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Computing BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: G401 (sandwich), 35E0 (full-time)

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Information for 2025

About this course

We’ll give you the best of both worlds by bringing together internet-based development with computing skills vital to supporting businesses.

You’ll have the perfect combination of theory and practice as you explore Internet technologies, database systems and application development– all backed up with lots of practical experiences.

Develop your practical skills by taking part in multimedia and virtual reality projects. Our graduates are knowledgeable about the development of software and able to design and manage complex information systems.

This course is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT to Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status. You will have the opportunity to do a year long paid work placement. Recent examples have included Hewlett Packard and Siemens. What our students say

I was really sceptical about enrolling as I didn't know if university was really for me. NTU turned out to be one of the best choices I'd ever made.

Dan Moss
BSc (Hons) Computing

  • 100% of our BSc (Hons) Computing (FT) students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
  • 96% of BSc (Hons) Computing (FT) students were positive about the academic support on their course (NSS2023)

Accreditation

  • BCS The Charted Institute for IT logo

What you’ll study

This course is highly practical and provides a strong grounding in computing fundamentals. It gives you a comprehensive understanding of database systems, e-commerce, business information systems and Internet technologies. Practical skills developed will include involvement in multimedia and virtual reality projects.

You'll cover the following networking and communications technology, business and information systems and interactive / multimedia development.

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals course

If you take the Artificial Intelligence module in your final year you will participate in the Microsoft certified Azure AI Fundamentals program as part of your studies. The program is designed as a blended learning experience, combining instructor-led training with online materials accessed on the Microsoft Learn platform.

Microsoft will sponsor your cloud subscription, course materials and certification test fees for no cost to you. You will also get the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certificate when you graduate – a valuable addition to your CV.

Find out more about Azure AI Fundamentals course.

About the Computer Science Team

We have a rich mix of knowledge ranging from software development for different types of system through to hardware aspects such as networking. This involves many uses of computing and considers all aspects including security and management. Our knowledge is built up and maintained through our:

  • wealth of industrial experience
  • industrial links
  • research activity.

These are the ingredients for ensuring the relevance and vitality of your course.

Much of our research is internationally recognised, particularly in the areas of Games for Learning and in Security. For example; Professor David Brown leads several projects, funded by the European Union, in games and assistive technology and Professor Paul Evans' innovative developments in security are supported by USA Dept of Homeland Security.

We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Other examples of our activity are:

  • developing patents (for example, in voice signal processing
  • organising conferences on Interactive Technology and Games and on Intelligent Environments
  • working with local companies on funded projects e.g. enhancing the capability of the press association to search their image database
  • publishing novel findings in research publications on for example financial prediction, mobile communications, detection of human behaviour patterns.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Study abroad opportunities

Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.

Foundations of Computer Programming

You will be introduced to the approaches for planning and developing programmes using modern high-level language. Working on developing solutions through programming that tackle real-world problems, you’ll develop the key fundamentals you’ll build on throughout your course.

Foundations of Computer Technology and Mathematics

This module builds essential knowledge for your course, covering computer system fundamentals and mathematical reasoning. You'll develop an understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level while enhancing problem-solving skills through mathematics.

Web Based Programming

This module provides you with a solid foundation in programming for web-based applications utilising scripting languages . You will develop an understanding of problem analysis and the procedures undertaken to design programs, including the importance of design documentation.

Internet Technology

This module is focused on understanding the importance of interface design. You will learn about accessibility, web standards and how content can be separated from layout. As well as developing your web publishing skills, by creating and formatting basic web documentation, you will gain knowledge in  media manipulation (images and audio), using industry standard editing software.

Systems Analysis and Design (SAD)

Introducing you to the fundamental principles of SAD, this module gives you a working knowledge of key systems development methodologies, techniques and tools.

Academic and Professional Development

This module will enable you to learn about the professional bodies and standards relating to the computing profession, and enhance your employability potential by increasing your awareness of the technological, social and economic factors driving the IT industry.

Information Systems Development

Study a variety of techniques and practices associated with the effective development of user-based information systems. You’ll learn how to develop, test, review and apply user-based information systems.

Information and Database Engineering

Understand the nature and application of database management systems and acquire skills for database administration and management.

Internet Application Development

Design and produce a static or dynamic website suitable for both desktop and mobile platforms and which may contain complex scripted components.

Interaction Design

Gain practical understanding of human-computer interface technologies and the principles behind designing an effective and accessible interface for interactive systems.

Practical Project Management and Professional Development

Continued professional development and lifelong learning is important to your future career. Through this module you’ll improve your time and project management skills, presentations and report writing.

Digital 3D

Design and develop 3D environments and characters for computer game systems.

Optional year-long work placement.  If you are not taking a placement you will progress directly to your final year in year three.

Project

Investigate problems in computing, implement solutions, critically evaluate and reflect on your work, and develop your abilities to communicate, self-organise and manage.

Information Systems Management

Develop an understanding of how to manage the build and deployment of enterprise and Internet information systems within small to medium organisations.

Mobile Platform Development

Gain an awareness of the requirements, capabilities and constraints of a variety of mobile platform technologies and consider how they can be used to build systems which are outside the traditional desktop paradigm.

Data Visualisation and UX

Understand the importance of the user experience when designing data visualisation interfaces for the web, and the appropriate tools to display information efficiently.

