International Study Centre

International Year One in Computing

International Year One in Computing

Studying Computing

The International Year One in Computing is your route to a variety of Computer Science and Computing degrees at the University of Sussex. You will study a range of modules relevant to your chosen progression degree. Topics include algorithmic thinking, data structures with Java, computer systems, programming, maths and multimedia. 

Throughout the course you will also develop English language and career skills to ensure you are fully prepared for degree study and a successful future.

Why study the International Year One in Computing with us?

There are many reasons to study this preparational programme and progress straight to the second year of one of 12 innovative undergraduate degrees. These include:

  • The University of Sussex’s campus is home to cutting-edge facilities, including the Future Technologies Lab, which houses leading robotics and technology equipment

What you’ll study

Academic English Skills aims to provide you with thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable you to best achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include 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.

This is an introductory mathematics module to equip you with the fundamental mathematical concepts and skills that form the foundation for all Informatics degrees.

This module aims to provide an introduction to the techniques for developing an algorithm to solve a problem. Solving a problem involves specifying the problem precisely, using the appropriate sequence, selection and iterative structures to develop the algorithm, and finally establishing the correctness of the algorithm and analysing its efficiency in terms of the running time.

This module introduces the basic data structures and algorithms that underpin computer science. The fundamental data structures that are introduced include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, hash tables and graphs.

This module introduces you to three fundamental elements of computer systems - memory, the processor and communication links - giving you an understanding of how they operate.

This module builds on the programming skills acquired in the Introduction to Programming module. It covers advanced object-oriented concepts of encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance in Java. The module introduces the fundamentals of designing graphical user interfaces in Java.

This module provides an introduction to object-oriented programming with the Java language. It assumes no prior programming experience but will also be useful for those who have programmed in other languages.

This module teaches how to program the World Wide Web as a means to distribute multimedia content. In particular, the module explores HTML5, CSS2, CSS3, JavaScript and the JavaScript Media API as a means to deliver high quality textual, graphical, audio and video content over the web.

  • Students planning progressing to BSc (Hons) Computer Science or BSc (Hons) Computer Science and AI must take Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Students progressing to BSc (Hons) Computing for Digital Media or BSc (Hons) Games and Multimedia Environments must take Introduction to Multimedia
  • Students progressing to BSc (Hons) Computing for Business and Management can choose between the two above modules.

Your degree at Sussex

This course can lead to the second year of an undergraduate degree listed below (subject to meeting the grades outlined). The degrees and grades listed are valid for 2020/21 intakes only and are subject to change.

Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade
Computer Science BSc (Hons) 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science MComp 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons) 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science (with an industrial placement) (5 year course) MComp 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons) 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons) 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computing for Business and Management BSc (Hons) 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computing for Business and Management (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons) 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computing for Digital Media BSc (Hons) 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Computing for Digital Media (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons) 40% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)

Please note:

For the following degrees the last ISC intake for progression to degree is January 2021

  • BSc Computing for Digital Media
  • BSc Computing for Digital Media (with an industrial placement year)

Entry requirements

Discover the entry requirements for studying the International Year One in Computing.

English Course

Need to improve your English? You can study a range of English language courses at the International Study Centre.

Fees

Learn more about the tuition fees for your course, as well as any additional costs for studying at Sussex.

Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.