Computer Science BSc (Honours)

The BSc (Hons) in Computer Science is designed to ground you in both the theory and practice of computer science. You will learn how to program computers and how systems are organised, designed and implemented. During your studies, you will both explore the theoretical basis of computer science and develop practical skills in software engineering.

You will be able to build a degree programme around your interests and study specialist areas such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, computer security, video games, data encoding, databases, and operating systems.

Entry requirements

The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject-specific entry requirements as outlined on their pages.

• Standard entry grades:

  AAAAB, including A in Mathematics and a pass in one of the following: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Computing Science, Geography, Physics, Psychology.

  Minimum entry grades:

  AABB, including A in Mathematics and a pass in one of the following: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Computing Science, Geography, Physics, Psychology.

  Gateway entry grades:

  Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.

• Standard entry grades:

  AAA, including A in Mathematics and a pass in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Further Mathematics, Geology, Geography, Physics, Psychology.

  Minimum entry grades:

  ABB, including A in Mathematics and a pass in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Further Mathematics, Geology, Geography, Physics, Psychology.

• Standard entry grades:

  38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in Mathematics and SL5 in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Physics and Psychology.

  Minimum entry grades:

  36 (HL 6,5,5), including HL6 in Mathematics and SL5 in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Physics and Psychology.

General entry requirements

All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.

• SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing science
  • Geography
  • Applications of Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.

• GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.

Other qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.

More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No previous knowledge of computer science is required for first year entry, but candidates are expected to have studied mathematics at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, or equivalent.

Alternative study options

Students interested in this course may also be interested in the following:

Direct entry to second year

Well-qualified school leavers may be able to apply for admission directly into the second year of this course.

Integrated Masters

It is possible to take Computer Science as a five-year Integrated Masters course, allowing you to graduate with a Masters in Science.

Gateway programmes

Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades but meet the University's contextual criteria may be interested in the Gateway to Science programme.

Study abroad

Computer science students can apply to participate in the University-wide St Andrews Abroad programme. Computer science students are only able to study abroad for the full academic year (semester placements are not available). For information about study abroad options, please see the study abroad site.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. Find out more about approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Careers

A degree in computer science will allow you to enter into technical, academic, financial or commercial posts. Most companies and organisations are heavily invested in computer systems, and this has created a demand for many different specialisations in computer technology. 

Graduates from computer science go on to find careers as: 

• business analysts 
• systems architects and analysts 
• software developers 
• testers and verifiers 
• technical writers 
• IT trainers and user advisers 
• project managers

Many computer science graduates undertake further study, here or elsewhere. The University offers a range of options including MSc, EngD and PhD-level degrees. 

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.