Choose one of the following modules:

Information Security

Apply skills learnt in this module to conduct appropriate risk analysis and generate information assurance plans for a given context.

Serious Games

Examine the use of computers for teaching, focusing particularly on virtual reality and multimedia systems in the development and application of games for learning.

Virtual Reality

You will develop your knowledge of the technology underpinning Virtual Reality and be presented with past and current research into fields such as VR training and simulation, architectural visualisation, disability access and 3D recording of ancient monuments and artefacts.

Cyber Security

Learn to manage the security of computer based information and systems within organisations and develop the ability to make informed choices based on business drivers.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Kallum Hancox

I consider myself very fortunate because even though I came to NTU through clearing and was placed in a flat with strangers, we all got along so well that we lived together for four years.

Branden Millward

The environment at NTU was massively supportive. All of my lecturers were more than happy to take time out of their day to help with projects, as well as giving valuable insight when needed

Video Gallery

Watch our facility tour video to get an insight into the equipment you'll use and what you'll study on the course.
 

How you're taught

You’ll learn through a mix of:

  • lectures - covering the key theories
  • seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
  • practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
  • workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.

The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.

A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.

Further information

Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. It also informs the subjects you’ll be studying with us so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.

How you're assessed

People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of

People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:

  • coursework, including group projects, case studies, dissertation and other assignments
  • practical assessments, such as individual and group presentations, laboratory assessments and lab reports
  • exams and tests, including formal exams, written tests and multiple-choice.

Staff Profiles

Joanna Hartley - Deputy Head of Department

Computer Science

Joanna Hartley

Jon Robinson - Principal Lecturer

Computer Science

Jon Robinson

Robert Ranson - Principal Lecturer

Computer Science

Robert Ranson

Careers and employability

Your career development

This course provides a thorough education in computing for industry meaning you graduate with advanced skills in the development of software and are able to design and manage complex information systems.

Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:

  • Tesco
  • Worldwide Clinical Trials UK Ltd
  • Oakbrook Finance Ltd
  • Cisco Systems
  • BT

They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:

  • Web Developer
  • Support Developer
  • Software Tester
  • Service Desk Analyst
  • Systems Engineer

Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our master's-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.

University really helped me find my independence. The placement year was quite a challenge but ultimately very valuable, as it gave me the confidence that I could take on anything thrown my way and also proved me as a good programmer and software designer.

I made many lifelong friends at Nottingham Trent University and really value the time I spent there and would love to do it all again if I hadn't got used to having a decent income!

Gavin Harriss, Technical Director – YouGoDo.com
BSc (Hons) Computing graduate

Excellent placement opportunities

Placements

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.

Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Intel, Vauxhall and Xerox. They secured varied roles such as Retail Systems Analyst, Software Development Engineer and Programmer.

You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.

Find out more about work placements.

I'd definitely do a placement year. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn a tremendous amount of skills in a short time, and it prepares you for the real world of work, and what employers expect from you. Use your placement as a free learning opportunity to pick up or improve as many skills as you can and to increase your network of contacts in the industry.

Gemma Jardine
BSc (Hons) Computing

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) with access to facilities including a Games Development Lab Robotics lab and a High Performance Computing Suite.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Entry requirements

UK students

  • Standard offer:  112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT or Science subject grade C
  • Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT or Science subject grade C

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

International students

  • Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT or Science subject grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
  • English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£9,535 per year

If you choose to do a placement year or year abroad, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year:

  • Placement year - £1,850
  • Year abroad - £1,385

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

Your course fees cover all the facilities and support you need to succeed.

  • You will have access to extensive computing facilities, some available 24 hours a day and including technician support.
  • You will have dedicated online storage to support backup of work.
  • You will have access to Microsoft Academic Alliance membership which gives you free copies of all Microsoft developer software including operating systems, Visio and Project.
  • As one of our students, you will be able to join the Oracle Academic Initiative as an individual member and get free database software.
  • Students are able to register for a free personal copy of 3D Studio Max.
  • Extensive equipment is available to loan for coursework and project work. For example, you can borrow cameras and phones.
  • We offer extensive free training software including tutorials on 3D Studio Max, Flash, Photoshop, TCP/IP Packet analysis, Java, Javascript, HTML5, Oracle.
  • Most major software is available across the campus machines, including Adobe Master Collection Suite.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £17,500 per year

If you choose to do a placement year or study abroad placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year:

  • Placement year - £1,850
  • Study abroad placement year - £1,385

Your course fees cover all the facilities and support you need to succeed.

  • You will have access to extensive computing facilities, some available 24 hours a day and including technician support.
  • You will have dedicated online storage to support backup of work.
  • You will have access to Microsoft Academic Alliance membership which gives you free copies of all Microsoft developer software including operating systems, Visio and Project.
  • As one of our students, you will be able to join the Oracle Academic Initiative as an individual member and get free database software.
  • Students are able to register for a free personal copy of 3D Studio Max.
  • Extensive equipment is available to loan for coursework and project work. For example, you can borrow cameras and phones.
  • We offer extensive free training software including tutorials on 3D Studio Max, Flash, Photoshop, TCP/IP Packet analysis, Java, Javascript, HTML5, Oracle.
  • Most major software is available across the campus machines, including Adobe Master Collection Suite.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Year abroad

If you choose to study abroad for a year, you may need to consider additional costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and travel expenses.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.