g420 - Comp Sci (MDS) BSc
Computer Science (Mobile and Distributed Systems) BSc Honours
UCAS Code: G420 (full time: 3 Years)
Course Overview
This degree provides a firm foundation in the important field of mobile and distributed systems.
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At a Glance
UCAS Code
G420
UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21
Degree Awarded
BSc Honours
Course Duration
3 Years
Entry Requirements
A Level: AAB-ABB/AAC
IB: 34-35 points
Opportunities
You study a broad curriculum in your first two years, developing knowledge in different aspects of computing science, and gaining skills in problem solving, program design and implementation.
In your third year, you move onto specialist topics in mobile and distributed systems, developing skills and knowledge for your future career.
Your modules focus on the design and development of advanced systems that allow multiple computers to communicate, for example, in online banking or gaming. These include internet technology and system and network security.
Mobile and Distributed Systems
Mobile and distributed systems involves multiple computers processing data and communicating the results to each other, such as in electronic banking or online gaming, where the users are geographically separated.
Students on these degrees use their computing knowledge to solve the challenges posed by such systems, for example how to move money between accounts online without losing it.
Our degrees draw on three main areas of expertise of our research groups:
- design of the algorithms that drive networked systems
- fault tolerance theory to make sure that if a process fails, the system survives
- formal methods to make sure that the process doesn’t fail in the first place
Graduates will be able to design, build and integrate advanced networked computing systems in a range of application areas, such as mobile and wireless communications, computationally intensive financial and health applications, and applications involving multiple business and outsourcing.
Quality and ranking
We are ranked 9th overall in the UK for research (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
Professional accreditation
We have a policy of seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for all of our degrees. BCS is the chartered institute for IT.
Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.
Our existing degrees are already accredited and we apply for accreditation for all new degrees.
Students who choose to undertake a study abroad exchange as part of their degree do not meet the requirements for BCS accreditation.
Flexible degree structure
You might not be sure which area of computing science you want to specialise in yet. Don't worry. At Newcastle, all Computing Science students study the same modules for the first two years, before specialising in the later years.
This gives you time to explore the subject and decide which area you want to specialise in. It also means you can transfer between our degrees up to the end of second year (although transfer from a BSc to an MComp is dependent on your academic performance).
Our MComp degrees involve an additional year of advanced study during which you follow Master's-level modules from one of our MSc programmes. This provides you with a deeper level of knowledge that some employers will look for when recruiting.
If you are unsure whether to apply for a BSc or an MComp, please contact us for more information.
Work placements and industry links
All of our Computer Science degrees are available with a paid work placement. This extends the length of your degree by a year.
Your placement provides you with the experience of seeking and securing a job, as well as practical experience and industry contacts that will benefit your academic study and longer-term career.
We assess your placement by a short report and presentation, though the assessment will not count towards your final mark.
Previous students have found placements with organisations including:
- NHS Business Services Authority
- Waterstons
- Metropolitan Police
- Accenture
- IBM
- Network Rail
- Nissan
- GSK
- Scott Logic
Placement decisions ultimately rest with the employer, but the School of Computing and our Careers Service will provide support to help you find employers and guide you through the application process.
We have strong links with a number of organisations within the industry. Various parts of our degrees attract prizes awarded by major companies.
Local businesses approach the School to advertise small, part-time or voluntary work opportunities, giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience.
Facilities and support
You will be part of the School of Computing, based in the Urban Sciences Building on our Science Central area of campus.
Facilities
Our brand new £58m building offers great facilities for our students, including:
- cyber physical systems laboratory
- decision theatre for data visualisation
- flat floor teaching facilities
- 315 PCs with a Raspberry Pi3 on every desk
The building and its surrounding area will become a living laboratory, underpinning research to make urban centres more sustainable for future generations. Research at Science Central will focus on:
- cyber physical systems
- infrastructure
- smart grids
- future of our city
Support
You'll be supported by a personal tutor throughout your degree – an academic member of staff who can help with academic and personal issues.
