Computer Science
BSc Honours
- UCAS code: G400
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2022
Gain the knowledge and expertise in Computer Science to launch your professional career in this fast-changing environment.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £25200
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAB
- IB: 34 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This accredited course meets the evolving needs of industry, and will give you a deep understanding of the principles of Computer Science.
You'll be based in the truly inspiring Urban Sciences Building, and study at a world-leading centre in computing innovation and industry collaboration.
By studying a broad curriculum in your first two years, you'll develop knowledge in different aspects of computing science, and gain highly desirable skills in problem solving, program design and implementation.
In your final year you can specialise in a particular area of computer science or build your own broad based degree. You can choose topics that are taught by renowned experts in areas such as security and resilience, software engineering, bioinformatics and game engineering.
BSc or MComp?
Some of our degrees are offered at two levels:
- three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- four-year Master of Computing (MComp)
You can transfer between our degrees up to the end of Stage 2 (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.
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Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
Additional information
Flexible degree structure
At Newcastle, all Computer 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 means you can also transfer between our degrees up to the end of Stage 2.
Quality and ranking
- Top 125 for Computing Science - Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022
- Top 200 for Computer Science and Information Systems - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
- 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
Professional accreditation
Following a curriculum review, we are seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for our degrees so you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standard set by the IT industry.
BCS is the Chartered Institute for IT. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for a chartered IT professional, engineer or scientist.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
You'll learn the fundamentals of computer science, with an emphasis on developing your skills in program design and implementation. You'll gain experience in Java programming and develop a broad view of hardware and software architectures.
You'll develop an appreciation of what it is to be a professional working in the IT industry and develop your problem-solving skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Computing | 20 |
| Computer Systems Design and Architectures | 20 |
| Foundations of Data Science | 20 |
| Programming Portfolio 1 | 30 |
| Programming Portfolio 2 | 30 |
You'll study modules in software engineering, algorithm design and the fundamental principles that govern the operation of the internet. We'll introduce you to requirements analysis and databases, and the formal specification of software systems.
You'll also work in a team to engineer a substantial software product, developing practical teamworking skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Security and Programming Paradigms | 20 |
| Algorithm Design and Analysis | 10 |
| Software Engineering Team Project | 30 |
| Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing | 30 |
| Software Systems Design and Implementation | 30 |
You'll choose topics from across our specialist areas, equipping you with a broad base of knowledge and keeping your career options open.
You'll also complete a project and dissertation in an area of interest.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Project and Dissertation in Computer Science | 60 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Teaching methods include:
- lectures – including guest lectures by visiting IT professionals
- tutorials – from our expert staff
- supervised practical work – which accounts for a significant amount of your time
- project work – to help you develop real-world business skills such as teamworking and project management
Project work includes a team project in Stage 2 to develop a substantial software product, and a major individual project in Stage 3.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
Skills and experience
Business skills
In addition to your academic work, employers look for evidence of skills and experience. Our degrees have been created with industry need in mind.
In Stage 2, you will gain a realistic preview into industry life, being taught in a team environment with real-life industry briefs. You will pick a problem – identified by industry – and develop a project to find a solution. The projects are marked by industry representatives, lecturers and the project sponsor.
Chat to a student
The lecturers are passionate about their specialist areas, making the whole university experience thought-provoking and interesting.
Opportunities
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You will be part of the School of Computing, based in the Urban Sciences Building on our Newcastle Helix area of campus.
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 is becoming a living laboratory, underpinning research to make urban centres more sustainable for future generations. Research at Newcastle Helix focusses on:
- cyber-physical systems
- infrastructure
- smart grids
- future of our city
- big data
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Join a network of successful graduates
97% of our Computer Science graduates are in graduate-level jobs or in further study within fifteen months of graduation*.
Recent graduates have secured roles such as:
- business analyst
- developer
- front-end web developer
- software developer
- software engineer
*Guardian University league tables 2021
Preparing you for career success
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.
An increasing number of employers require digital skills, meaning our graduates are highly sought after. They move into bespoke software development roles in software houses and computer manufacturers and also into corporate organisations that use computers on a larger scale, such as banking, insurance and manufacturing companies and public sector institutions.
Benefit from strong industry links
You'll also benefit from our well-established links with organisations within the industry. Our placement students and graduates are regularly recruited by companies such as:
- Nissan
- Waterstons
- Accenture
- IBM
- P&G
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
- Sage
- DWP
- GCHQ
Local businesses often approach the School to advertise small, part-time or voluntary work opportunities, giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience.
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Careers support
Our degree programmes have been developed to ensure that you are gaining the transferable skills that employers like to see alongside your academic study. You will benefit from guest lectures from industry professionals, mock interviews and professional skills workshops.
The school annually hosts a week of intensive employability events. These have included:
- hackathon workshops
- placement discussions
- coding and enterprise challenges
- employer talks
- networking events
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
A Level
AAB
International Baccalaureate
34 points
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Contextual offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2022 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£25200
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Read more about fees and funding
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
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.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
By phone
Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.
Live chat
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You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.
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