Computer Science (Dual Degree with CAU) BSc (Hons) - 2026/7

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 6

Final award and programme/pathway title

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
Ord Computer Science
DipHE Computer Science
CertHE Computer Science

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time UGA10120 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Other internal and / or external reference points

This programme is subject to approval. This means that it has received initial agreement from the University and is currently undergoing a detailed final approval exercise, through the University's quality assurance processes. These processes are a requirement for all Higher Education Institutions within the UK, to ensure that programmes are of the highest standard. Occasionally there may be instances where the University may delay or not approve the introduction of the programme. This programme is only open to students studying at the China Agricultural University (CAU), Beijing.

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - Computer Science and Electronic Eng

Programme Leader

CAREY David (CS & EE)

Date of production/revision of spec

06/08/2026

Educational aims of the programme

  • To prepare students for a range of computing related careers
  • To enable students to understand, design and exploit computation and computer technology
  • To enable students to develop fluency in programming and system development skills
  • To enable our students to develop analytic, problem solving and interpersonal skills preparing them for a lifetime of continuing professional development
  • To enable students to appreciate innovation and emerging technologies in theoretical and applied computing
  • To facilitate the students in becoming graduate and chartered members of the BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the principles of computation CPT CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the practice of systematic software development. KCPT CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the key research issues in computing. KC CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ethical, legal, moral and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computing. KPT CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study KC CertHE
Knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of their area(s) of study, and of the way in which those principles have developed KC DipHE
A systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline KC Ord, BSc (Hons)
An ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study KC CertHE
Ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context KCPT DipHE
An ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within a discipline PT Ord, BSc (Hons)
Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the subject(s) relevant to the named award, and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study C DipHE
Conceptual understanding that enables the student to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of a discipline KCT Ord, BSc (Hons)
Conceptual understanding that enables the student to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline KCT Ord, BSc (Hons)
An understanding of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge. KC DipHE
An appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge KC Ord, BSc (Hons)
The ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline) T Ord, BSc (Hons)
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work C CertHE
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis C DipHE
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects CPT Ord, BSc (Hons)
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments CT CertHE
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively CT DipHE
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem CT Ord, BSc (Hons)
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment. T CertHE
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations. T DipHE
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences CT Ord, BSc (Hons)
Holders will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility T CertHE
Holders will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making CT DipHE
Holders will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility T BSc (Hons)
Holders will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts CT Ord, BSc (Hons)
Holders will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature. T Ord
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in the use of AI and its limitations when designing, building and testing computer systems KCPT CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This programme is only open to students studying at the China Agricultural University (CAU), Beijing.

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). Modules are either 15 credits or multiples of 15 credits.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 3 - FHEQ Levels 4 and 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester

Year 4 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) N
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) N
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) Y
Dual degree N

Other information

Our School is committed to developing graduates with strengths in employability, digital capability, global and cultural awareness, sustainability, resourcefulness, and resilience.

Digital Capabilities: Students build a strong foundation in computer science through programming, databases, web technologies, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Theory is reinforced through practical experience, enabling students to design, develop, evaluate, and secure modern digital systems.

Employability: The programme prepares graduates for careers in technology, finance, and other sectors. Students develop expertise in programming, software engineering, AI, distributed systems, security, and data analysis while strengthening problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and project management skills. Industry-standard tools and realistic projects provide experience of the full software development lifecycle.

Global and Cultural Skills: Computing is an international discipline. Students learn professional standards through the BCS Code of Conduct, collaborate in diverse teams, and develop applications for global audiences while enhancing communication, inclusion, and intercultural working practices.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: Students learn to analyse unfamiliar problems, design effective solutions, and deliver practical outcomes. Team projects encourage initiative, innovation, adaptability, and independent learning. The final-year project requires students to manage a substantial project from concept to implementation and present their work in a professional report.

Sustainability: Computing supports sustainable innovation across industries including energy, agriculture, healthcare, and transport. Team projects encourage applications with social and environmental benefits, while the final-year project provides opportunities to investigate sustainable computing solutions.

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.