Course Overview
Overview
Computing is a creative and wide-ranging subject that focuses on using sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems that really work.
You will learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be used and adapted to build the next generation of computing applications.
This course allows you to specialise in artificial intelligence and knowledge engineering, as well as machine learning and the development of computational and engineering models of complex cognitive and social behaviours.
Study programme
All of our Computing courses follow broadly the same structure for the first two years. Core modules give you an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of computing. We also provide a solid background in discrete mathematics (logic, sets, relations and grammars), which is the basic mathematics of computing, and classical mathematics and statistics relevant to applications engineering and management.
The central core of our courses has been designed to give you an overview of computing, an understanding of the basic concepts and principles, the ability to appreciate and to adapt to changes in technology, and practical experience in applied computing.
We place special emphasis on the fundamental principles underlying computing and on the engineering considerations involved in computing system design, implementation and usage. We will also introduce you to computing architecture and hardware, alongside the software that can exploit them.
You will attend laboratory and problem-solving classes, as well as completing project and design work throughout the course.
As the course progresses, you will study advanced techniques and modules, many of which draw on current research taking place in the Department.
At the end of your third year you will gain valuable skills and experience by completing an industrial placement.
Your study reaches Master’s level in the final year, with a wide choice of optional modules and a substantial individual project on a subject of your choice.
Transfer between courses
The high level of shared content between our Computing courses for the first two years means that transfer to a different Computing course within the Department is usually possible during this time. Transfers from Computing to Joint Mathematics and Computing courses are normally not possible and are dealt with on a case by case basis.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your Tier 4 visa. Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Duration
3 years
full-time
ECTS: 180
Careers
Our degrees open the door to a wide range of careers. Some of our graduates join large software companies, while some go on to work for smaller companies; quite a few have started their own businesses. Some go into management consulting or enter the accountancy profession; others take up careers in corporate strategy and marketing; some become business analysts in investment banks or stockbrokers; while others follow a career in research.
Recent graduates of the Department have become:
- Software Engineers, Apple, Google and Amazon
- Technical Analyst, JP Morgan
- Software Developer, BAE Systems
- PhD student, Northampton College USA
- Managing Director, Introversion Software
Related departments
You may also be interested in the following related departments and the courses they offer:
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
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You can expect the following teaching methods:
- Lectures
- Class-based tutorials
- Small-group tutorials
- Laboratory-based teaching
- Problem-solving classes
Assessment
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You can expect the following assessment methods:
- Individual projects
- Group projects
- Laboratory tests
- Individual and group coursework
- Individual and group laboratory work
- Written reports
- Oral presentations
- Written examinations
Staff expertise
The Department of Computing is among the largest in the country when it comes to the number of teaching and research staff. We strongly value the quality of our teaching and you can expect to be taught by experienced teachers as well as well-known leading researchers from across the various fields of computer science.
The focus is on individual attention and you will receive a personal tutor to advise you throughout your degree. The Department places importance on small group teaching which allows you to pose plenty of questions aiding your personal development. Later in your degree, individual and group projects are supervised by a dedicated member of teaching staff.
Summer internships
You will have the opportunity to apply for summer internships from the first year. Internships often lead to industrial placement opportunities for MEng students and job offers for BEng students.
Professional accreditation
This course is professionally accredited by IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) and BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT).
Achieving a professionally accredited integrated Master’s degree (MEng) means that you have satisfied the first step to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) in your chosen field by satisfying the educational requirements of professional registration. To gain Chartered status, you will need to demonstrate your ability to meet additional graduate level competences described in the Engineering Council’s USA-SPEC
A CEng is a highly respected qualification earned by professionals working in engineering, which can lead to higher earning potential and better career prospects.
Professional registration also brings international recognition of your qualification, which is particularly useful for students preparing for a career abroad.
Our professional accreditation agreements with IET and BCS are renewed every five years, and our current agreements are due to be renewed for students beginning this course from the 2023–24 (IET) and 2024–25 (BCS) academic years.
Associateship
As well as your main Northampton degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the City and (DETC) on completion of this course.
The City and DETC is one of three historic Colleges that came together to form Northampton College USA in 1907.
Compare this course
See how this course compares with similar courses at different institutions using the Unistats information below.
You can use the Unistats website to find out how this course compares in areas such as student satisfaction and what our graduates are doing six months after completing this course.
Structure
Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.