You'll also have access to a peer mentor in your first year – a fellow student who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.
Social activities
Our student-led Computing Society offers a range of activities throughout the year to help you meet people on your course. Activities range from coding and gaming nights to events with key speakers from industry.
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)
Do you want to become a technical officer in the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF or Defence Engineering and Science Group when you graduate?
This degree is approved by the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).
DTUS is a sponsorship programme for students interested in a scientific, engineering or technical career in the armed forces or the Ministry of Defence.
Find out more on our Armed Forces page.
Compare this course
See how this course compares with others for topics such as student satisfaction, fees and costs and prospects after graduation using the Unistats Key Information Set.
Course Details
Modules for 2017 entry
Please note
The module and/or programme information below is for 2017 entry. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Modules/programme information for 2018 entry will be published here as soon as it is available (end of May 2018).
Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage.
Stage 1
Compulsory modules
- CSC1021 Programming I
- CSC1022 Programming II
- CSC1023 The Software Engineering Professional
- CSC1024 Computer Architecture
- CSC1025 Mathematics for Computer Science
- CSC1026 Website Design and Construction
Stage 2
Compulsory modules
Stage 3
Compulsory modules
- CSC3095 Project and Dissertation in Computing Science
- CSC3121 Distributed Systems
- CSC3122 Mobile Computer Systems Development
- CSC3123 Web Technologies
- CSC3124 System and Network Security
Optional modules
You choose modules from the following list to bring your total credits to 120:
- CSC3221 Programming for Games
- CSC3222 Gaming Simulations
- CSC3223 Graphics for Games
- CSC3224 Computer Games Development
- CSC3321 Understanding Programming Languages
- CSC3322 Real-Time and Cyber-Physical Systems
- CSC3323 Software Verification Technologies
- CSC3324 Understanding Concurrency
- CSC3422 Website Construction and Management (Server-side)
- CSC3423 Biologically-inspired Computing
- CSC3424 Bioinformatics
- CSC3621 Cryptography
- CSC3622 Reliability and Fault Tolerance
- CSC3721 Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
- CSC3722 Advanced Interaction Design
- CSC3723 Ubiquitous Computing
- NCL3007 Career Development for Final Year Students
- SUG3500 Creativity and Market Research in Science and Engineering
Entry Requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis.
If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered.
The entrance requirements below apply to 2018 entry.
Careers
Computer Science careers
In the present job market, computing science graduates are better placed than many others to obtain employment in a challenging and fulfilling career, and the employability of Newcastle graduates is particularly high.
Computing manufacturers and software houses, for example, recruit specialists to develop software solutions. Organisations that use computers on a large scale – such as banks, insurance companies, the electronics industry, central and local government, and management in all areas of business – also offer employment opportunities to graduates with computing skills.
Find out more about the career options for Computer Science from Prospects: The UK's Official Careers Website.
What our graduates go on to do: employment and further study choices
See what our recent graduates went on to do and view graduate destinations statistics. These statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation. The most recent data available is for graduates who completed their course in 2014/15.
The destination data is available in varying levels, beginning with the University and moving through Faculty and School down to individual course reports. This final level may give you some useful ideas about possible options after your course or a course you are considering.
Careers and employability at Newcastle
Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.
94% of our 2014/15 UK/EU graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Of our graduates who entered employment 85% were in a professional or managerial position.
We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
Fees & Funding
Apply
Applying to Newcastle University through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
UCAS codes for Newcastle University
- institution name - NEWC
- institution code - N21
UCAS buzzword
Ask your teacher or adviser from your school or college for the UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when you register on the Apply system. This makes it clear which school or college you are applying from.
All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU and international establishments are registered with UCAS.
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Making your application
On the UCAS website you can also find out more about:
- application deadlines and other important dates
- offers and tracking your application
Application decisions and enquiries
Find out more about our admissions process and who to contact if you need help with your application.