International Year Two Computer Science
- Programme length: 2 semesters
- Entry dates: September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January
- Progress to: Third year of a four-year BSc degree or a five-year MEng degree
A pathway to study Computer Science
This pathway will prepare you for an undergraduate degree at the Department of Computer & Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde.
When you successfully complete this programme, you can progress to the third year of a four-year BSc degree, or a five-year MEng degree at the University of Strathclyde.
What you will study
Designed in collaboration with the Faculty of Science, you'll study a range of modules that have been designed to help international students succeed at the University of Strathclyde. We have worked with University academics to make sure you become familiar with university-style teaching, and progress with the required English language skills and subject knowledge for your undergraduate degree.
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.
You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.
Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.
The module will build on the Object-Oriented Programming topics covered in the Programming module in Semester 1. The module will provide students with hands-on software development experience using Java and teach them key design principles. Furthermore, in this module, the students will be introduced to the overall software development process. This will include requirements, analysis, design, implementation and testing. These stages will be documented using models such as class diagrams, activity diagrams, and sequence diagrams as defined in the Unified Modelling Language (UML).
This module explores the role of technology in organizations and the challenges it presents, focusing on its impact on decision-making in business. This module consists of a series of short workshops and aims to provide an overview of the methods and tools commonly used across a wide range of industries.
This module delves into computer architecture, exploring elements like instruction sets, CPU specifics, and core processors, all crucial for design and performance. It also expands students' knowledge of core computer components, such as memory and operating systems. Through practical tasks, students will understand the interactions between these elements, while enhancing their software design skills with targeted programming projects using the C programming language.
The module consists of topics in functional thinking. It is designed to introduce students to the core concepts and methods of contemporary functional programming, enhancing their skills with practical examples using Haskell. These foundations will prepare them for studies in functional programming in their third year at the University of Strathclyde.
The module runs for two semesters and consists of topics in logic, computation and algorithms. It is designed to equip students with computational modelling and measurement tools to strengthen their grasp of the foundations of mathematical computation. It will also foster an analytical and empirical understanding of algorithm behaviour and the use of abstract data types. These foundations will prepare them for studies in functional programming in their third year at the University of Strathclyde.
This module emphasises the overall understanding of professional, legal, and ethical aspects of Computer Science and Software Engineering with a particular focus on the responsibilities and issues facing IT professionals.
The module will begin with an introduction to object-oriented programming in Java followed by more advanced programming techniques. The module will teach students key design principles and provide them with hands-on software development experience. By the end of the module, students should be able to develop programs in Java using specific data structures and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that accurately match the provided specifications.
The Quantitative Methods for Computer Science module seeks to equip students with a deep understanding of key mathematical and statistical concepts required in Computer Science. The focus is on imparting relevant knowledge and skills for modern Computer Science fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. Students will gain proficiency in essential quantitative and numerical techniques, enabling them to evaluate algorithms and software quantitatively.
The User and Data Modelling module seeks to equip students with a deep understanding of key Data Modelling concepts. The module emphasises the development of students' abilities to critically understand and model user activities and to design systems and databases that effectively support these activities.
Why study Computer Science at Strathclyde?
- Computer Science and Software Engineering are accredited by the British Computer Society, providing assurance that the courses are delivering relevant learning that's regularly updated and that meets the high standards set by the profession.
- Learn through lectures, tutorials, laboratory, coursework, and project work. You’ll be set challenging problems while further coursework and group/individual projects will help you enhance your practical and transferable skills. The programming language Python is introduced in year three at the University, alongside with other languages including Java, C and Haskell.
- Benefit from undertaking industry-linked projects. Several companies† including Argyll and Bute Council, Autonomous iOT, Barclays, Bute Fabrics, Mott MacDonald and Zero Waste Scotland have worked with the University to develop student projects, either individual or group projects; this will enable you to solve real-world problems.
- Employers like Amazon, Barclays, Disney, Google, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley and Siemens have taken on students for summer placements/internships, providing students with an opportunity to gain practical work experience in the field.**
†Based on previous years’ projects, companies may change each academic year.
**Placements are not assessed and there's more flexibility regarding duration and the nature of the work.
Ranked 15th in the UK
for Computer Science
(The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
Degree progression
By completing the International Year Two Computer Science programme and achieving the required grades, you can progress to the third year of a four-year BSc degree or a five-year MEng degree at University of Strathclyde.
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Join us
Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!