Computer Science, BSc (Hons)

The future of computing lies in the development of increasingly complex and intelligent systems. This accredited course will help develop the combination of skills and knowledge required to carry out research and development work involving technically advanced applications. Why study Computer Science at NTU?

• This course is accredited by the bcs, The Chartered Institute for IT to Chartered Engineer (CEng) and IT Professional (CITP) status.
• You will undertake a year-long paid work placement. Previous students have worked with prestigious companies such IBM.
• Our Computer Society will enable you to share ideas with other likeminded and ambitious students in the UK.
• You will share material in common with the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering and BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Technology) in your first year. This will enable you to review your studies and choose the pathway that you enjoy best.
• Our student work is leading in the field and attracts industry attention. Take a look at what our students have achieved so far.

You will develop a strong core skill set in:

• programming
• information systems/databases
• systems infrastructure.

These skills will give you the competitive edge when applying for roles in the IT industry. You will also be developing advanced techniques in:

• graphics
• artificial intelligence
• complex internet and real-time system development.

There are approximately 80 places available across the Computer Science cluster of courses.

What our students say

"I would recommend the Computer Science degree at NTU as it is a very good, varied course, with lots of modules to pick from. The quality of teaching is great and the facilities are very good. I would strongly recommend students make use of the placement year to get an idea of the industry and where they might like to work - it's an excellent opportunity to improve your skills for the final year."

Cat Burton, BSc (Hons) Computer Science (graduate)
Job title: Front-End Developer - Mindcandy

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

You will learn core skills concerning the production of computer programmes and applications, as well as specialist knowledge in areas such as:

• games development
• artificial intelligence
• analysis and design.

What will I study?

Year One

• Foundations of Computing and Technology
• Computer Science Programming
• Computer Technology and Mathematics
• Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) with Professional Development

Year Two

• Applied Mathematics and Graphics
• Information and Database Engineering
• Practical Project Management
• Software Design and Implementation Two
• Systems Software

Plus you also have a choice between the following modules:

• Internet Applications Programming
• Software Engineering.

Year Three
Optional work placement.

Final Year

• Project
• Advanced Analysis and Design
• Artificial Intelligence
• Service-Centric and Cloud Computing

You can also choose from one of the following optional modules:

• Advanced Software Engineering
• Information Systems Management
• Interaction Design and Project Management
• Mobile Platform Development
• Communicating Science and Technology
• Professional Practice.

For further information, download the module descriptions document

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on a variety components including the following.

Coursework and Practical 65%

• Assignments
• Dissertation
• Group projects
• Oral presentations
• Reports

Written 35%

• Exams

Contact time

Scheduled contact time in lectures and seminars is around 12 hours per week and these will be held on Clifton campus. Lectures are spread across various buildings on campus, including:

• Erasmus Darwin
• George Eliot
• the Computing and Informatics Building.

See the Clifton campus maps and travel information.

What's included in the course fees?

Your course fees cover all the facilities and support you need to succeed:

• extensive computing facilities, some available 24/7 and including technician support
• all major software used available across the campus machines, including Adobe Master Collection Suite
• dedicated online storage to support backup of work
• free or discounted personal copies of all software used on the course
• Microsoft Academic Alliance membership which gives you free copies of all Microsoft developer software including operating systems, Visio and Project
• free personal copy of 3D Studio Max
• extensive equipment available to loan for coursework and project work e.g. cameras, phones, games consoles
• electronic access to library
• extensive free training software including tutorials on 3D Studio Max, Flash, Photoshop, TCP/IP Packet analysis, Java, Javascript, HTML5, Oracle.

About the Computing and Technology Team

We have 35 full-time academic teaching staff with excellent support from our four dedicated technicians.

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.

Much of our research is internationally recognised, 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
• involvement in the GameCity Festival
• 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, detection of human behaviour patterns.

For information on International student support or to see our academic terms times please visit our International Student Support Service pages.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

You will learn in a creative and stimulating environment that will give you the knowledge and transferable skills you need to be ahead of the graduate crowd.

We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. Students have access to specialist centres including:

• games console laboratories
• networking and security laboratories
• human-interactive technology
• stereo-projection.

Students also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:

• EnCase
• 3D StudioMax
• XNA Xbox development suite
• The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
• the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.

Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research, including:

• a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber
• a crime scene training facility
• a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.