world and computer science then focus on what interests you most. You could choose modules like games engines, advanced databases systems or biometrics security and identity.
Our £13m Tech Hub is the place to test your knowledge and skills in our modern computing and engineering laboratories, equipped with comprehensive test and measurement equipment, high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software. Here, you’ll have full access to our suite of industry-grade facilities including VR and AR hardware, robots, microprocessors, biometric scanners and much more.
Your future matters to us. As well as developing specialist expertise, you’ll gain transferable skills in IT and project management that will open the doors to a wide range of careers. Through optional modules and the opportunity to study part-time, you’ll also get the flexibility to customise your degree and study in a way that suits you best.
An accredited degree
This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. Successfully completing an accredited honours degree is the first step to full BCS membership and to being awarded chartered status.
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Course features
International students can apply
Professional accreditation
Sandwich year option available
Studying abroad option available
My favourite thing about my degree subject has got to be how practical the seminars are. We are given opportunities to practice and execute what we've learned, along with support from lecturers. The department also hosts extracurricular activities, such as the Cyber and Research Club.
The course allowed me to apply what I was learning to real projects, particularly through programming, systems work, and the final-year Research & Development project. Edge Hill played a truly special part in my life, helping me develop confidence, independence, and skills that have been invaluable both professionally and personally.
My degree has given me multiple opportunities that I would not have received otherwise. I would not have been able to achieve my goals without the Fastrack programme at Edge Hill University.
"When I first started my degree, I struggled to settle in and found the course challenging – but the staff were so friendly and encouraging, helping me build my confidence. I loved it so much, I stayed to complete a Masters."
Start your degree learning the problem-solving skills of a computer scientist. Find out how it all works as you look into the principles, design, structure and key components of digital networks. Study the key ideas, modelling, techniques and processes behind software development. You’ll also learn accessible web design and development to complete the year.
Accessible Web Design and Development is a fusion of two distinct areas in the world of web content production. These are web design and web development. In recent years, in a response to the rapidly changing nature of the World Wide Web (WWW), there has been a considerable push towards a more standards based and accessible approach to website development, using tools such as hypertext markup language (HTML) and cascading style sheets (CSS). There has also been an increase in the number of web authoring tools to aid in the development of websites. This module will provide you with a sound understanding of the WWW, the related technologies, the relationships between them and also their use. This will be a valuable foundation for all aspects of work within the web industry. You will discover colour and design theories, layout and typography in web design and the use of HTML, CSS and the basics of developing accessible websites in web development.
Module code: CIS1705
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Computer Systems Architecture and Networks
Computer Systems Architecture & Networks examines how the world is underpinned by information technology. Integrating theory and practice, the module will develop your understanding of the essential concepts in computer systems' architecture and networks. You will discover how current and modern computer architectures operate, analyse the technology on which they depend, and explore the basic principles of networks, including the interconnecting components and protocols used in enabling reliable communications. You will develop skills and knowledge in binary logic which forms the basis of electronic systems, as well as the application of operating systems to support the running of multiple software tools simultaneously. From a network perspective, you will look at network topologies, different types of networks, and the basic principles of protocol layers and models used in reliable data communications.
Module code: CIS1701
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Foundations of Computer Science
Foundations of Computer Science introduces you to the theoretical and practical concepts of computer science. The module recognises that technology is in everyday life, from homes to the workplace, cars or portable or wearable devices. The true usefulness of this technology is in almost all cases enabled through software, and the amount of software that we interact with will continue to increase. You will explore the theoretical foundations of computer science to gain a deeper understanding of the problems and solutions outlined in lectures. The module will focus on the theories, methods and techniques in computer science as well as their applications and problems solving. You will learn strategies to split a problem into individual steps to solve, underpinned with the relevant mathematical knowledge and insights into the user environment.
