Programme Specifications

Computer Science


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Computer Science

6 : UCAS code
G40F

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

Educational Aims of the Scheme

Subject knowledge

  • To give students a good grounding in the major fields of Computing through a wide range of experiences;

  • To give students an understanding of the political, economic, legal and social issues surrounding software.

Subject specific skills

  • To equip students with the skills necessary to design software and to program in high-level computing languages;

  • To enable students to understand and apply the range of priciples and tools available to the software engineer;

  • To instil the professional skills and ethical responsibilities required of computer practitiioners.

Generic and graduate skills

  • To reason logically and creatively; to communicate cearly both orally and in writing; and to be able to obtain and interpret information from a wide range of sources.

Overall aim of the scheme

  • To produce graduates who are highly sought after by industry, and who have the potential to succeed in a rapidly changing computing workplace.

Subject knowledge

  • To give students a good grounding in the major fields of Computing through a wide range of experiences;

  • To give students an understanding of the political, economic, legal and social issues surrounding software.

Subject specific skills

  • To equip students with the skills necessary to design software and to program in high-level computing languages;

  • To enable students to understand and apply the range of priciples and tools available to the software engineer;

  • To instil the professional skills and ethical responsibilities required of computer practitiioners.

Generic and graduate skills

  • To reason logically and creatively; to communicate cearly both orally and in writing; and to be able to obtain and interpret information from a wide range of sources.

Overall aim of the scheme

  • To produce graduates who are highly sought after by industry, and who have the potential to succeed in a rapidly changing computing workplace.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

The scheme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas.

The scheme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas.



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

Subject knowledge and understanding

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

1. Knowledge of a range of programming languages and software design techniques;

2. Knowledge of algorithm design and use of efficient data structures;

3. An understanding of mathematical underpinning of Computer Science;

4. An understanding of computer hardware, architecture and construction;

5. Knowledge of software engineering, the management of software projects, and their legal, social, ethical and professional aspects;

6. Knowledge of a range of specialist topics giving a broad experience of computing (some of Robotics, Vision and Graphics, Systems Administration, Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise Web development).

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • A1. Knowledge of a range of programming languages and software design techniques;

  • A2. Knowledge of algorithm design and use of efficient data structures;

  • A3. An understanding of mathematical underpinning of Computer Science;

  • A4. An understanding of computer hardware, architecture and construction;

  • A5. Knowledge of software engineering, the management of software projects, and their legal, social, ethical and professional aspects;

  • A6. Knowledge of a range of specialist topics giving a broad experience of computing (some of Robotics, Vision and Graphics, Systems Administration, Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise Web development).

Learning and Teaching

  • ​​​Lectures (A1-A6)

  • ​Problem classes (A2,A3)

  • ​Seminars (A5, A6)

  • ​Laboratory work (A1, A2, A4, A5, A6)

  • ​Group and individual projects (A1, A2, A4, A5, A6)

  • ​Visiting lecturer series (A5, A6)​​

Assessment Strategies and Methods

  • ​​​Time-constrained examinations (A1-A6)

  • ​Problem sheets (A1, A2, A3)

  • ​Project diaries (A1,A5, A6)

  • ​Project reports (A1, A2, A5, A6)

  • ​Oral presentations (A5, A6)

  • ​Computer programs and assignments (A1, A2, A5, A6)

  • ​Capstone project (A1, A2, A5, A6)​​



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

1. Application of a range of concepts and principles in well-defined software development contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques.

2. Implementation of computer programs in a modern object-oriented language.

3. The ability to develop and evaluate logical arguments.

4. The skill of abstracting the essential elements of problems, modelling them and obtaining solutions by appropriate methods.

5. Application of engineering principles and knowledge of develop complex software systems.

6. The capability of evaluating systems in terms of general quality attributes, possible trade-offs and risk within the given problem.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • B1. Application of a range of concepts and principles in well-defined software development contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques.

  • B2. Implementation of computer programs in a modern object-oriented language.

  • B3. The ability to develop and evaluate logical arguments.

  • B4. The skill of abstracting the essential elements of problems, modelling them and obtaining solutions by appropriate methods.

  • B5. Application of engineering principles and knowledge of develop complex software systems.

  • B6. The capability of evaluating systems in terms of general quality attributes, possible trade-offs and risk within the given problem.

