Applied Computer Science (Top-up)
Upgrade your tech knowledge with hands-on experience, cutting-edge tools and specialisations from AI to cyber security.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
Our BSc (Hons) Applied Computer Science (Top Up) course is an exciting opportunity to progress your qualification and gain a full honours degree. You’ll gain hands-on experience in our cutting-edge labs, using industry-standard tools from Microsoft and VMware. Additionally, you’ll develop technical and teamwork skills while becoming a creative problem-solver who's aware of social, moral and ethical issues relating to the impact of computers on our lives. This top-up degree opens pathways to careers in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and a wide range of other IT and computing fields.
-
Progress your current qualification to a BSc (Hons) in Applied Computer Science through this focused top-up programme.
-
Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers.
-
Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers, such as Redgate and Citisoft to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
-
Engage with a curated selection of training materials, providing you with cutting-edge knowledge and skills that align with industry standards.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
This course prepares you for a diverse range of IT careers by combining core computer science with specialisations like software development, cloud applications and network support.
You'll gain valuable technical and professional skills through hands-on projects, industry-informed modules, and employer engagement. With guest lectures, sponsored projects and the option to earn CCNA certification, you'll graduate well-prepared for the fast-moving tech industry and confident in your ability to thrive in the workplace.
Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Computer Science or MSc Artificial Intelligence. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Teaching and modules
Explore the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of tech—building software, experimenting with AI and strengthening cyber defences in every project.
This course covers critical topics in computing, including professional ethics, legal issues, AI, image processing, cybersecurity, cloud computing and a final-year research project. You'll explore areas like data protection, AI algorithms and image recognition using tools like Python.
You’ll develop practical skills through coding, cloud infrastructure, security analysis and guided lab work. The final project enhances your research and development skills, preparing you for industry demands. Overall, the course fosters technical, ethical and professional expertise relevant to IT, engineering, and computing careers.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Final Project (30 credits)
- Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
- Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
- Image Processing (15 credits)
- Security Management, Operations and Analytics (30 credits)
- Cloud Computing (15 credits)
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
-
Nigel EdwardsSenior Lecturer Practitioner
-
Dr Hossein AbroshanSenior Lecturer
-
Dr Jin ZhangDeputy Head of School
-
Dr Mahdi Maktabdar OghazSenior Lecturer
-
Dr Razvan-Ioan DinitaSenior Lecturer
-
Dr Ian van der LindeReader
Facilities
Based in our Science Centre in Cambridge, you'll have the latest digital technology at your fingertips in our Computing and Information Science labs, including:
- a Cisco and AI lab with high spec computers and hands-on routing and switching equipment
- virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to cyber security and networking software
- Microsoft Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools
- access to AI lab/software packages, Microsoft Azure and VMware IT Academy
- mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.
-
Hear from Senior Lecturer Dr Razvan-Ion Dinita in this Springpod Subject Spotlight.
-
Our purpose-built cyber security lab supports full network isolation.
-
One of nine specialist computing labs at ARU, the Cisco and AI Lab features hands-on routing and switching equipment.
-
Use our virtual Netlab for 24/7 remote access to cyber security and networking software.
-
Get to grips with the inner workings of computers with practical, interactive sessions.
-
Work closely with other computer science students and get expert guidance from academics.
