Newcastle University

Computer Science (Security and Resilience) MComp Honours
UCAS Code: I192 (4 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Our four-year Computer Science (Security and Resilience) MComp Honours degree covers a broad range of computing science topics for the first two years before you specialise in Stages 3 and 4. 

We offer a wide range of degrees in Computer Science and our broad curriculum gives you the chance to try lots of different aspects of computing science – such as games design, bioinformatics, and security – before deciding where your interests lie.

• You study a common curriculum for the first two years
• In Stage 3 you select modules in security and resilience, providing you with specialist skills and knowledge for your future career
• In Stage 4 you take modules from our MSc degree in Computer Security and Resilience, and undertake a research project under the guidance of our leading researchers.

About Security and Resilience

Graduates of our degrees in Security and Resilience will have particular knowledge and skills related to the development of dependable software systems. 

Armed with knowledge of issues such as security mechanisms for computing, software verification techniques and tools, cryptography, and cryptographic protocols, you will be well placed for employment in technical positions in software houses and with companies designing and deploying dependable software in safety-critical industry sectors.

Quality and ranking

The quality of the computer science study experience at Newcastle is recognised with an overall student satisfaction score of 91% in the 2013 National Student Survey.

Professional accreditation

We have a policy of seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for all of our degrees, so you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standards set out by the IT industry.

Our existing degrees are already accredited and we apply for accreditation for all new 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.

Please note that students who choose to undertake a study abroad exchange as part of their degree do not meet the requirements for BCS accreditation.

Teaching and assessment

The activities of the School's research groups play an important part in our degrees, giving you the chance to gain knowledge that is at the cutting edge of computing. We also have four research centres that further stimulate our research.

Teaching is through a combination of lectures (including guest lectures by visiting IT professionals), tutorials, and supervised practical work. Practical work accounts for a significant amount of your time. 

Your practical skills will be assessed through course work, which includes team and individual project reports. Modules involving key transferable skills will be assessed through written and oral presentations. You will also sit examinations for some modules. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Flexible degree structure

We understand that you might not be sure which area of computing science you want to specialise in. That’s why we've designed all of our Computing Science degrees so that all students – regardless of which degree they are registered on – study the same modules for the first two years.

You can use this time to explore the subject and decide whether you want to specialise in a particular area or continue with a broad-based degree.

You can transfer between all of our degrees up to the end of second year. Transfer from a BSc to an MComp is dependent on your academic performance.

Work placements and industry links

Most 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
• the London Olympics organisers

Placement decisions ultimately rest with the employer but the School of Computing Science 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

Project work

We put a lot of emphasis on project work to help you develop the sort of real-world business skills that will be invaluable throughout your university career and beyond, such as teamworking and project management.

All students take part in a team project in second year to develop a substantial software product. You also undertake a major individual project in Stage 3 combined with a dissertation. See an example of one of our undergraduate student projects on the School of Computing Science's website.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to gain an international perspective on their subject by taking part in an Erasmus study exchange and studying abroad for one semester.

Facilities

All of our students enjoy access to specialist IT facilities to support their studies including:

• over 300 dedicated PCs running Linux and Windows
• an immersive virtual reality suite
• motion capture facilities
• 3D printing facilities

Take a virtual tour of our facilities on the School of Computing Science's website.

School of Computing Science

Study at Newcastle and you will be part of the School of Computing Science. We are a friendly community of staff and students based in Claremont Tower in the heart of campus.

Our student-led Computing Society offers a range of activities throughout the year to help you meet people on your course, ranging from coding and gaming nights to events with key speakers from industry.