Computer Science and Mathematics

Computer Science and Mathematics - BSc (Hons)

From programming in Python to interpreting medical trials, studying Computer Science and Mathematics will equip you with theoretical tools and practical skills to solve real-world problems and develop the software systems of the future in a wide range of industries.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2024 entry see here - for 2023 entry see here

Course type

Combined Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Computer Science and Mathematics

UCAS code

GG14

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

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Why study Computer Science and Mathematics at Keele University?

Top 10 in England for course satisfaction in Mathematics (National Student Survey, 2021)

Use a wide variety of equipment including supercomputer facilities, a VR lab and a Maker Space

Focus on modelling real-world scenarios and unstructured problem solving

Graduate with broad range of transferable skills to succeed in a variety of careers

Enhance your employability with our work placement year

Course overview

Studying Computer Science and Mathematics will give you the opportunity to develop a breadth of knowledge and a wide range of skills in two fascinating subjects.

Initial modules are designed to bring everyone up to speed and you will learn the key themes that underpin each discipline. In computer science you will explore the fundamentals of programming, computing and gain the professional skills required for effective academic study. In mathematics you will explore core areas including calculus and algebra.

Building on the knowledge you have learnt in both subjects, in years two and three you will explore advanced core modules in topics such as software engineering and differential equations. You will also have the opportunity to personalise your learning by choosing optional modules that align to career aspirations or interests. The programme will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the techniques you have acquired throughout your studies by completing a final year computer science project.

Work experience

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. From a year working in industry and paid internships to summer secondment research placements, our programme offers many opportunities for you to gain familiarisation with the professional working environment, develop professional contacts and apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

International year

During years two and three of your studies you will have the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad. This is an exciting opportunity to experience and appreciate different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Support

We offer a robust multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. You will benefit from the guidance of an academic mentor and access to Keele's Student Experience and Support team. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with your lecturers directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback, or discuss any matters relating to your studies on a regular basis. In addition to this, experienced students and doctoral researchers usually run help-desk sessions especially when exam and coursework deadlines get closer.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to computer science or mathematics is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.

Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Keele University strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for all. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are core values underpinning the University’s mission to making a difference in society by providing innovative, high-quality education for students from all backgrounds and by undertaking world-leading research that transforms understanding and brings benefit to society, communities and individuals.

In the School of Computer Science and Mathematics we embrace this approach and will actively aim to ensure that all our activities will be organised so that everyone is made to feel safe and welcome, and that diversity is encouraged. We believe that this attitude is vital to help everyone flourish and feel valued for who they are. To achieve this, we promote fair treatment for all, irrespective of gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, relationship status, caring responsibilities, race, religion or belief. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda is embedded throughout our curriculum, and we are proud to hold a school-level Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition for our activities in this area.

Next Steps

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Related courses

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Placement year International year Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

A Level requirements

ACC - BBC
To include A level Maths no lower than grade B

GCSE requirements

Mathematics at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

DMM
You must have taken sufficient Maths units, please contact us for advice

International Baccalaureate

29 points to include Higher Level Mathematics at 6 or above

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction. You must have taken sufficient Maths credits, please contact our admissions team for advice

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Next Steps

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Additional information

A Level requirements

ACC - BBC
To include A level Maths no lower than grade B

GCSE requirements

Mathematics at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

DMM
You must have taken sufficient Maths units, please contact us for advice

International Baccalaureate

29 points to include Higher Level Mathematics at 6 or above

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction. You must have taken sufficient Maths credits, please contact our admissions team for advice

English Language Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from .

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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"My degree has helped me become a part time coding tutor, teaching young minds how to code. It has also helped me get on to the master’s course I am studying right now. I chose Keele because of the campus, and because of the AI modules. The department has great opportunities, as well as great staff who are very understanding and helpful."

Sarah, Computer Science

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Your future career

95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

From problem-solving and logical thinking to interpreting data and synthesising information, you will acquire extremely transferable skills, relevant to a wide range of industries.
Thanks to the growing importance placed on technology and big data by all kinds of organisations, mathematicians and computer scientists are increasingly in demand.

Key areas of employment include:

Banking and finance
Business consulting and management
Climatology
Education
Engineering
IT and computing
Local and central government
Pharmaceutics
Space science and astronomy
Teaching and research

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do include:

Actuary
Data analyst
DevOps engineer
Forensic computer analyst
Games developer
Information systems manager
IT consultant
Multimedia programmer
Network engineer
Research scientist
Secondary school teacher
Software engineer
Statistician
Systems analyst
UX designer

Please note you may need to take further postgraduate study to enter some of the professions listed above.

Keele Careers and Employability team

Our Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offer a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

Next Steps

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"I learned how to work through a mathematical problem, applying real life context wherever possible and how to present solutions to problems in a well structured report style. This particularly helps when displaying work I have done to non mathematicians."

Luke, Mathematics with Integrated Master's

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and assessment in computer science

We embrace a modern approach to learning that includes a balanced mixture of immersive lectures and lab-based sessions. Each taught module will include traditional lectures with all support material provided via our virtual learning environment and our labs also offer remote accessibility. Learning and teaching methods used on the programme vary according to the subject matter and level of the module.

Teaching methods may include:

Group project sessions
Practical sessions
Traditional lecturers
Tutorials
Web-based learning

Assessments

Assessments are formulated to represent real world use cases and problems and to challenge your knowledge of the subject matters in realistic scenarios. Teaching staff pay particular attention to specifying clear assessment criteria and providing timely, regular and constructive feedback.

Assessment methods may include:

Class tests
Coursework
Dissertations
Project reports
Short reports
Unseen examinations
Video and oral presentations

Teaching and assessment in mathematics

We embrace online resources to supplement in-person sessions. By utilising gapped notes as a learning tool, you will benefit from seeing live input on calculations and interactive problem-solving in real-time.
A large proportion of our academic experts are active in research. In additional to this, several staff members are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. Learning and teaching methods used on the programme vary according to the subject matter and level of the module.

Teaching methods include:

computer laboratory sessions
flipped classes
group work
online polling and quizzes
peer learning

Assessments

The wide variety of assessment methods used on this programme reflect the broad range of knowledge and skills that are developed as you progress through the degree programme. Teaching staff pay particular attention to specifying clear assessment criteria and providing timely, regular and constructive feedback.

Assessment methods include:

class tests
coursework
dissertations
project reports
short reports
unseen examinations
video and oral presentations

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00275	Foundations of Computational Theory and Programming	15 credits
FYO-00217	Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists	30 credits
FYO-00217	Foundation of Mathematical Methods	15 credits
FYO-00187	Academic Skills for Computer Scientists and Mathematicians	15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00225	Advancing Programming	15 credits
FYO-00227	Advancing Computing: Client-Led Collaborative Design	15 credits
FYO-00229	Advancing Mathematical Methods	30 credits

Entry requirements

Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

How to apply

Applicants will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year (UCAS code: G401) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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