Module code: CIS1700
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Professional Practice 1
Professional Practice 1 introduces you to the computing profession and the professional practices of the industry. You will be introduced to the relevant regulatory requirements and accreditations governing the computing profession. You will also discover the role of professional bodies such as The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), TIGA the network for games developers and digital publishers, and The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Another key strand of the module is the development of key transferable skills. These include working independently and as part of a team, communicating effectively, and presenting information in a variety of formats including both written and oral. You will be encouraged to become a reflective and questioning learner and devise a personal development plan.
Module code: CIS1704
Credits: 20
Assessment:
80% Coursework
20% Practical
Programming 1
Programming 1 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming. You will be introduced to computational thinking - a problem solving approach that underpins programming, the basics of algorithmic design and the analytical techniques and processes essential for specifying, designing and implementing simple software systems. The module will teach you how to tackle large problems by breaking them down into a sequence of smaller, more manageable issues. This is a foundation module for which no previous experience in programming is required.
Module code: CIS1702
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Programming 2
Programming 2 provides a practical exploration of an object-oriented approach to software development. Programming is a key skill for analysts, software testers and software developers. You will be introduced to the analytical techniques and processes essential for specifying, designing and implementing basic object-orientated software systems. Through the lens of object-orientation, you will explore complex data structures and gain a better understanding of objects, object scope, object instantiation and their life cycle. The module will equip you with the skills needed to develop sophisticated object-orientated software systems consisting of multiple source code files and interacting objects, each with their own procedures.
Module code: CIS1703
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Web coding, computer games or programming – choose from an exciting range of modules in Year 2. Discover the big picture with the Fundamentals of Digital Forensics or Data Analytics. You can also learn to run the show in Project Management. Whichever you choose, you’ll underpin everything with core database studies, security fundamentals and an introduction to e-commerce. Boost your job prospects and consider a year in industry before Year 3.
Database Systems introduces you to the fundamental concepts in database design. Designing and implementing databases is a key skill in the computing industry where businesses of all sizes depend upon database management systems to gain a competitive advantage. Databases also play a central role in many information systems and are an integral part of e-commerce. This module will develop your practical skills in database modelling, development and design. You will discover the techniques for appropriate and efficient conceptual, logical and physical database design and learn how to create, handle, manipulate and manage database systems and resources.
Module code: CIS2700
Credits: 20
Assessment:
60% Coursework
40% Exam
E-Commerce for business
E-Commerce for business is designed to enable you to gain knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to e-commerce. You will assess key e-business concepts and how these can be applied to organisations. The module considers the differences in e-commerce (the buying and selling of goods and services online) and m-commerce (the buying and selling of goods on mobile devices), as well as comparing businesses that are entirely online with those adopting a hybrid approach. The social, ethical, and professional issues involved in e-commerce will be explored, including how a business can use professional guidelines to help manage information security.
Module code: CIS2182
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Professional Practice II
Professional Practice II introduces you to the importance of teamwork and reflective practice. You will work as part of a team to complete a project by a deadline. This will enable you to focus on the design, production and commercial requirements of the project, as well as the associated risk management, budgetary constraints, and any ethical issues. You will reflect on your learning through the production of an e-portfolio.
Module code: CIS2712
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Security Fundamentals
Security Fundamentals explores the basic definitions and concepts in different areas of cyber security. Organisations and individuals depend on the security of their computer systems to protect those systems and the sensitive data that they store, process and communicate. As previous data breach incidents from well-known businesses have shown, damage or loss through accident or malicious attack can have serious implications for those affected and can threaten the existence of organisations. With the strict data protection regulations such as the Data Protection Act 2018, protecting data is now even more crucial. Understanding and identifying the security threat, and learning the essential concepts to secure computer systems and networks, is key to achieving these goals. This module will outline the key approaches to information security and reveal how to design and evaluate secure networks and secure web services. The human elements of security management will also be considered, along with essential legal and ethical considerations.
