A BSc (Hons) in Computing can be the first step toward an exciting and well-paid career in technology.
In today’s highly digitised world, computer science graduates are in high demand across a range of sectors. This guide aims to cover what’s involved in taking a BSc in Computing degree online.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science is not just software development. At its essence, computer science is the study of problem-solving using computers. The field involves the development, design, and analysis of software and software systems, making it foundational to modern technologies.
While programming is an essential skill in computer science, it’s just the beginning. The discipline extends into numerous areas, such as creating algorithms, managing data structures, designing computer hardware and architecture, and developing sophisticated systems in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. For instance, AI involves teaching computers to recognise patterns or make decisions based on data, while robotics applies these principles to create autonomous or semi-autonomous machines.
Understanding computer science is incredibly valuable. It drives innovation across multiple sectors and promises transformative changes in how we companies and people go about their daily activities.
Why Study a Computer Science Degree?
If you want to be part of a cutting-edge industry with consistently high job market demand, having a computer science degree can help you start that career journey. It can provide a broad understanding of industry-standard tools and programming skills.
A computer science degree can be rewarding both on a personal and professional level:
- Gain highly transferable skills: A computer science degree can equip you with highly transferable core skills in Computing, such as logic and problem-solving, that will remain relevant and useful even as the industry evolves.
- Attract a high salary: With new, rapidly changing technologies, there has been increasing demand and a growing skills gap in Computing. Because of this, skilled CS professionals can attract high salaries, especially in highly specialised fields such as AI and data science.
- Varied career pathways: Studying Computing can lead to a wide range of careers across industries, from business and data analytics to game design and telecommunications/network engineering.
Computer Science BSc Course Structure
Studying for a computing degree involves three years of full-time study, providing a broad foundation in the core concepts and architecture of computers and computing systems. As you progress, you choose elective modules that let you focus on particular areas of interest.
Each university will have a slightly different syllabus and core module titles.
Core Module Examples:
- Introduction to Programming
- Information Systems
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Computer Systems and Architecture
- Software Engineering
- Relational Databases
- Web Development
- Networking and Cyber Security
- Operating Systems
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Discrete Mathematics
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Cloud Computing
You generally select one or more elective modules after completing the core modules. Examples of elective modules include:
- Cryptography
- Graphics and Computer Vision
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data Visualisation
- System and Network Security
For most courses, you can graduate with a regular degree or, by completing an independent final project or dissertation, graduate with an honours degree.
When comparing courses, it’s good to review the core and elective modules to find the right match for your interests. The course syllabus and university rankings are generally the most important considerations when deciding where to study.
Computer Science Careers
With a degree in computer science, you’ll be qualified to apply for a range of related roles across a wide variety of sectors. You’ll also have a range of transferable skills, such as project management and problem-solving, that are highly sought-after across many industries, such as engineering, finance, health, and education.
Depending on your area of specialisation, career opportunities can include:
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Web Development
- Game Development
- Mobile App Development
- Virtual Reality
- User Experience (UX)
How Much Can You Earn with a Computer Science Degree?
With a computing degree, you’ll open yourself up to both intellectually challenging and interesting roles, as well as lucrative salaries.
Highly specialised and in-demand roles, such as those in AI and machine learning, can earn you upwards of £170,000 a year and open up global career opportunities.
According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, computer science graduates earn £29,000 a year after they complete their studies. This is higher than the national graduate average of £26,000.
BSc (Hons) Computing Start Dates
Start dates for online Computing degrees are usually in January and September each year, but some UK universities may offer monthly or quarterly start dates.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications Needed
To thrive on a computing course, you should be comfortable with maths. A-levels in maths, physics, or computer science are ideal.
To apply for a BSc (Hons) in Computing, you’ll usually need:
- Good GCSE mathematics or A-level mathematics grades
- An IELTS score of 6.5 or above if English isn’t your first language
If you’re applying as a mature student (21 years or above), you may be able to gain entry based on your career experience and exposure. If this applies to you and you are unsure, we recommend inquiring with your chosen courses and asking the admissions team directly about your suitability.
