BSc (Hons) in Computer Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Northampton

Program Overview

Northampton’s BSc Computer Science combines essential theory in programming, systems, algorithms, databases, AI, security, web, and mobile technologies with practical labs, industry insights, and strong employment support including a free laptop and guaranteed paid internships under its Employment Promise. It’s well suited to students eager for applied learning in a modern Waterside campus, supported by guest speakers, flexible learning, and career-focused initiatives.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll establish technical and analytical groundwork through modules like: Problem Solving & Programming, Mathematics for Computer Science, Computer Systems, Computer Communications, Software Engineering Fundamentals, and Web Development, developing coding fluency, data handling, system architecture, and software design via lectures and hands-on labs.


Year 2:
In year 2, you'll study Data Structures & Algorithms, Operating Systems, Relational Databases, Web Programming, Systems Design & Development, and complete a team Group Project, refining your skills in software development, databases, web systems, and collaborative project work.


Optional Placement Year:
After Year 2, a paid “Learning Through Work” placement lets you gain industry experience, backed by the university’s Employment Promise and Careers support boosting your employability and practical skills.


Final Year (Year 3):
You’ll undertake a substantial Computing Project Dissertation (40 credits) plus core topics in Advanced AI & Applications, Cyber Security & Applied Cryptography, Modern Databases, and Media Technology, helping you specialize before entering the job market.


Assessment Format

Coursework & Practical Work – programming tasks, lab reports, projects (individual and group), portfolios, and presentations.
Exams & Time-Constrained Assessments – written exams and quizzes, especially in theory-heavy modules.
All modules include formative assessments (e.g., drafts, quizzes, supervised labs) for real-time feedback, while summative assessments (coursework/exams) determine your final grades .


Focus Areas

programming • systems & networking • data structures & databases • algorithms & theory • AI & cybersecurity • media technology • individual honours project


Learning Outcomes

Develop robust software and database systems

Apply theoretical, algorithmic, and security principles

Create advanced AI and media applications

Collaborate in projects and deliver a major individual dissertation

Demonstrate readiness through employment-linked practical experience.


Accreditation & Professional Recognition

The course maintains strong links with employers and industry bodies like BCS, IEEE, and the Cisco Network Academy, and its Northampton Employment Promise guarantees paid internships if graduates haven't secured work within a year.


Reputation & Employability Rankings

 The £330 M Waterside Campus includes labs, guest speakers from firms like Barclaycard and GE, and comprehensive careers support, including free laptops and guaranteed internships.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Northampton’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science delivers a practice-led, employability-focused degree supported by modern infrastructure, real-world group projects, and a unique post-graduation employment guarantee. With access to industry-grade facilities, hands-on technical experience, and robust career support, it prepares students for success in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and data-driven industries.


Facilities & Learning Environment 

  • Waterside Campus: £330 million purpose-built site featuring state-of-the-art computing labs tailored for software engineering, AI, networking, and cybersecurity.

  • 24/7 Learning Hub: Offers collaborative spaces, PC clusters, digital library resources, and quiet zones for focused study.

  • Device Loan Scheme: Access to Raspberry Pis, smartwatches, and other physical computing tools for project work.

  • Personal Laptop & Core Texts: Every student receives a free laptop to keep, and all essential course readings are accessible via the digital library.


Experiential Learning Highlights 

Year 1–2: Foundations & Collaboration

  • Weekly Labs: Practical sessions integrated into modules on programming (Java, Python, C/C++), systems, Linux, cybersecurity, AI, and web development.

  • Group Projects (Year 2): Team-based design and development of real-world solutions mirroring industry workflows and software lifecycles.

Final Year (Year 3): Capstone & Specialisation

  • Independent Dissertation Project: Tackle a substantial project in a chosen field (AI, databases, cybersecurity, media tech, etc.), guided by academic supervisors and drawing on cumulative knowledge and lab access.


Career Support

  • Industry Links: Partnerships with leading employers like Barclaycard, GE, and tech bodies (BCS, Cisco, IEEE) offer internship pathways and certification opportunities.

  • Careers & Employability Services: The on-campus Career Hub supports students through tailored CV help, interview prep, employer networking events, and alumni mentoring.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University of Northampton's BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates launch into purposeful tech careers: approximately 85% are in employment or further study within 15 months, with around 75% in graduate-level roles.

Typical roles include:

Software Developer

IT Consultant / Systems Analyst

Cybersecurity Specialist / Network Engineer

Data Analyst / Technical Project Manager


University services that support employment

  • Careers & Employability Service: Includes one-on-one coaching, CV/interview workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs, all supported via the Northampton Employment Promise, which continues offering career support even post-graduation
  • Placement paths: Optional sandwich or shorter placements supported by the Time2Grow scheme; Computing students often take paid placements with a strong history of placement-to-job conversions
  • MyCareer portal & employer networking: The central platform and events connect you with local firms and national tech companies throughout your studies

Graduation Outcomes & Alumni Success

  • 85% in work or further study 15 months after graduation

Median salaries:

  • £26k at 15 months
  • £32k at 3 years
  • £35k at 5 years

Graduate destinations include roles in software, data, cybersecurity, and consultancy, with many alumni staying employed beyond five years


University–industry partnerships

  • Strong placement and curriculum links with companies including CGI, Intel, BMW, Lloyds Banking Group, and Lincolnshire County Council, supported via the Time2Grow scheme and employer events
  • Home to collaborative projects fostered through Waterside Campus’s business connections

Long‑term accreditation & reputation

  • Fully aligned with BCS Chartered IT Professional standards, giving your degree professional accreditation
  • The Northampton Employment Promise ensures ongoing employer engagement and career support even after graduation

Further Academic Progression:
Upon completing your BSc, you can pursue:

  • Master’s programmes (MSc) in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or Software Engineering at Northampton or other top universities
  • PhD research, building on industry-linked projects and research-active faculty
  • Continued professional growth through BCS Chartered IT status, or specialized certifications in cybersecurity, networking, data science, or cloud computing

Program Key Stats

£15,700 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 29th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

BCC
2.5
27
60

NA
6.0
73

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Web Developer
  • Mobile App Developer
  • Data Analyst
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • AI Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Network Engineer
  • Database Administrator
  • IT Consultant
  • Cloud Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Systems Analyst
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Game Developer
  •  

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