Computer Science (with foundation year) BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 72 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): I100 (full-time)
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Four years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
Introduction:
You'll develop the practical skills and knowledge in programming, maths and engineering that will get you off to a flying start when you move onto BSc (Hons) Computer Science in your second year.
Programming is a fundamental part of being a computer scientist and at NTU we’re committed to developing graduates who have the right programming skills for industry.
How do we do it? By giving you learning experiences that include opportunities to get hands-on with software projects for local companies. Developing your confidence and your appeal to industry.
You’ll build the technical knowledge needed to analyse problems associated with the development of large-scale computing systems, acquiring software engineering skills to deliver solutions that drive real-world industry.
This course provides a thorough education in computing for industry, meaning you graduate with advanced skills in the development of software and an ability to design and manage complex and intelligent systems.
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100% of our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (SW) students were in highly skilled roles 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
What you’ll study
You will learn core skills concerning the production of computer programmes and applications, as well as specialist knowledge in areas such as:
- artificial intelligence
- service-centric and cloud computing
- analysis and design.
All of the courses within the Computer Science cluster share a common first year. This will provide you with the flexibility to review your pathway once you have started studying. At the end of year one, you can choose to transfer to BSc (Hons) Software Engineering or BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Technology).
If you perform well there is also an opportunity to transfer to our four-year MComp (Hons) Computer Science course, which combined undergraduate and postgraduate material.
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, our industrial links and our research activity. These are the ingredients for ensuring the relevance and vitality of your course.
Our highly regarded academics are active in a broad range of research areas, 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 while 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 e.g. 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.
Introductory Mathematics (20 credit points)
This module provides an introduction to important mathematical ideas, including Algebraic rearrangement, Trigonometry, Vectors, Descriptive Statistics, Integration and Differentiation. You’ll gain an understanding of ideas that form the basis of later, more specialised, developments and you’ll be able to solve simple but realistic mathematical problems.
Computational Mathematics (20 cp)
A hands-on introduction to ideas and skills which cross Mathematics, Physics and Computing. Using software such as Excel and Matlab, you’ll learn about mathematical ideas like matrices and the consideration of how physical systems can be represented mathematically.
Introduction to Programming (20 cp)
Learn how to design, code, test and debug basic Python language programs. In the first part of this module, you’ll look at the basics of Python such as text strings, loops and functions. In the second part of the module, you’ll be introduced to maths-related Python libraries such as pandas, scipy.stats and matplotlib.
Foundation Engineering (20 cp)
This module includes basic electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering. Mechanics considers the consequences of applying forces to physical bodies; the electrical and electronics part of the module focuses on the scientific principles relevant to circuit theory, analogue electronics and components. Laboratory-based sessions will allow you to gain practical knowledge and experience.
Practical and Professional Skills (40 cp)
This module aims to provide a link between the theoretical modules in the course and their practical implementation. The professional skills aspect will help you with interpreting coursework requirements, exam and revision techniques, note-taking and referencing. The practical sessions will cover a variety of topics that require you to make use of the scientific principles and mathematical techniques that you’re learning in the other modules on the course.
Foundations of Computing Technology and Programming (20 cp)
This module has several strands including programming and technical aspects that introduce you to the fundamentals of writing computer programs, as well as numeracy and website development.
Computer Science Programming (20 cp)
Learn about programming languages relevant to software with industrial scale, reliability and performance characteristics.
Computer Technology and Mathematics (20 cp)
Understand how a computer works, look at issues arising from the hardware architecture and extend your mathematical knowledge and ability.
Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) (20 cp)
Introducing you to the fundamental principles of SAD, this module gives you a working knowledge of key systems development methodologies, techniques and tools.
Essential Skills (20 cp)
Develop the skills required to succeed on your computing degree. You’ll learn how to confidently deal with numerical aspects of your course and practice your web publishing skills by creating and formatting basic web documentation.
Professional Development for Industry (20 cp)
This module will enable you to learn about the professional bodies and standards relating to the computing professional, and enhance your employability potential by increasing your awareness of the technological, social and economic factors driving the IT industry.
Core modules
Information and Database Engineering (20 cp)
Understand the nature and application of database management systems and acquire skills for database administration and management.
