Course Overview
Overview
Helping doctors to treat a newborn baby, analysing the huge volume of data from the human genome, tracking jet engines in flight and ensuring that maintenance is planned accordingly, and making online shopping easier and more secure – these are just some of the challenges that computer scientists rise to every day by using their technical analysis, design and programming skills that they learn at university to create better and more intelligent tools.
The highly relevant curriculum, along with strong industry links, ensures that computing programme graduates have an advantage in a competitive market place. The British Computer Society (BCS) recognises our single Honours degrees for professional membership without additional examinations. The employment record of our graduates is excellent with the vast majority entering occupations of their choice within three months of graduation, in sectors as diverse as banking, pharmaceuticals and computer game development.
With us you will learn a range of key computing skills and components, including, data management, artificial intelligence, computer programming, human-computer interaction, operating systems and web application development, to name a few.
You will also gain a great mix of theory and practical skills. This is possible in part because of an excellent staff-student ratio and strong record of supporting students find work placements.
5 year MSci degree
This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year’s placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BSc |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
What You'll Study
How You'll Study
A degree in Computing Science is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning, preparing you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
Compulsory Courses
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
- Computer Architecture (NT1520) – 15 Credit Points
- Object Oriented Programming (NT1527) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Plus, select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Mathematics for Computing Science (NT2013) – 15 Credit Points
- Human Computer Interaction (NT2506) – 15 Credit Points
- Modern Programming Languages (NT2510) – 15 Credit Points
- Algorithmic Problem Solving (NT2521) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select 45 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Operating Systems (NT3026) – 15 Credit Points
- Principles of Software Engineering (NT3028) – 15 Credit Points
- Languages and Computability (NT3518) – 15 Credit Points
- Software Engineering and Professional Practice (NT3528) – 15 Credit Points
- Knowledge Based Systems (NT3025) – 15 Credit Points
- Distributed Systems and Security (NT3524) – 15 Credit Points
- Enterprise Computing and Business (NT3525) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select 30 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Research Methods (NT4040) – 15 Credit Points
- Security (NT4028) – 15 Credit Points
- Computational Intelligence (NT4047) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Computing Science?
- Computing graduates develop an ability to understand new and complex computer systems.
- At the Northampton University, we give you every opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop the professional and personal skills and attributes you will need to build a successful career.
- The high quality of our degrees combined with our strong focus on employability opens up a wide range of career options.
- Students benefit from the international reputation of the University’s Business School and Computing Science Department, and strong links with industry.
- Flexible degree programmes available and options to suit your needs.
Careers
The employment record of our graduates is excellent, with the vast majority entering occupations of their choice within three months of graduation. Our graduates have taken up posts in sectors as diverse as banking, pharmaceuticals and computer game development.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Graduate Programmer
- Graduate Support Engineer
- Release Engineer
- Research Assistant
- Software Developer
- Technical Consultant
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm 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