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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Queens University BelfastQueen's University Belfast's BSc Computer Science offers a forward-looking curriculum that combines foundational computing knowledge with advanced specializations in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering. A standout feature is the Professional Experience pathway, which includes a compulsory industry placement year to enhance employability. Students gain hands-on experience with Python, Java, and C++ through real-world projects closely aligned with the needs of Northern Ireland’s dynamic tech industry.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Students learn fundamental computing concepts with a focus on building core programming and analytical skills through lectures, labs, and project work.
Modules include:
Programming
Computer Architecture
Introduction to Embedded Sytems
Introduction to Cyber Security
Data Driven Systems
Year 2
This year expands into more advanced topics, honing design, teamwork, and systems thinking through coursework and exams.
Modules include:
Introduction to AI and Machine Learning
Computation Theory
Data Structures & Algorithms
Systems Security
Networks & Protocols
Software Engineering & Group Project
Year 3
Often taken by direct honours students, this year builds academic depth and introduces final project work requiring the construction of a software system (specification, user interface design, system design and realization of system design).
As well as optional modules including:
Advanced Computer Architecture
Network Security
Concurrent Programming
Video Analytics and Machine Learning
Computer Science Project
Year 3/4 (Professional Experience)
A full 120-credit paid year-long industry placement provides immersive workplace experience, developing professional, technical, and communication skills.
Assessment: 100% through reflective portfolios and project reports.
Year 4
Returning to campus, students complete a major final-year project and choose from advanced electives.
Modules include:
CIT Project (40 credits) – assessed entirely by coursework
Optional modules such as:
Data Analysis & Visualization
Cloud Computing
Assessment Format
~100% Coursework & Practical Work:
Most modules (including final-year project and placement) are assessed through programming tasks, lab reports, design assignments, portfolios, reflective journals, and presentations.
100% Exam-Based:
Select modules, like Systems Security & Cryptography (CSC2056), are assessed entirely through written exams.
Formative Feedback:
Continuous feedback through drafts, lab supervision, and peer/project reviews supports student progress.
Focus Areas
programming • software engineering • algorithms & theory • computer systems & security • databases & networks • AI & professional experience project
Learning Outcomes
"Develop robust software systems; apply theoretical and formal computation methods; design secure and scalable systems; gain industry-ready skills via placement; conduct and communicate a substantial software development project."
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The degree is accredited by the BCS, fully satisfying the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer status and partially for Chartered IT Professional registration.
Reputation (Employability & Rankings)
Queen’s CS programme is supported by strong ties with more than 500 tech employers, offers numerous industry scholarships, and ranks among the world’s top 175 for Computer Science (Times Higher Education 2020). Graduates often secure placements and jobs with major companies like Citi, Liberty IT, Kainos, and IBM.
This professionally focused degree equips students with real-world technical skills, a compulsory paid placement year, and direct exposure to the UK's leading cybersecurity research facilities. Ideal for students aiming to thrive in software, data, or security-focused roles, it blends strong academic foundations with cutting-edge resources and active employer engagement.
Facilities & Learning Environment
Three modern EEECS buildings with high-spec Windows/Linux labs, strong Wi-Fi, SSH/2FA remote access, and collaborative team spaces
Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) – the UK’s leading cybersecurity research hub
Access to wireless, data science, AR/VR, and IoT-enabled maker spaces (e.g., QLab), including GPU-supported environments
Fully equipped labs used in hands-on sessions for programming, networking, electronics, and security
Experiential Learning Highlights
Weekly practical labs and workshops in:
C/C++, Java, Python
Git, security systems, electronics, embedded programming
Project-based learning throughout:
Years 1–2: Group-based projects and live-client briefs develop teamwork and real-world problem solving
Years 3–4: Major individual or group dissertations using advanced tech and research labs
Employer involvement:
Professionals co-develop modules, lead hackathons, and deliver live challenges
Professional Experience & Industry Integration
Compulsory Year in Industry (Year 3):
12-month, full-time, paid placement
Supported by the EEECS Careers & Placement Team
Over 95% of students secure roles with organisations like Microsoft, IBM, BT, Kainos, Citi, Liberty IT, Deloitte, Siemens
60%+ receive graduate job offers from their placement employers
Research internships:
EEECS Summer Internship Scheme (8 weeks) in AI, robotics, SLAM, LiDAR, embedded systems, and more
Student Support & Career Development
Peer mentoring and personal tutor system from Year 1
Active societies like QCS (Computing Society) and Dragonslayers (gaming & tech) foster community and teamwork
Access to the YoPE portal for job listings, employer sessions, and interview prep
Competitive sponsored scholarships (Citi, Civica, Liberty IT) offer tuition support and guaranteed placements
Queen’s University Belfast – BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with Professional Experience) graduates launch into high-impact tech careers: approximately 95% are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months, with 90% working in highly skilled roles. Common roles include:
Software Engineer or Developer
Systems Analyst or Cyber Security Specialist
Data Analyst or Machine Learning Engineer
IT Consultant or Project Lead
University services that support employment
Professional Experience year: A mandatory or optional placement year—summer or full year integrated into your degree with over 500 industry partners (Liberty IT, Citi, Kainos, etc.)
Award-winning Careers Service: Ranked 8th in the UK for graduate prospects, offering tailored CV/interview coaching, job fairs, MyFuture and GoingGlobal platforms, and ongoing support through the Future-Ready Award
Industry-led events: Hackathons, employer guest lectures, and CV-boosting competitions are embedded from day one
Employment stats & salary figures
95% employed or in further study by 15 months
90% in highly skilled roles, with 85% in IT/professional services and 5% in management roles
Median salary of £29 k at 15 months, between £24.5–32 k range
University–industry partnerships
Strong employer links with hundreds of companies, including Liberty IT, Citi, Kainos, and others, shaping practical learning, hackathons, and placement opportunities
Located in Belfast's tech hub, with easy access to the ECIT cyber-security and AI research centre,Britain’s largest university cybersecurity lab
Long-term accreditation & reputation
QUB is part of the Russell Group, renowned for research-led excellence
The computing school is fully BCS-aligned and internationally recognized, with ECIT recently receiving £30 m+ in funding and formal NCSC accreditation
Further Academic Progression:
Complete your Professional Experience year, many students secure job offers during this time
Pursue MSc studies in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering at Queen’s or beyond
PhD research, especially through ECIT labs covering AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and scalable systems
Achieve professional accreditation through BCS, building toward Chartered IT Professional (CITP) qualification
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherA Level:BBB including at least one preferred A-level subject + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR ABB including at least one relevant A-level subject + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4. Preferred subjects: Mathematics, Computing or Software Systems Development. Relevant subjects: Chemistry, Digital Technology, ICT, Physics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied ICTInternational Baccalaureate (IB): 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include at least one preferred Higher Level subject OR 33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include at least one relevant Higher Level subject CBSE/ CISCE/ State Boards: An average mark of 80% or higher (best of 5 academic subjects)IELTS: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 each componentTOEFL: 90 with minimum marks as follows: Listening - 17 Reading - 18 Speaking - 20 Writing - 17Offers optional Industrial Placement or Study Abroad Year. Tuition Fees: 10% full time rate.EngineerCommunications designerComputer hardware EngineerSoftware EngineerComputer system designerControl system designerEmbedded system designer
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