Overview

Software underpins nearly every part of modern life, and building it well takes both deep technical understanding and a clear sense of what computers can and cannot do. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Software Development at the University of Liverpool covers computer science from its underlying principles to the edge of current technology, with a particular focus on developing, updating and applying complex software. Students build a foundation in programming, computer systems and algorithms in the first year, then deepen their knowledge of software engineering and database development in the second. Teaching comes from a School of Computer Science and Informatics with a history stretching back to the 1960s, whose research outputs were ranked 5th in the UK in the most recent national assessment. Learning combines lectures, small-group tutorials and supervised laboratory sessions in well-equipped PC and Mac labs, alongside individual and group projects that develop teamwork and presentation skills. The degree is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and students can add a year in industry or a period of study abroad. It suits students with a keen interest in software and technology who want a rigorous, practical grounding, finishing with a substantial individual software development project.

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What You’ll Learn

• Programming in Java and the paradigms behind different programming languages

• Object-oriented programming and the design of well-structured software

• Data structures and algorithms, including how to analyse the complexity of algorithms

• How computer systems work and how digital systems are designed for society

• Building and structuring databases through database development

• Software engineering fundamentals, from planning to delivery

• Optional specialisms such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, app development and data science

• Advanced topics in the final year, including high performance computing, computer vision and cloud computing

• An individual software development project exploring a substantial problem in depth

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply core computer science principles across programming, algorithms, computer systems and databases to design and build effective software. They will be equipped to analyse the efficiency of algorithmic solutions and to use software engineering methods to plan, develop and improve complex applications. Through optional modules in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and data science, students will be able to broaden their technical expertise around their own interests. A guided but independent individual project will develop the ability to tackle a substantial software development problem using techniques learned throughout the degree. Graduates will leave with a BCS-accredited, practically grounded skill set, with strong problem-solving, teamwork and presentation abilities, well prepared for careers in software development, systems analysis and technical consultancy.