Computer Science BSc Honours
Newcastle University Undergraduate programs
Key Information
Campus location
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 26,400 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* international students; GBP 9,250 - home students
Introduction
Gain the knowledge and expertise in Computer Science to launch your professional career in this fast-changing environment.
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.
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.
Professional accreditation and recognition
British Computer Society (BCS)
Our degrees are accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) so that 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 for a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for a chartered IT professional, engineer or scientist.
Work placement
Get career ready with 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. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
Rankings
- Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
- Top 200 for Computer Science and Information Systems - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
- Top 130 for Engineering and Technology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 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
- 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
- Top 125 for Computing Science – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022
- Global Top 140 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Curriculum
Stage 1
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.
Compulsory Modules
- Fundamentals of Computing 20
- Computer Systems Design and Architectures 20
- Foundations of Data Science 20
- Programming Portfolio 1 30
- Programming Portfolio 2 30
Stage 2
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 teamwork skills.
Compulsory Modules
- 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
Stage 3
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.
Compulsory Modules
- Major Project and Dissertation in Computer Science 60
- Optional Modules Credits
- Distributed Systems 10
- Introduction to Quantum Computing 10
- Graphics for Games 10
- Gaming Technologies and Simulations 20
- Abstract models of systems & Languages 20
- Understanding Concurrency 10
- Introduction to BioDesign and Natural Computing 20
- Biomedical Data Analytics and AI 20
- Cryptography 10
- System and Network Security 20
- Fault Tolerant and Cyber-Physical Systems 20
- Human-Computer Interaction: Interaction Design 20
- Predictive Analytics, Computer Vision & AI 20
- Data Visualization and Visual Analytics 10
- Career Development for final year students 20
Student Testimonials
Career Opportunities
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.
Admissions
Gallery
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the University website for more information.
Program Tuition Fee
Program delivery
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