Learning and Teaching

  • ​​​Lectures (B1-B6)

  • ​Problem classes (B3, B4, B5)

  • ​Seminars (B1, B4, B5, B6)

  • ​Laboratory work (B2, B4, B5)

  • ​Group and individual projects (B1-B6)

  • ​Visiting lecturer series (B3, B5, B6)​​

Assessment Strategies and Methods

  • ​​​Time-constrained examinations (B1-B6)

  • ​Problem sheets (B1, B2, B3)

  • ​Project diaries (B1, B3, B6)

  • ​Project reports (B1-B6)

  • ​Oral presentations (B1, B3, B6)

  • ​Computer programs and assignments (B1, B2, B4, B5)

  • ​Capstone project (B1, B2, B4, B5)​​

102.2. Practical Skills

  • C1 Present arguments and conclusions effectively and accurately

  • C2 Use computer software to support presentations, produce reports and work as part of a software team

  • C3 Understand the different ways in which project teams operate in the computing industry

  • C4 Use appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems

  • C5 Recognise any risks, safety or security aspects that may be involved with a computer system within a given context

  • C6 Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentationof computer applications, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved in the effective deployment of computers to solve practical problems

Learning and Teaching

  • ​​​Lectures (C1-C6)

  • ​Problem classes (C1)

  • ​Seminars (C1-C6)

  • ​Laboratory work (C4, C6)

  • ​Group and individual projects (C1-C6)

  • ​Visiting lecturer series (C1, C3, C5)​​

Assessment Strategies and Methods

  • ​​​Time-constrained examinations (C1, C4, C5)

  • ​Problem sheets (C1)

  • ​Project diaries (C2, C3, C5)

  • ​Project reports (C1, C2, C4, C5, C6)​​



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

Transferabe/Key Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

1. Apply general mathematical skills to a range of problems.

2. Work independently.

3. Use information technology confidently.

4. Manage time and resources effectively.

5. Develop effective learning skills.

6. Be aware of the need to plan for employment and to develop various skills for such employment.

7. Work cooperatively as a member of a software deveopment team, recognising the different rolses within a team and different ways of organising teams.

Transferabe/Key Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

  • D1. Apply general mathematical skills to a range of problems.

  • D2. Work independently.

  • D3. Use information technology confidently.

  • D4. Manage time and resources effectively.

  • D5. Develop effective learning skills.

  • D6. Be aware of the need to plan for employment and to develop various skills for such employment.

  • D7. Work cooperatively as a member of a software deveopment team, recognising the different rolses within a team and different ways of organising teams.

Learning and Teaching

  • ​​Lectures (D1-D7)

  • ​Problem classes (D1,D5)

  • ​Seminars (D4, D5, D7)

  • ​Laboratory work (D3, D4, D7)

  • ​Group and individual projects (D2, D3, D4, D5, D7)

  • ​Visiting lecturer series (D6, D7)​

Assessment Strategies and Methods

  • ​​​Time-constrained examinations (D1)

  • ​Problem sheets (D1,D5)

  • ​Project diaries (D3, D4, D7)

  • ​Project reports (D5,D6, D7)

  • ​Oral presentations (D7)

  • ​Computer programs and assignments (D2, D3, D4, D5, D7)

  • ​Capstone project (D2, D3, D4, D5)​​



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Computer Science [G40F]

Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2015/2016

Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (110 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
CS01010

Spreadsheets for University Students

CS01120

Information Technology for University Students

IC07620

Academic Skills Foundation 1

Semester 2
CS02320

Foundation Programming

CS02420

Foundation Mini Projects

IC07720

Academic Skills Foundation 2

Year 1 Options

Choose 10 credits

Semester 1
CS00710

License to Use Mathematics

PH19510

Communication and Technology

Semester 2

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
CS10220

Introduction to Computer Infrastructure

CS12020

Introduction to Programming

CS18120

Study Skills for Computer Science

Semester 2
CS10720

Problems and Solutions

CS11010

Fundamentals of Web Development

CS11110

Information security

CS12320

Programming Using an Object-Oriented Language

Year 3 Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
CS21120

Algorithm Design and Data Structures

CS27020

Modelling Persistent Data

Semester 2
CS22120

Software Engineering

Year 3 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 2
CC24520

Python Gwyddonol

CS24520

Scientific Python

CS26020

Robotics and Embedded Systems

Year 3 Electives

Choose 40 credits as advised by the department (up to 40 credits can be modules outside of Computer Science).

Final Year Core (70 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
CS31310

Agile Development and Testing

Semester 2
CS38220

Professional Issues in the Computing Industry

CS39440

Major Project

Final Year Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
CS31420

Computational Bioinformatics

CS31620

Mobile Development with Android

CS31920

Advanced Algorithms

CS32420

Computer Graphics and Games

Semester 2

Final Year Electives

Choose 30 credits as advised by the department (up to 30 credits can be modules outside of Computer Science).


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.