Computer Science (Top-up) BSc (Hons)

UCAS code

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science Top-Up will provide HND Computing graduates with the opportunity to progress their study at an advanced level through specialist modules that are linked to potential career choice eg within cloud-based technologies, in internet and web management, data analytics, and network computing.

A one year top up course to further study from a HND qualification to full Computer Science degree. Specialise in networking, emerging technologies, web applications, and Data technologies. Choose your own dissertation title to pursue as your Final Year Project.

The course will allow you to fulfil your potential by providing degree level Computer Science education, which is relevant, grounded in research and at the forefront of knowledge and practice. The course will prepare you to become proficient in programming languages and system design methods and techniques.

You will be able to apply your skills in most areas of a dynamic, expanding global Computing Industry (for example, e-commerce, networking, software development, IT project management, website development, systems analyst and systems design). On successful completion of the BSC (Hons) Computer Science award, students will be awarded with a Staffordshire University degree.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

Course content

You will study four 20 credit mandatory modules (Emerging Technologies, Business Intelligence, Creating Web Applications, and Cloud, Virtualisation & Communications) and a Final Year Project (40 credits).

The Final Year Project will contribute significantly to the development of subject discipline specific knowledge and skills to support employability and will build on prior knowledge, skills and behaviours developed.

You will study four mandatory modules:

  • Cloud, Virtualisation and Communications (20 credits).
  • Emerging Technologies (20 credits).
  • Creating Web Applications (20 credits).
  • Business Intelligence (20 credits).
  • You will also complete a Final Year Project (40 credits)

You will be encouraged to reflect on your development through tutorials and evaluation of your practice. You will be expected to work independently and engage in exploration of a dynamic Computing Industry, which will enhance your employability and career development. 

Academic year

January 2024

Computing student crowned ‘Young STEAM Personality of the Year’

News

An inspirational student has won a national award for breaking down barriers in her field

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Business Intelligence 20 credits
Cloud, Virtualisation And Communications 20 credits
Creating Mobile Web Apps 20 credits
Emerging Technologies 20 credits
Final Year Project 40 credits

Progression routes to masters

Entry requirements

HND Computing (Level 5) or equivalent and GCSE English Grade C/4 

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Get country-specific details on entry requirements, fees, scholarships and support services. Choose your country to see how University of Staffordshire can support you from application to arrival.

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Facilities

Networking Labs

The networking labs consist of three fully equipped Cisco labs with around 340 devices, plus a Juniper set-up which can be incorporated into courses. Read more

Find out more about our networking facilities. 
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Software Development Tools

You'll have access to development environments for desktop, mobile and enterprise applications as well as access to common IDE’s Visual Studio, Visual Code and Rider, with the ability to test and deploy to a range of devices and configurations.

Cyber/Biometrics Lab

Our Cyber Lab contains dual screen PCs bound within a dedicated isolated network. Our in-house developed virtual machines and environment enables several types of cyber protection to be developed, and ethical hacking investigations to take place. Read more

Find out more: Networks and Cyber Security. 
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Careers

Our Computer Science graduates are snapped up by employers as their skills are in high demand. Some get offered jobs through their placements and join the firms full-time after they complete their degree.

With a need for thousands more software developers in the UK, it’s a specialist field with huge opportunities for our graduates. Cloud technologies are another major growth area.

Many of our graduates also go on to work for tech companies as junior engineers. But there are so many roles that fit seamlessly with a Computer Science background.

Possible careers including becoming a computer systems analyst, database administrator, computer hardware engineer, computer network architect, web developer, UX designer or computer programmer.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through formal lectures, group work, tutorials/practical sessions, seminars, workshops, directed and self-managed study, and research projects. Each of these will be used on your modules so you get the chance to learn as effectively as possible.

Assessment

  • Cloud, Virtualisation and Communications – 50% exam 50% coursework
  • Emerging Technologies 100% coursework
  • Creating Web Applications 100% coursework
  • Business Intelligence 100% coursework
  • Final Year Project 100% coursework

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Feedback on assessments is provided to students after 20 working days

14% of time in lectures, seminars or similar

86% of time in independent study

Independent learning

For all subjects in addition to teaching you will need to spend related time in independent study.

Staff

Tomasz Bosakowski

Senior Lecturer

Tomasz has obtained his MSc in Computer Engineering and is currently close to completing his PhD degree. He currently lectures in Computer Networks and Security at Staffordshire University. Tomasz is also a member of the university's Cisco teach…

Tomasz's profile

Dr Mohammad Hasan

Senior Lecturer

Mohammad is a Senior lecturer who is involved in PG research, MSc course management, PG and UG teaching. He is the course leader for MSc Computer Science and has experience in Erasmus project management.

Mohammad's profile

Christopher Howard

Course Director

Chris is a networking professional with over 30 years’ experience in the technical and academic field. He is currently the course director for Cyber Security and Networks.

Christopher's profile

Robin Oldham

Course Director

Robin Oldham is Course Director for Computer Science and Digital Apprenticeships at Staffordshire University having worked in Higher Education for 20+ years as a Lecturer, Manager and Technology Professional

Robin's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 26 January 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Not included in the fees:

Laptop computer
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time, top-up 22 September 2025 Apply now
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time, top-up 26 January 2026 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021