BSc Hons Computer Science

Northumbria’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science delivers a career-focused, hands-on education designed to prepare you for success in the tech industry. With modules in core computing and advanced specialisms, consultancy projects, and optional global or placement experiences, you’ll graduate with a competitive edge.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Core Foundations
You’ll build essential programming skills using Java and other languages, and study:

• AI Fundamentals 

• Programming

• Computational Thinking 

• Data Fundamentals

Year 2 – Technical Depth + Consultancy Project
You’ll deepen expertise in areas like:

• Advanced Programming

• Software Architecture 

• Computer Vision

• Digital Forensics Incident Response

• As well as a Team Computing Consultancy Project that provides a practical hands-on application of business principles. It aims to put you and a group of your peers - into the real-world situation of solving problems for businesses.

Year 3 – Optional Placement or Study Abroad
Choose a full-year paid industry placement or study abroad at a partner university. Past placements include HP, GSK, and CERN, offering exposure to real-world innovation and global work cultures.

Final Year – Capstone & Specialisation
You'll complete a major individual project in your chosen field, showcasing end-to-end development skills. Combined with advanced optional modules in:

• Business intelligence

• Cloud Computing

• Data Security & Governance

• Data Analytics

• Machine Learning

Assessment Format

Coursework & Labs
Continuous assessment through:

• Programming tasks and coding assignments

• Lab reports, case studies, and quizzes

Exams
Formal written or online exams are used for theory-based modules, typically held at the end of each semester.

Group Consultancy Project (Year 2)
Assessed based on team collaboration, client engagement, and project outcomes mirroring industry expectations.

Final-Year Capstone
Assessed through technical implementation, a detailed report, and a professional presentation, demonstrating your ability to manage a full project lifecycle.

Feedback is embedded throughout, helping you continuously improve through tutor and peer guidance.

Focus Areas

• Programming and problem-solving

• Software systems and networking

• Machine learning, AI, and computer vision

• Cybersecurity

• Client-facing consultancy projects

• Placement experience or international study

• Independent development projects

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Design, develop, and test software systems

• Solve complex computational problems

• Apply systems thinking to technical challenges

• Collaborate on client and team-based projects

• Deliver specialised and large-scale computing work independently

Professional Alignment & Accreditation

This degree programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, a professional body for IT professionals. The degree’s strong emphasis on group projects and a large individual project mirrors real-world software engineering processes, ensuring your education aligns well with industry expectations and supports future professional accreditation.

Reputation & Employability Rankings

• Computer Science and Informatics is ranked 12th in the UK for research power out of 90 submissions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 54 places compared with 2014. 

• Information Technology & Systems is ranked 5th in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2025.

• Past student placements include HP, GSK, and CERN