Computer Science with Industrial Placement BSc (Hons)

Computer science is about more than learning to code. You'll learn how software and computing systems work and how they are designed. You will learn how to take an idea from a problem through development and testing to a working system.

From your first year, you'll be programming and developing software through practical projects. You'll build foundations across software development, computer systems, algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases and user interface design. From there you will move into more advanced areas of computer science.

As you progress, you'll develop mobile applications and explore computer networks and security. You will learn how larger software systems are designed and built.

You'll also have the opportunity to spend a year on industrial placement before your final year. You'll be responsible for securing a suitable placement. Careers support will be available to help you with your search and applications.

By the time you graduate, you'll have experience of building software individually and in teams. You will have experience working across different areas of computing. You will also have completed a substantial individual project that demonstrates what you can do.

Build software from day one

You'll start programming and developing software from the beginning of your degree.

You'll learn different approaches to programming, and how to build web applications and work with databases. You will also learn to understand the data structures and algorithms that underpin software. As your skills develop, you'll move on to more complex applications and larger development projects.

You'll work both independently and as part of a team. This will allow you to develop technical, problem-solving and collaborative skills. These skills will be of great benefit to you in professional software development.

Understand the systems behind the software

Writing working code is only one part of computer science.

You'll explore how computers and networks operate and how algorithms solve problems. You will also explore the principles that determine what computers can and cannot do. You'll learn how software can be structured to remain reliable and maintainable as systems become larger and more complex.

You'll also have opportunities to explore areas such as graphics and real-time computing. These areas will give you experience of applying computer science to different kinds of technical problems.

Put your skills into practice on an industrial placement

An industrial placement gives you the opportunity to spend a year working in a professional environment. On placement you will be able to apply the computing skills you've developed at Dundee.

You'll be responsible for finding and securing a suitable placement. You'll have access to careers support to help you search for opportunities and prepare your applications. However, placements are competitive and are not guaranteed.

If you secure a placement, you'll gain experience of working in industry. This will allow you to develop your professional skills. It will also allow you to see how software and technology projects are delivered outside university.

After your placement, you'll return to Dundee to complete the final stage of your degree. You will bring back that experience into your studies and your individual project.