Computer science is an exciting, challenging and growing field that is part of almost everything we do. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree at Robert Gordon University will provide you with the knowledge and skills to design and implement state-of-the-art software systems to solve the most challenging problems posed by industry.
You will study object-oriented software design, learn systems development skills, and understand how to apply them in practice. You can also enhance your skills in areas like data science, artificial intelligence, cyber security, creative design, or games design to align with your preferred career path. This will form the basis for a career as a software professional who can work effectively across a variety of computing platforms.
Top 3 in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in Computing (National Student Survey 2023, excluding colleges, small, specialist and private providers).
Year 1
You will take part in a multidisciplinary common Foundation Year to understand the breath of subjects offered by the School, form a network of colleagues beyond your course, and be equipped with the technical abilities required for the more advanced years of your course. You will get to grips with the fundamentals of programming devices, problem solving and maths, databases, and web design, along with kick starting your professional skills development.
Year 2
You will study modules that reflect modern computing’s variety of target devices, including advanced software development techniques, data structures and algorithms, and dynamic web development. You will learn how to conduct research into problems, and the entrepreneurial skills necessary for creating innovative, computing based solutions to real world challenges. .
Year 3
You’ll have the option to seek a year- long placement in industry, usually between years 2 and year 4 (or, less commonly, between years 4 and year 5). There’s also an opportunity to take placement over the summer either at the end of year 2 or 4. Alternatively, you can study abroad for the year between years 2 and 4, or 4 and 5, where you will advance your skills at one of our specialist international partner institutions
Year 4
You’ll study more advanced computing concepts including modern programming paradigms, the Internet of Things, and learn how to create systems that utilise the latest artificial intelligence technologies. You'll use your programming skills while collaborating with students from different backgrounds on projects focusing on problems provided by industrial clients, and further enhance your entrepreneurial skills while iteratively developing computing product ideas.
Year 5
In Honours Year you’ll further develop your skills in specialist areas of artificial intelligence, and programming concepts. You’ll use your knowledge and skills in a large, capstone project in Semester 2.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Our sustainability commitment
Sustainability will be a key topic for all students at the School of Computing through our real-world project in Year 2, incorporating solving sustainability issues with entrepreneurial thinking while preparing them with the confidence and skills to enter the working environment. In this project you will select one of three challenges to tackle, identify who the problem affects and then build a self-sustaining business model to bring jobs to the economy. It is through learning opportunities like the real-world project that we embed sustainability in our undergraduate offering so that it can continue to be considered through your chosen career path.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 3, 9 and 11. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
Throughout this course, students studying Computer Science will have a choice of elective modules in each Semester (except Semester 2 in Honours Year). This will provide students with the opportunity to study modules from the other specialist courses within the school, creating a unique pathway through the course, reinforcing skills and allowing students a chance to diversify their experience, gaining an appreciation of the wider context within which the related subjects of computing operate.
The degree has been specifically designed to create modern Software Developers who draw on their knowledge and skills to create solutions to real-world problems. As well as day-to-day use of the latest computer hardware and software, extensive use of technology-assisted learning is experienced within the course. These include using computer-assisted assessment packages to engage your interest and increase the speed of feedback.
Lectures and practical sessions with class sizes of around 40 are used. Also featured are two to three hour integrated teaching sessions where you will have short periods of instruction followed by lab exercises to contextualise the topic.
Activity Summary
Year 4
- Lectures - 40 students per group, 4 hours per week
- Project Supervision -1 - 4 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Practical class or workshop - 40 students per group, 1 hour per week
How long is a BSc (Hons) Computer Science course?
A Computing Science course can be completed over:
- 4 years
- 4 years + 1 year placement
Independent Study
Independent study allows you to engage fully with the wider context of the subject being taught in supervised classes. It allows you to fully cement what has already been taught and be fully prepared for the next session. Independent study should amount to around three hours a week per module
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our staff members feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union. Recently we have been awarded two Lecturer of the Year awards and an award for Continued Excellence.
Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.
Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers, visiting Distinguished Researchers, library staff and industry experts and postgraduate researchers.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each term:
- 2 written exams, typically for three hours
- 2 project outputs
- 2 reports
- 1 dissertation
- 1 practical skills assessment
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
Optional, paid, 3-month (summer) or 12-month placements can be undertaken in this course. You will be supported by a dedicated Placements Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement module. You will also be assigned a Placement Supervisor who will carry out regular visits to your placement provider and meet with you and your employer. The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate.
Please note, placements are not guaranteed.
Job Prospects
This course provides you with a range of technical and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a variety of careers at the leading edge of computing.
Is Computer Science a good career choice?
Previous BSc Computer Science graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Research Assistant
- Junior Content Developer
- Solutions Architect
- Cyber Security Developer<
- Junior devOPS Engineer
Our collaboration with industry and the industrial placement scheme will provide you with the opportunity to be involved in new developments in the very dynamic and fast-moving computing industry. Graduates from this course are highly sought after by a range of employers, including software houses, web-development companies, application developers and service providers for business and industry.
You could find yourself working for a large software developer or the latest technology start-up - and with our focus on entrepreneurship, you could even start your own company.
What are the entry requirements for a BSc (Hons) Computer Science course?
Standard Entry Requirements
Year 1 entry
- SQA Higher: BBCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
- GCE A Level Year 1 entry: CCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level.
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 and two further passes to include English and Maths at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.
- IB Diploma Year 1 entry: 26 to include a pass in Standard Level English and Maths at grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level.
Year 2 entry
- SQA Advanced Higher Year 2 entry: BBCC to include Computing and another numerate subject and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
- GCE A Level Year 2 entry: BBB to include Math and another numerate subject. English at GCSE grade 5/C is required if not held at A Level.
- IB Diploma Year 2 entry: 30 to include Math and another numerate subject at higher level pass. Standard Level English at grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Advanced Entry
Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17720 |
| Year 2 | £17720 | |
| Year 3 | £17720 | |
| Year 4 | £17720 | |
Academic Year 2023-2024
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
| Year 5 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6750 |
| Year 2 | £6750 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £6750 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £6750 | |
| Year 4 | £6750 | |
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6750 |
| Year 2 | £6750 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £6750 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £6750 | |
| Year 4 | £6750 | |
| Year 5 | £6750 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6750 |
| Year 2 | £6750 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £6750 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £6750 | |
| Year 4 | £6750 | |
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6750 |
| Year 2 | £6750 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £6750 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £6750 | |
| Year 4 | £6750 | |
| Year 5 | £6750 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17040 |
| Year 2 | £17040 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £17040 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £17040 | |
| Year 4 | £17040 | |
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £17040 |
| Year 2 | £17040 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £17040 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £17040 | |
| Year 4 | £17040 | |
| Year 5 | £17040 | |
Additional Costs
- £50 for materials
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2024 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.