Data Analytics immerses you in the explosion of digital data that is revolutionising business. Data analytics is used in many industries to enable companies and organisations to make better business decisions and, in the sciences, to verify or disprove existing models or theories. Organisations of every type are now expecting their business decisions to be based upon robust data analytics to support intuition and experience. Decision-making is expected to be close to real-time and deeply embedded into day-to-day processes. On this module, you will discover different data sources and data types and be introduced to a wide range of data analysis methods and tools. Working as part of a team, you will apply these methods and tools to a large real-world data-set. This will enable you to undertake the role of a data analyst, from the initial processing of a raw data set to the final visualisation and recommendations derived from the data analysis.
Module code: CIS2705
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Fundamentals of Digital Forensics
Fundamentals of Digital Forensics develops your expertise in the methods, tools, techniques and forensic principles for evidence recovery across a variety of digital media. The legal and ethical considerations for undertaking such an investigation will also be considered. A popular misconception is that computer forensics is only used for solving cybercrime. While this may be true in many cases, computer forensics is often equally important in corporate investigations. Computer security is proactive - protecting computers and the data held on them from being misused. In contrast, computer forensics is reactive - a crime has been committed, additional evidence may be key to solving the crime and convicting those responsible. The module prepares you to undertake a forensic computing investigation in a systematic and methodological manner. You will gain experience as a computer forensic analyst through the use of existing applications and be able to try a range of investigative techniques. Forensic issues and potential obstacles to conducting an investigation will also be considered.
Module code: CIS2711
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Fundamentals of Web Coding
Fundamentals of Web Coding introduces you to the theory and practical foundations of coding for the web. Software development for the web has made significant progress in the last decade, moving from static pages to powerful and complex applications. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of coding for the web, as well as the core algorithms and data structures that you will deal with in the business world. You will discover how to create, debug and test software applications then apply them to small-scale, real-world problems.
Module code: CIS2701
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Games Engines
Games Engines reveals the crucial role that games engines play in the development of interactive computer games. Whether these games are developed for consoles, PCs or mobile devices, there is typically a games engine deployed for the creation of the software. Games engines offer the core functionality required to support the implementation of games. Creating an engagingly realistic and/or immersive experience in modern video games depends on creating complex, dynamic behaviour of the game characters or objects. This module explores the two fundamental components, physics and artificial intelligence, which are necessary to implement engaging game behaviour. You will gain an in-depth understanding of how these components deliver engaging game play through the use of games engines.
Module code: CIS2703
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Object-Orientated Programming
Object-Orientated Programming immerses you in object-orientated approaches to software development. Many programming languages, such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Ruby, Scala and VB.NET have been built with object-orientation in mind, while other historically procedural languages, from Cobol, Fortran and Pascal to Perl, PHP and Visual Basic, have been adapted to accommodate it. IT professionals with object-orientated programming skills are in high demand. This module presents the concepts underpinning object-orientated programming and explores how it’s used to model and implement modern software systems. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the object-oriented modelling processes, learn how to translate a model into a software design, and discover how to implement that design in a modern object-oriented programming language. This will give you experience of the full software development life-cycle, from design to implementation. You will build your expertise from writing simple single source code file solutions, to complex, well designed systems organised into packages using the appropriate features of an object-orientated high-level programming language.
Module code: CIS2702
Credits: 20
Assessment:
60% Coursework
40% Exam
Project Management
Project Management highlights the need for software development projects to be managed effectively if they are to be delivered on time, within budget, to specification and to agreed quality standards. Project management is a complex activity and demands a professional approach. This module reveals the importance of project planning, monitoring and control in the management of large-scale projects. It emphasises the techniques that can be applied, the tools which can be used, and the softer human factors which also go into managing large project teams. You will develop key transferable skills on this module, including teamwork, communication, planning and organisation, while also gaining an insight into the business environment through activity-based learning.
Module code: CIS2704
Credits: 20
Assessment:
70% Practical
30% Exam
Year 3 is all about you. Create a blend of modules tailored to your talents. Show us your creativity and originality in a research and development project. Then choose four modules that lean into your strengths. Examples include Information Security or Advanced Databases. Explore biometric security or distributed systems. Consider coaching others or commit to pursuing IT management. Every option opens doors to your future career or studies.
Research and Development Project gives you the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality, apply your knowledge and skills, and demonstrate the ability to undertake an individual project through investigative research, problem-solving, effective communication and management. The project will be executed independently under the guidance of a supervisor. In exceptional circumstances group projects may be permitted as long as individual deliverables are clearly identified and this has been agreed with the Module Leader and Supervisor. You will conduct in-depth work on a substantial issue, including researching and analysing the problem and finding and realising a solution.
Advanced Databases develops your knowledge of databases and modelling tools through the practical application of appropriate database languages. Databases are an essential element of most small to large computer systems, so it's important that you have the skills to work with complex relational databases as well as more advanced NoSQL (Not Only SQL) database systems. The module will enhance your understanding of RDBMS database systems. These are a type of database management system (DBMS) that stores data in a row-based table structure which connects related data elements. An RDBMS includes functions that maintain the security, accuracy, integrity and consistency of the data. You will also have the opportunity to explore alternative non-tabular database systems that scale easily to handle large amounts of data and high numbers of users.
Module code: CIS3401
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Biometrics Security and Identity
Biometrics Security and Identity provides a modern focus on biometric devices and biometric security systems, informed by the research expertise and activity of the course team. With the advent and boom of mobile devices the amount of authentication attempts we make has increased exponentially. This has meant that the need to devise and develop secure authentication techniques, and safeguard the authenticated information, has become ever more important. Coupled with the huge amount of personal data that is held within systems, the detection and prevention of false authentication techniques is a vital characteristic of any secure system. This module will provide you with in-depth knowledge of authentication, authorisation and identification techniques. Our expert tutors will show you how to identify traditional security techniques, such as password and key-based environments, and provide training in novel techniques such as biometric security.
Module code: CIS3405
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Digital Design and Production
Digital Design and Production gives you specialist insight into the practical use of visual effects. The creation of animation and special effects (SFX) in the games industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Meeting the demands of quality, compatibility and cross and multi-platform practice is paramount to the success of a gaming title. This is particularly the case as gaming on mobile platforms continues to grow. This module offers technical workshops in advanced software training. You will gain skills in particle generation, animated graphics, advanced compositing and cross-platform production. You will also have the opportunity for specialist study in the essential aspects of contemporary computer-generated imagery (CGI) animation. These techniques include character development, CGI construction, modelling and animation, environment design, SFX techniques, and multi-platform animation practices.
Module code: CIS3400
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
Distributed Systems
Distributed Systems evaluates the structure of parallel and distributed computer systems and applications. Parallel computing enables multiple processors to execute tasks simultaneously while distributed computing divides a single task between multiple computers to achieve a common goal. Advances in communication technology and increased user demands for sophisticated applications have pushed distributed computing models ahead of the centralised approach. Distributed programming frameworks have become enablers of big data analytics and other applications driven by artificial intelligence. On this module you will evaluate the structure of parallel and distributed systems and identify their respective strengths and weaknesses. You will gain a critical understanding of centralised and distributed models of communication technology through a range of modern and representative case studies. The module will culminate with practical, hands-on experience of the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a small distributed system or application in response to a distributed computing problem.
Module code: CIS3415
Credits: 20
Assessment:
60% Coursework
40% Exam
Information Security
Information Security outlines the potential threats to an organisation’s digital assets, as well as training you in the tools and methods needed to mitigate those threats. Information is at the heart of everything we value. In today's climate, the value of information assets has never been more vulnerable in organisations in both public and private sectors. It is crucial to be able to adapt to the rapid developments and challenges in the fields of information and cyber security. It is also essential to have a solid foundation of knowledge in information security concepts, principles, practices, methods and tools. This module will introduce you to key information security principles and examine the management of security risks, emerging threats, incident management and legal regulations. You will gain expert insight into the role of information security in the modern business world and practical experience of how to form a plan to identify and mitigate risk in a problem scenario.
Module code: CIS3406
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
IT Management
IT Management prepares you for roles where you will oversee the acquisition and ongoing management of systems and services. The management of information technology within an organisation may be the responsibility of one person or several. IT Management is an incredibly diverse field, one which includes everything technological. Since almost every organisation now has some use for IT, it is a field of expertise that is continually growing and evolving and offers great career development opportunities. The module explores the key activities undertaken in IT management roles. You will gain an insight into the operational and strategic steps needed to develop an IT strategy. This will include developing your awareness of the need for a tactical and operational view of IT systems and the services of internal and external stakeholders. The module will cover everything from the selection and implementation of IT systems to relevant legal, ethical and security considerations which all feed into an effective IT strategy.
Module code: CIS3402
Credits: 20
Assessment:
100% Coursework
How you'll study
Teaching methods are designed in consultation with leading employers in the region. Many classes are based in computer workshops, focusing on student activity as a means of learning. We introduce theoretical concepts by building on concrete practical activity.
To enhance your employability, you will be given opportunities to work together and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability.
How you'll be assessed
You will be assessed through a combination of practical exercises, reports, essays and examinations. We want you to develop the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, therefore assessment includes both of these forms, though the emphasis is strongly on individual work.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by staff who are passionate about student learning and development. The programme team are specialists in computing and active researchers in areas including mobile computing, distributed systems, web information architecture, visualisation and applications of problem-based learning in computing and information systems. Academic staff are regular contributors to academic conferences and journals.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. 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. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
Entry criteria
Typical offer 104-112Â UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
Please note, for all programmes in the Department of Computer Science, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BCC-BBC.
UCAS Tariff points
104-112 points.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level
Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
Fair Entry Criteria
Our new Fair Entry Criteria is a Contextual Admissions Policy that takes an applicant’s personal and educational background into account. This policy will allow eligible applicants to receive up to a two-grade reduction in their entry requirements for this course. Find out more and see if you qualify.
Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13million Tech Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science and Engineering students. Our modern computing and engineering laboratories are equipped with comprehensive test and measurement equipment, high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software. There are also specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory and a Harvard style lecture theatre.
Where you'll study
Classroom 360 View
Tech Hub
Learning resources
Learning resources include robots and a robotics simulator, wired and wireless networking hardware, graphics software, web development tools, software development environments, big data servers, eye trackers, giant 3D interactive teaching screens, and other specialist software required for studying forensics and internet security techniques.
For the academic year 2027/28, the UK Full-Time tuition fee is currently set to £10,050. Please note this is subject to Parliamentary approval and is likely to be increased in line with inflation (RPIX). There may be further inflationary increases in your subsequent years of study.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.
Money Matters
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
You can springboard from a computing degree into software development or networking engineering and apply for graduate entry schemes with big names like BAE Systems, AO, Barclays, JD Sports and the Walton Centre.
Many students choose to stay on to pursue a Masters and specialise further. Perhaps you’ll dedicate yourself to an academic career with a Masters of Research.
Some of our students discover a passion for teaching. It is easy to go into post-graduate teacher training from your degree, and we offer a number of PGCE courses at Edge Hill, including our PGCE Secondary Computer Science and IT with QTS course. We have graduates successfully working as primary and secondary school teachers.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Track changes to this course
Progression Route - 2 February 2026
STEM Foundation Year removed.
Course accreditation - 4 December 2024
Removed all wording linked to subject to reapproval on course page due to confirmation of accreditation reapproval from BCS.
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13million Tech Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science and Engineering students. Our modern computing and engineering laboratories are equipped with comprehensive test and measurement equipment, high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software. There are also specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory and a Harvard style lecture theatre.
