School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies

Computer Science and Digital Technologies specialists are in demand all over the world because their applied skills can transform businesses, the public and third sector

Businesses rely increasingly on Computer Science and Digital Technologies, and the speed with which computing technology continues to transform our daily lives is truly astonishing. Specialists in this subject area are in demand all over the world because their applied skills can revolutionise businesses and organisations of all kinds.

Graduating from LSBU's School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies will provide you with not only a degree, but skills and competencies in your chosen area. Our graduates have gone on to find challenging and rewarding careers in sectors that include telecommunications, retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, financial services and the public sector, to name just a few.

Our courses are accredited or developed in partnership with the leading professional accrediting bodies - in particular the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

Strength of the industry

The UK is facing a well-documented digital skills shortage – and we're here to help close the gap. At the School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies, we equip students with the specialist skills today's employers need. Our future-focused courses span Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science and Engineering, and Games Design – giving you the tools to thrive in some of the fastest-growing areas of tech. Whether you're starting out or upskilling, our industry-aligned teaching prepares you to make an impact from day one.

All of our individual course entries have associated careers information: search our courses.

University Support

LSBU's Employability Service offers advice on how to shape your career. This complete service provides free professional information, advice and guidance while you study at LSBU and for up to two years after you graduate.

Real-world learning with industry-standard tools

Students have access to powerful high-performance computing labs, equipped with:

  • Intel® Core i7 and i9 machines
  • 16GB–32GB RAM
  • NVIDIA GPUs based on the Ampere architecture

These systems are optimised for deep learning, VR rendering, large-scale data analysis, and simulation projects.

Students also work hands-on with Raspberry Pi devices, particularly in modules like Operating Systems and Embedded Systems. Past student projects include building:

  • Firewalls
  • Wi-Fi routers
  • Jukebox systems
  • Digital radios

You'll work with multiple operating systems throughout the curriculum — including Windows, Ubuntu, Raspbian OS, and Kali Linux — gaining practical experience across platforms widely used in both industry and research.

To support flexible learning, we offer AppsAnywhere – a cloud-based platform that gives students remote and on-campus access to specialist software.

We also offer specialist facilities relating to our core areas of study:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Develop foundational and advanced AI skills, with a strong emphasis on Python programming. Modules include:

  • Deep Learning – Understand modern AI models such as CNNs, RNNs, and RBMs
  • Computer Vision – Use OpenCV for image augmentation, recognition, and medical analysis
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) – Build chatbot frameworks and analyse language data
  • Python for AI & Visualisation – Learn core Python programming, visualisation, and model-building

2. Data Science & Engineering

Master tools and techniques used by data professionals to gather, analyse, and visualise information.

  • Data Mining – Work with SAS, Enterprise Miner, and Enterprise Guide to identify patterns and build predictive models
  • Data Management & Visualisation – Gain hands-on experience with SSIS, SSMS, Tableau, and Power BI
  • Smart Internet & Cloud Platforms – Explore Industry 4.0, AWS, Red Hat OpenShift, and DevOps pipelines
  • Virtualisation – Deploy and manage environments with VirtualBox
  • Statistical Analysis – Use R, Python (Pandas, Scikit-learn, Statsmodels), Excel, and MATLAB for regression, forecasting, and model validation. Learn reproducible research using Git/GitHub and R Markdown

3. Cyber Security

Gain deep insight into ethical hacking, secure network design, and threat mitigation strategies.

  • Network Simulation & Ethical Hacking – Create simulated networks using GNS3
  • Offensive Security Tools – Use Kali Linux, Nmap, Nessus, and SQLMap for penetration testing and vulnerability scanning

Students graduate with both theoretical and hands-on knowledge of contemporary cybersecurity practices.

4. Computer Science & Software Development

Learn to build, test, and deploy software and immersive digital systems using modern development tools.

  • AR/VR Development – Design 3D environments using Meta Quest VR headsets
  • Programming & Web Technologies – Learn Java, Python, C++, React, Vite, Supabase, and Vercel
  • Network Simulation – Use Cisco Packet Tracer for networking fundamentals
  • Next-Gen Networking – Get hands-on with Free5GC and UERANSIM to explore 5G architecture
  • Operating Systems & Embedded Projects – Build real-world applications using Raspberry Pi
  • Software Engineering Ethics & Principles – Explore responsible development practices, professional standards, and real-world deployment considerations

Research & Innovation Infrastructure

Our students and staff benefit from cutting-edge infrastructure that supports hands-on experimentation and research.

  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) – Tackle data-intensive tasks like simulation, optimisation, and modelling
  • GPU Cluster Access – Train deep learning models with scalable resources using NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti GPUs
  • Robotics Platforms – Work with Niryo collaborative robotic arms to develop solutions in automation, AI, and mechatronics

This advanced setup empowers students to contribute to impactful research while building real-world expertise.