About this course
The computer science industry is a challenging place but it’s an exciting one too.
Successful managers in the industry need graduates with the right balance of knowledge and experiences. That’s why you’ll start with the fundamentals of computer science, develop your programming skills in the areas of AI and Cloud computing, and then take your studies to the next level with Masters level modules to give you a deeper understanding and the edge in the workplace.
We encourage students to take the optional work placement year at the end of Year Two, which gives you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice.
What you’ll study
This course combines undergraduate and postgraduate content and is designed to cover computer science foundation subjects and then build on this foundation with postgraduate level material in the final year. You will acquire the skills to become an independent learner and gain advanced skills in specialised areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, advanced analysis and design, embedded systems and programming.
A group project to manage and deliver a significant multidisciplinary engineering project will help you to further develop your communication, project management and teamworking skills.
In addition you will undertake a substantive individual project where you will be required to develop software or hardware in an innovative manner.
You have the option to transfer between the MComp degree and the BSc degree during the first two taught years of the course, subject to your performance and your chosen module in year two.
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, and detection of human behaviour patterns.
Visit our academic team pages to find out more about our approach to teaching, our partners and research interests.
For information on International student support or to see our academic terms times please visit our International Student Support pages.
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.
Foundations of Computer Programming (20 cp)
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 (20 cp)
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.
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.
Academic and Professional Development (20 cp)
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 and Database Engineering
Understand the nature and application of database management systems and acquire skills for database administration and management.
Practical Project Management and Professional Development
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.
Software Design and Implementation
Gain the knowledge and skills in software development techniques to support the development of robust, secure, maintainable and portable software systems.
Systems Software
Learn about operating systems theory, network solutions, design and implementation and how they can be used to solve real-world problems in engineering, operations research and science.
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
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.
Plus choose one module from:
Internet Application Programming
Design and produce a static or dynamic website suitable for both desktop and mobile platforms which may contain complex scripted components.
Software Engineering
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.
You have the option to take a one-year work placement in the industry. On successful completion, you will gain an additional award – the Placement Diploma in Professional Practice. The modules below will be taken in Year Four if you go on a placement in Year Three.
Project for MComp
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
Study the critical elements of 2D and 3D image capture and display systems.
Artificial Intelligence
Learn about the theoretical foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the main methods and techniques and current areas of AI research and development.
Advanced Software Engineering
Service-centric and Cloud Computing
Discover two challenging aspects of implementing distributed computing systems in Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA).
Core modules
Group Design Project
During this module, you will focus mainly on the technical aspects of developing a cross-disciplinary group design project. The set projects will be taken from areas of advancing technology.
Applied Artificial Intelligence
Learn about a variety of artificial intelligence methods such as machine learning, reasoning and optimisation techniques, and how they can be used to solve real-world problems in engineering, operations research and science.
Design and Development of Secure Systems
This module explores secure software design and development practices. It focuses on integrating security principles throughout the system development life cycle, employing tools, standards, and protocols essential for creating secure systems. You will gain insights into security architecture, secure coding practices, and legal compliance, alongside evaluating system security through rigorous testing and verification.
Artificial Cognitive Systems
Understand Artificial Cognitive Systems (ACS) and how they use their surroundings to autonomously make decisions, anticipate actions and how they learn from experiences and changing circumstances. You’ll also be introduced to artificial neural networks and the current applications and practices.
Optional modules - choose two:
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Project Management
You will develop your appreciation of entrepreneurship and leadership, and their role in economic development, project management and entrepreneurial business success. You will learn the tools and methodologies for effective project management.
Information Security Management
This module provides you with knowledge and understanding of the main issues related to information security. Learn about security solutions, risks and computer forensics.
Deriving Business Value from Data Analytics
Learn how to use data better to deliver goals and value, while accounting for costs and risks in the decisions. You’ll discover how organisations can select and measure the right key metrics to improve their decision making and their overall business.
Computer Forensics
During this module you will develop your knowledge of different computing systems their importance to computer forensics investigations. You’ll develop the skills, methodologies and processes to conduct an initial computer forensics investigation within an organisation and consider aspects such as legal and ethical issues, data storage, reporting and operating systems.
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
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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.
Research informed teaching
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 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 projects and oral presentations
- written exams and multiple-choice tests.
Careers and employability
Your career development
This course provides a thorough education in computing for industry, meaning you graduate with the knowledge and skills for employment in almost all computing related fields. In particular, you will gain advanced skills in the development of systems based on advanced technology and in specialist areas such as artificial intelligence and embedded systems.
The technical nature of the course will also provide the necessary underpinning to enable you to engage in further scientific and technological research.
Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- Veolia Water
- Parexel Informatics
- East England Ambulance Service
- Fujitsu
- Compass Group
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Application Developer
- Information Analyst
- Technical Support Analyst
- Senior Software Engineer
- Teacher of Computing
Many students also choose to go on to further study, teaching and research roles in academia.
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 Walt Disney, Caterpillar and Schlumberger. They secured varied roles such as Programmer, Technical Support Assistant and Software Development Assistant.
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.
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: 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT, Maths or Science subject grade C
- Contextual offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT, Maths or Science subject grade C
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
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 four 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.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
- Academic entry requirements:128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT, Maths 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.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
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.
