BSc Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways)
Cardiff Metropolitan University
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways), a computer science degree centered on software development, systems engineering, and computational methods. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Embedded Systems, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The curriculum is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and students can optionally complete a year-long industry placement. The first year covers foundational principles through modules such as Principles of Programming, Architectures & Operating Systems, Computational Thinking, Computer Science & Applications, Web Design & Databases, and Explore. The second year progresses to Physical Computing, Object-Oriented System Design, Networks & Security, Collaborative Project, and Expand, alongside optional studies in Concepts in Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Systems. The final year comprises Computational Intelligence, Cyber Security and Cryptography, Computer Science Development Project (BCS), and Professional, Sustainable & Ethical Technology, with optional choices including Advanced Programming, Industrial Work Experience (Placement), Business Analytics & Intelligence, and Internet of Things.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff: 104-112 A level: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject. BTEC/Cambridge Technical: DMM IB: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 75%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 65 students who started
- Continued on course: 59%
- Gained a higher qualification: 2%
- Left higher education: 39%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 30%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Sports and fitness occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 55%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 5%
- South East: 6%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 78%
Who gets in
Based on about 90 students who started
- A levels: 75%
- Access course: 3%
- Foundation course: 1%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 12%
- No formal qualifications: 3%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
- Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Modules
- Principles of Programming
- Architectures & Operating Systems
- Computational Thinking
- Computer Science & Applications
- Web Design & Databases
- Explore
- Physical Computing
- Object-Oriented System Design
- Networks & Security
- Collaborative Project
- Expand
- Concepts in Artificial Intelligence
- Embedded Systems
- Computational Intelligence
- Cyber Security and Cryptography
- Computer Science Development Project (BCS)
- Professional, Sustainable & Ethical Technology
- Advanced Programming
- Industrial Work Experience (Placement)
- Business Analytics & Intelligence
- Internet of Things
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways) at Cardiff Metropolitan University earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £44,000. The £33,000 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of BSc Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways) at Cardiff Metropolitan University do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways) at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
75% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways) at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
The typical offer is CCC at A level. The average entrant had 117 UCAS points.
Is BSc Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways) at Cardiff Metropolitan University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Does BSc Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways) at Cardiff Metropolitan University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Computer Science (with Specialist Pathways) at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
59% of students continued into their second year, and 39% left higher education.