Application Deadlines
Places on BSc (Hons) Computing courses can be competitive, so it’s a good idea to submit your course application as early as you can.
Check your preferred course page(s) for specific application deadlines—we recommend preparing your application about three months before the deadline. This will give you enough time to prepare the relevant documents and organise funding for your course.
The documents you’ll need to apply for an online BSc (Hons) Computing usually include:
- An online application form
- CV
- Personal statement
- Previous certificates and transcripts
Online Learning Format
On a distance learning computing degree, you’ll engage with course material and complete your studies 100% online. This flexibility allows learners to access lectures, assignments, and resources when it suits them, making it ideal for those balancing education with work or other commitments. The learning experience is typically delivered through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous activities facilitated through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that promotes interaction, collaboration, and access to digital resources.
Each university will have created its own learning structure and format, and the following are typical online learning activities:
Possible Learning Activities:
Live Webinars: In real-time online sessions, instructors provide insights, demonstrate techniques, or discuss key concepts.
Discussion Forums: Engage in online discussions with peers and instructors, sharing ideas, asking questions, and debating topics related to the coursework.
Interactive Quizzes and Assessments: Test your knowledge through online quizzes, which provide immediate feedback, and complete graded assessments to track your progress.
Virtual Labs: Conduct programming exercises or simulate computing environments through specialised software tools accessible from your computer.
Group Projects: Collaborate with classmates on group assignments using online collaboration tools like Google Docs, Slack, or Microsoft Teams.
Peer Review: Evaluate and provide feedback on your classmates’ work, gaining new perspectives and improving your critical thinking skills.
Assignment Submission: Submit coursework electronically through the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).
Online Office Hours: Schedule one-on-one meetings with instructors via video conferencing to ask questions, seek clarification, or get advice on your studies.
Reading and Research: Access digital libraries and databases to read assigned texts, research papers, and additional resources to support your learning.
Self-paced Learning Modules: Work through structured online modules that guide you through key topics, with embedded activities to reinforce learning.
A blend of these activities provides an enriching learning experience that mirrors traditional classroom settings while offering the flexibility and accessibility that online education provides. In fact, many of the teaching and learning tools developed for online students are now being integrated into on-campus degrees as they have proven to be effective teaching tools.
Age and Experience
Most online students are classified as mature (joining an undergraduate degree over the age of 21). In reality, most students are much older than 21, and you can end up studying with a wide range of ages and levels of experience. This diversity within the cohort means that the discussions and perspectives shared add real value to the learning experience.
Duration and Time Commitments
BSc (Hons) Computing courses consist of three years of full-time study. Each year is made up of 120 credits, also called CATS points (Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme).
Because many mature students have work commitments, they usually opt to study online part-time. This option typically lets you break down your study hours into manageable chunks that fit comfortably around your work schedule. Our part-time study calculator can help you find out how long it could take to finish your course based on your study hours.
Effective time management is crucial when you’re studying an online BSc (Hons) Computing course alongside a full-time job and other personal commitments—creating a study schedule before your course starts can help you stay on track.
Costs
Costs involved in studying an online BSc (Hons) Computing include:
- Tuition fees: These can range from £13,000 to £28,500, depending on the university.
- Other costs: If your chosen BSc (Hons) Computing course requires you to complete exams, you might need to pay exam fees (plus travel-related costs if you have to travel to an exam centre).
Funding Options
Financial Support
If you’re a UK resident, you may be eligible to apply for an undergraduate loan to fund your studies. The conditions of this loan differ depending on where you live:
- England
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Find out more about student finance options for an online degree.
Scholarships and Grants
Several UK universities offer scholarships and grants, so be sure to check with your chosen university if they offer these before deciding how you’ll fund your studies.
You can also check The Scholarship Hub website for further information on UK scholarships, grants, and bursaries that may be available to students.
If you’re a registered subscriber to UK Study Online and meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll go into the draw to win a scholarship that can go towards your BSc (Hons) Computing tuition fees.