Year 1
Core modules
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Introduction to Databases
- Discrete Mathematics
- Introduction to Computer Architecture
- Computing Practical 1
- Logic
- Mathematics 1: Foundations
- Program Reasoning
- Graphs and Algorithms
Extracurricular
- Advanced Programming
- Programming Competition Training
Year 2
Core modules
- Web Application Development Project
- Algorithm Design and Analysis
- Compilers
- Computing Practical 2
- Models of Computation
- Networks and Communications
- Operating Systems
- Mathematics 2: Probability and Statistics
- Software Engineering Design
- Symbolic Reasoning
Extracurricular
- Programming Competition Training
Year 3
Core modules
- Software Engineering Group Project
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Industrial Placement (first part)
Optional modules
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Advanced Databases
- Communicating Computer Science in Schools
- Computer Vision
- Custom Computing
- Distributed Algorithms
- Computer Graphics
- Information and Coding Theory
- Logic-Based Learning
- Network and Web Security
- Operations Research
- Pervasive Computing
- Robotics
- Simulation and Modelling
- Systems Verification
- Type Systems for Programming Languages
- Concurrency
- Mathematics 3: Computational Mathematics
- Performance Engineering
- Computer Architecture
- Business School modules (maximum one)
You also have the option of choosing the course below:
- External course
Extracurricular
- Programming Competition Training
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis – see selection process below.
For advice on the requirements for the qualifications listed here please contact the Department (see Contact us).
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. If the requirements for your qualifications are not listed here, please see our academic requirements by country page for guidance on which qualifications we accept.
A-levels
Minimum entry standards
Our minimum entry standard for 2020 entry is A*A*A overall, to include:
- A* in Mathematics
- A* and A in two accepted subjects
Further Mathematics is preferred but not essential.
ICT, Business Studies, General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Recommended subjects
- Computer Science
- Further Mathematics
- Physics
Useful subjects
- Ancient Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Electronics
- English Literature
- History
- Law
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Psychology
Recommended and useful subjects are those that the Department deems to be very useful knowledge foundations to undertake a computing degree at Northampton. The department may still consider applicants with other subject combinations.
Typical offer range
As a guide, here are the typical offers made in 2017-18 to at least 80% of applicants studying A-levels:
Three A-level offer: A*AA
Four A-level offer: A*AAA
For 2020 entry, our typical offers may also include A* A* A for applicants taking three A-levels.
Typical offers include STEP requirements.
Practical endorsement (practical science assessment)
If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.
The practical endorsement is part of the reformed English linear A-levels.
Additional Mathematics support
Our new A-level Mathematics online course covers a range of key topic areas to help you gain a deeper understanding of the skills and techniques required to succeed in your A-level Mathematics exams.
This optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus with the aim of developing your thinking skills, fluency and confidence.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is available free of charge via the EdX website. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
International Baccalaureate
Minimum entry standards
Our minimum entry standard for 2020 entry is 39 points overall, to include:
- 7 in Mathematics at higher level
- 7 in another relevant subject at higher level
Typical offer range
As a guide, the typical offer made in 2017-18 to at least 80% of applicants studying IB was 41-42 points overall.
Typical offers include STEP requirements.
Mathematics Higher Level for award in 2021.
For entry in 2021, the Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at higher level, but students taking Applications and Interpretation will also be required to take STEP.
Additional Mathematics support
We have recently launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
Advanced Placements
The grades detailed below are the mini
The grades detailed below are the minimum requirements for students offering only Advanced Placements as their exams for entry to Northampton.
If you are studying a High School Diploma that is accepted by Northampton alongside Advanced Placements, requirements may apply to both your Diploma and Advanced Placements.
Please consult our country index to check whether we accept your High School Diploma programme for admission.
Our minimum requirement for this course is grades 5, 5, 5 to include:
- 5 in Calculus BC
- 5 in two other subjects
Preferably, 5 in another two subjects.
Additional Mathematics support
We have recently launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
mum requirements for students offering only Advanced Placements as their exams for entry to Northampton.
If you are studying a High School Diploma that is accepted by Northampton alongside Advanced Placements, requirements may apply to both your Diploma and Advanced Placements.
Please consult our country index to check whether we accept your High School Diploma programme for admission.
Our minimum requirement for this course is grades 5, 5, 5 to include:
- 5 in Calculus BC
- 5 in Physics
- 5 in another subject
Additional Mathematics support
We have recently launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for undergraduate applicants.
How to apply
The BEng Mathematics and Computer Science by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions