BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Top-up)
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: One Year
- Start Date: September 2026
You can also study this course:
Completed a Foundation degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in a relevant Computing subject? Top-up your studies to gain a full Bachelor's degree in Computer Science in just one year.
This career-focused, practical Top-up degree strengthens your knowledge and expands your expertise across software engineering, databases, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud-ready technologies. This is ideal for students who want to advance into careers across the wider computing and modern digital industries.
If you’re passionate about computing and want a flexible, industry‑relevant degree that opens doors across the digital sector, this Top‑up programme is for you. All you need is a Level 5 qualification in a related subject to progress to a full Honours degree.
Hands‑on learning is at the heart of this course. You’ll access the University’s computing laboratories, specialist software for programming, data, networking and cybersecurity, and our virtual learning environment for resources and submissions. Facilities also include cloud environments, networking equipment, and hardware devices to support systems and development work.
This Computer Science Top-up degree gives a clear progression route for Level 5 qualified students who want an Honours award in one year. And from there, you’ll build confidence and capability in the technologies that power enterprise software, secure networks, database‑driven applications, web platforms, and cloud infrastructures.
Employability is embedded throughout via practical coursework, professional documentation, and portfolio‑ready project outputs. You’ll engage with industry‑aligned briefs, learn professional tools and practices, and develop the technical and professional skills employers expect, across a wide range of computing roles.
What will I study?
At this level, you’ll deepen your problem‑solving ability, professional practice, and the skills to design, implement and evaluate real systems using evidence‑based methods.
On this Computer Science Top‑Up you will:
- Study advanced topics in software engineering, systems design, databases, networking, cybersecurity, and contemporary computing technologies.
- Build strong programming and systems capabilities through practical assessments that mirror current industry practice.
- Undertake an individual final project - from proposal to implementation and dissertation - tailored to your chosen pathway (e.g. software, systems, networking, data, and cybersecurity).
- Choose from optional specialist themes, subject to availability.
How will I be taught and assessed?
We’re a university that’s known for its personalised and thorough support. And that enables you to stretch your potential and enhance your knowledge, through a combination of high-quality teaching and practical assessment.
You’ll attend lectures for core theory, tutorials and practical sessions for guided lab work, and seminars for discussion and critique.
Assessment will take the form of coursework including programming artefacts, technical reports, presentations and demonstrations, plus an individual project with a dissertation.
In addition, we enrich your understanding and perspective by bringing in guest speakers, offering applied project choices, and giving guidance on professional tools and practices (for example, version control and documentation standards).
What are the course entry requirements?
For entry to the Top-up route, applicants must normally have successfully completed a Foundation Degree, HND, or other recognised Level 5 qualification (typically 240 credits) in a relevant subject area.
Applicants with substantial and relevant industry or professional experience may be considered through the University’s Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
-
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,790 per year *
International
-
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,910 per year *
Please note all of the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees cover most course costs, but you may need to budget for additional expenses. These can include specialist equipment, project materials, professional memberships, field trips or placements, as well as everyday student costs like printing, books and stationery.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our enquiries team by completing this form.
What are my career prospects?
This Computer Science Top‑up degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to progress into a wide range of roles across computing and the wider digital economy. Graduates typically move into roles such as:
- Software developer / junior software engineer
- Web developer
- Network administrator / technician
- Systems analyst / IT support
- Cybersecurity support
- Database developer / junior DBA
- Cloud and infrastructure support roles.
The programme places strong emphasis on professional practice and employability, ensuring you graduate with the capabilities, portfolio and confidence to succeed.
Course leader