Practical Project Management and Professional Development (20 cp)
Continued professional development and lifelong learning are important to your future career. Through this module you’ll improve your time and project management skills, presentations and report writing. This module also includes detailed guidance about the development of your CV and provides experience of selection assessments for industrial placement/graduate employment positions.
Software Design and Implementation (20 cp)
Gain the knowledge and skills in software development techniques to support the development of robust, secure, maintainable and portable software systems.
Systems Software (20 cp)
Learn about operating systems theory, network solutions, design and implementation and how computer systems can be connected to form large, complex distributed systems.
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 cp)
The rate at which data is being stored is growing at a phenomenal rate and many businesses are struggling to analyse and make sense of this vast collection of data. This module will introduce you to a number of ‘machine learning’ techniques to process and discover patterns in data.
Optional modules - choose one:
Internet Applications Programming (20 cp)
Design and produce a static or dynamic website suitable for both desktop and mobile platforms and which may contain complex scripted components.
Software Engineering (20 cp)
The main aim of this module is to introduce and develop confidence using the structures, techniques and technologies to support the development of robust software systems in a team environment.
Core modules
Project (40 cp)
Investigate problems in computing, implement solutions, critically evaluate and reflect on your work, and develop your abilities to communicate, self-organise and manage.
Advanced Analysis and Design (20 cp)
Understand the object model – what it’s based on and how it can be applied to build systems. Learn how to use the notation and follow the process for object-oriented development.
Artificial Intelligence (20 cp)
Learn about the theoretical foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the main methods and techniques and current areas of AI research and development.
Service-centric and Cloud Computing (20 cp)
Discover two challenging aspects of implementing distributed computing systems in Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA).
Optional modules - choose one:
Advanced Software Engineering (20 cp)
Develop techniques and strategies to analyse, choose, propose, design, implement, test and evaluate software elements.
Information Systems Management (20 cp)
Learn how to manage the build and deployment of enterprise and Internet information systems in small to medium organisations.
Mobile Platform Applications (20 cp)
Understand the requirements, capabilities and constraints of a variety of mobile platform technologies and consider how they can be used to build systems that are outside the traditional desktop paradigm.
Distributed Database Engineering (20 cp)
Study the processes, techniques and technologies that data scientists use to support the challenging workloads for data science.
Communicating Science and Technology (20 cp)
An opportunity for you to gain valuable transferable skills working as a ‘student-tutor’ with teachers in local schools or to work on a community-based project.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you’re taught
Contact time
You'll attend lectures and seminars each week at the Clifton Campus. Lectures are spread across various buildings on the Clifton Campus. Lectures are spread across various buildings on campus, including:
- ISTeC Building
- Teaching and Learning Building
- Erasmus Darwin Building
How you’re assessed
You will be assessed on a variety components including:
- coursework and practical (assignments, dissertation, group projects, oral presentations, reports)
- written (exams)
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:
- Next Retail Ltd
- Vodaphone Ltd
- Cisco Systems
- Schlumberger
- Experian
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Business Analyst
- Programmer
- Project Software Implementation Officer
- Software Quality Assurance Analyst
- Web Developer
Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
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 will learn in a creative and stimulating environment that will give you the knowledge and transferable skills you need to be ahead of the graduate crowd.
We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. Students have access to specialist centres including:
- games console laboratories
- networking and security laboratories
- human-interactive technology
- stereo-projection.
Students also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:
- EnCase
- 3D StudioMax
- XNA Xbox development suite
- The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
- the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.
Entry requirements
- 72 UCAS Tariff points from up to three A-levels or equivalent qualifications
- GCSE Maths grade B / 6 and English grade C / 4
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to three different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
This course is not open to International applicants who require a Student Visa. For alternative courses please see Nottingham Trent International College.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
What's included in the course fees?
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 the 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.
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.
Library books
Most study 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.
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.
Print and copy 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, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £50.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Fees and funding
This course is not open to International applicants who require a Student Visa. For alternative courses please see Nottingham Trent International College.
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!
This course is not open to International applicants who require a Student Visa. For alternative courses please see Nottingham Trent International College.