BSc Computer Science (Human Computer Interaction) with Industrial Experience

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages .

Grades A*AA including two of psychology, physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, further mathematics, computer science and statistics. The Mathematics A-level should include a significant pure element (the Use of Mathematics or Core Mathematics does not satisfy this requirement). General Studies is welcome, but is not normally included as part of the standard offer.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

General Studies is welcomed but is not normally included as part of the standard offer.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including:

5  GCSES at Grade  A/7 or B/6   (both numeric and letter grade) including:

• mathematics (please note we do not accept Applied GCSE Mathematics courses e.g. WJEC Mathematics - Numeracy)
• two science subjects from computer science, physics, chemistry, biology or science and additional science

English Language is required at GCSE level with a minimum Grade of  C / 4. GCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE English Language.

37 points overall, with 7,6,6 in Higher Level subjects, including two of: Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and/or Psychology.

For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. Detailed information on our international entry criteria is available on the  Department of Computer Science Website   

For general requirements not listed above see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

We normally require grade A in Highers Mathematics and grades AAAB in four further Highers subjects with a scientific bias.  The Highers must be taken in one sitting.

Or:

Three Advanced Highers at grades AAB, including two Advanced Highers in the following subjects: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science and/or Statistics.  Two Highers in different subjects can replace the third Advanced Highers subject.

We also require grade 1 in five academic Intermediate 2 subjects, or grade A in five National 5 subjects, including mathematics and a physical science subject. If a physical science has not been taken at Higher/Advanced Higher we require two science subjects at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grades AB / Intermediate 2 grades AB / Standard Grade Credit level).

English Language not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade 3).

 The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and this can be used in combination with two A level subjects including mathematics and/or a science subject(s).  Our A level entry requirements are grades A*AA with two A-levels in the following subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics.  The Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate can be used to replace the third A-level subject.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We require an average of 85% including a minimum of 85% in mathematics studied for at least 5 periods per week and assessed by a final written examination.  A scientific bias to the specialist subjects studied.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the AQA Baccalaureate, but offers will be conditional on the A level subjects within the qualification rather than the overall Baccalaureate award.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the Northern Consortium (NCUK) International Foundation Year or INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering. programme in 2020 , are required to achieve A*A*A including two subjects from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology, and an EAP score of B. A good performance in local examinations before starting the foundation year, particularly in mathematics and physical science, is also required.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic Department to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DDM in combination with grade A* in a A level or with an alternative of DDD in combination with grade A in a A level.  The A level must be in one of the following A level subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DD in combination with a grade A* or an alternative of grades D*D in combination with a grade A.  The A level must be in one of the following A level subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels from the following subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade M plus the two A levels at grades A*A from the listed subjects or an alternative of grade D plus the two A levels at grades AA from the listed subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels from the subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics.  Our A level entry requirements are grades A*AA and the full National Extended Certificate can be used to replace the third A level.

  

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic Department  for clarification.

 

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DDD in combination with grade A* in a GCE A level or with an alternative of DDD in combination with grade A in a A level.  The A level must be in one of the following A level subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

We consider the Cambridge Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades D*D in combination with a grade A* or an alternative of grades D*D in combination with a grade A.  The A level must be in one of the following A level subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

We consider the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels from the following subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade MM plus grades A*A in two of the listed A-levels or an alternative of grade DM plus grades AA in two of the listed A-levels.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels from the following subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology or Statistics.  Our A level entry requirements are grades A*AA and the full National Extended Certificate can be used to replace the third A level.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or very similar.

Applications are considered on an individual basis, e.g. additional educational achievements, life experience and skills. Please contact the University for further information.  Our standard academic requirements include 60 credits with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 30 credits should be with a Distinction grade (15 of which must be in mathematics), plus 15 credits with a Merit grade in a science-related subject.  Students are also required to have a grade A* in A-level mathematics with a pure element.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects, including two of Mathematics, Further Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Psychology are taken.

Conditional offers will be set on an individual basis but are likely to include achieving grade D1-D3 in three Principal Subjects including mathematics and a scientific bias subject.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines

Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family. The University understands that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.

The University recognises that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course. Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
• IELTS Overall 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each component) , or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Your application will be assessed on the factors listed above. If you receive an offer through UCAS and are currently living in the UK, you will then be invited to attend an applicant Virtual Visit Day. The Visit Day will provide an opportunity to engage with our students and academic staff and to find out more about what life is like as a student in the Department. You will also take part in a Year 1 group tutorial taster session run by one of our lecturers.

Applicants applying from outside the UK will be sent a link to access Virtual Visit Day content after you have received your offer.

Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family. The University understands that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.

The University recognises that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course. Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements. 

Applications from overseas students are very welcome.  Generally, overseas students will be considered for an offer without having to visit our School in advance.

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Over the three years, all students follow the same course and reach the same level of study, thus providing the grounding for careers in industry and for postgraduate study. The first year establishes a strategic overview of the main areas of Human Computer Interaction and introduces the underlying science and mathematics. Second and third years develop the key knowledge and understanding necessary to enter industry, or postgraduate study.

Introduces you to HCI and computer science in general, as well as software engineering. You will also gain the basic knowledge and skills that are applicable to all areas of interaction engineering such as object oriented programming, distributed systems, statistical analysis, and mathematics. Further, you will gain basic knowledge and skills that are applicable to all branches of computer science, such as: mathematics; programming; and distributed systems. You will also be introduced to the fundamental principles of Human Computer Interaction and Interactive systems.

Team-working is an important part of the first year which includes a year-long team project culminating in the demonstration and examination of a fully working team application. This project sets the context for HCI design and development and enhances your awareness of current issues.

The second year starts your detailed education in key areas of HCI. Course units in software engineering, operating systems, distributed computing, motor systems, and sensory systems provide the technical foundations for HCI project work. Units in quantitative and qualitative research design and methods, and native HCI methods provide the underlying scientific base. HCI specific tutorials link these aspects into a unified whole. You will also study databases technologies - a key aspect of most modern software systems.

The Industrial Experience year enables you to gain relevant industrial experience as part of your studies by spending your third year working for a company actively participating in the design and development of a computing related product or service. Besides the money that you earn during this year, you also gain practical experience that can be invaluable both in your final year project and when applying for jobs after graduating. Many students find that the experience often helps to clarify their ideas about their future career path.

The strength of the Department's links with industry means that may of our students undertake placements in some of the most prestigious companies in the world. The companies at which our students are currently placed include Credit Suisse, IBM, Google, Microsoft, GlaxoSmithKline, British Telecom, Accenture, Barclays Capital, Electronic Arts and Mercedes GP.

The third year of teaching completes the above process by introducing an integrated view of advanced HCI, with reference to applicable sciences and technologies. You are also able to take a number of optional units in the final year to further enhance your specialisation. Finally, you undertake an individual project during this year, which aims to foster your competence in research and development, as well as in professional communication.

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages .

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

This course in recognised by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purpose of fully meeting the requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partially meeting the requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng).