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Computer Science MComp (Hons)

UCAS code: G410 (full-time), G411 (sandwich)

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Information for 2025

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.

Accreditation

  • BCS The Charted Institute for IT logo

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

Develop techniques and strategies to analyse, choose, propose, design, implement, test and evaluate software elements.

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

Student Profiles

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.

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.

Staff Profiles

Joanna Hartley - Deputy Head of Department

Computer Science

Joanna Hartley

Jon Robinson - Principal Lecturer

Computer Science

Jon Robinson

Neil Sculthorpe - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Dr Neil Sculthorpe is a Senior Lecturer in the Computer Science Department. He teaches Software Engineering modules at undergraduate and post-graduate level, and is the Course Leader for the MSc

Peter FitzGerald - PL - Student and Academic Experience Manager

Computer Science

Peter FitzGerald

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.

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.

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, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,850.

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, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,850

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.

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.

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.

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.

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