BSc Hons Computer Science and Mathematics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Nottingham Trent University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science & Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University combines rigorous mathematical reasoning with practical computing skills, preparing you for careers in software development, data science, and quantitative analysis. You’ll develop a strong understanding of algorithms, programming, and the mathematical principles that underpin modern technology, giving you a competitive advantage in both academic and professional settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year focuses on building core knowledge in both mathematics and computer science. You study Calculus, Data Analysis, Introduction to Linear Algebra & Computation, and Foundations of Computer Programming, which establish a strong foundation in mathematical techniques and programming basics. You’ll also take Systems Analysis & Design, which introduces you to the structure and functionality of software systems.

Year 2
In the second year, you delve deeper into both disciplines. Core modules include Probability & Statistical Inference, Mathematical Enterprise (applying mathematics to real-world problems), and Systems Software (exploring low-level programming and software architecture). Optional modules such as Linear Algebra & its Applications or Cryptography & Computational Complexity allow you to specialise in areas of interest, whether more theoretical or applied.

Year 3 / Placement Year (if sandwich option chosen)
If you take the sandwich placement year, your third year is devoted to gaining professional experience in industry. This allows you to apply both computing and mathematical skills in real-world environments, enhancing employability and building professional networks.

Final Year (or Year 3 if no placement)
In the final year, you complete advanced optional modules and a final project under tutor supervision. Options include Machine Learning, Advanced Algorithms, Numerical Methods, and Computational Mathematics, enabling you to focus on your preferred areas and develop expertise aligned with your career goals.

Focus Areas:
Mathematical modelling, algorithms, software systems, linear algebra, probability & statistics, computational techniques, and complexity theory.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to design and implement software solutions, apply mathematical and computational techniques to complex problems, analyse and interpret data, and communicate technical concepts effectively. You’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving experience.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This course is aligned with industry standards in both IT and quantitative sectors. NTU supports students with placement opportunities, employer networking, and practical experience to enhance career readiness in software, analytics, research, or technology-driven roles.

Reputation (Employability):

High employability: the majority of NTU mathematics and computing students progress into work or further study shortly after graduation.
NTU’s School of Science & Technology is well regarded for its industry links, modern facilities, and hands-on learning approach.
Students benefit from access to computing labs, high-performance computing facilities, and collaborative learning spaces on campus.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This degree blends mathematics and computer science in a way that lets you actively build solutions rather than just learn theory. From the first year, you develop programming skills alongside mathematical foundations like calculus, algebra, and statistics. Practical workshops and lab sessions give you hands-on experience in coding, debugging, and applying algorithms, mirroring real-world software and data tasks.

If you choose the optional placement year, you’ll gain a full year of industry experience, which gives you professional contacts, a chance to apply your skills in a real environment, and tangible projects to showcase on your CV. In the final year, you complete a capstone project, selecting topics in computer science (e.g., AI, cloud computing) or mathematics (e.g., graph theory, stochastic processes) to match your interests.

Key Experiential Features

Integrated Coursework: Modules in computer science and mathematics are designed together, so you develop coding and analytical skills simultaneously.
Optional Placement Year: You can spend a full year in industry, gaining hands-on experience and professional contacts.
Project & Professional Skills Module: Dedicated modules teach teamwork, project planning, and management, preparing you for both the workplace and your final-year project.
Final-Year Project: A self-directed project in your final year lets you dive deep into advanced topics in mathematics or computer science.
Advanced Module Options: You can choose modules like Experimental Design & Machine Learning, Optimisation, Cryptography & Computational Complexity, Cloud Computing, or Mobile Apps, tailoring your learning to your interests.
Varied Assessment Methods: Assessments include lab work, coursework, case studies, group presentations, and exams, giving you multiple ways to demonstrate your skills.
Industry-Standard Facilities: Access to high-performance computing suites, robotics labs, and other specialist facilities allows you to run simulations, code, and experiment.
Research Opportunities: Short research projects with academic staff let you experience real mathematical or computing research.
Entrepreneurial Support: NTU Enterprise provides guidance to turn innovative software or algorithm ideas into practical projects or businesses.
Academic Support: Personal tutors guide you through projects, module choices, and employability preparation, ensuring strong academic and career support.

Why This Degree Will Boost Your Career

High Employability: The placement option gives you real work experience, making you attractive to employers in computing, data science, finance, and technology.
Versatile Skill Set: You graduate as both a programmer and a problem-solver with strong mathematical understanding — ideal for software engineering, AI, data analysis, and research roles.
Customisable Final Year: You can focus on areas that interest you most, from AI and cloud computing to mathematical modelling.
Strong Support Network: Academic supervisors, project coaching, and entrepreneurial guidance help you navigate both study and career planning.
Competitive Edge: Graduates with a combined computer science and mathematics background are highly sought-after in sectors like fintech, machine learning, cybersecurity, and algorithmic trading.

Progression & Future Opportunities

By combining strong foundations in both computer science and mathematics, this degree makes you highly adaptable and well-prepared for a range of technical and analytical roles. Graduates often land jobs like software engineer, data analyst, machine learning engineer, or go into research or teaching.

Typical roles graduates land:

Software Engineer / Developer
Data Analyst
Machine Learning / AI Engineer
Systems Architect
Quantitative Analyst
Academic / Researcher
IT Consultant
Mathematics Teacher

What Makes This Degree Valuable for Your Career:

University Services & Employability Support
- NTU provides dedicated placement support: for sandwich students, there’s a Mathematics Placements & Employability Tutor who helps with CVs, applications, and finding the right placement.
- Student Support Services cover a wide variety of needs — from financial advice to disability support, ensuring you can focus on your academics and career preparation.
- Research opportunities include the Mathematics Undergraduate Research Studentship (MURS), allowing you to work with academic staff on real research projects in the summer.
- Through NTU Enterprise, you can explore entrepreneurship and turn your ideas into business opportunities.
Employment Statistics & Career Outcomes
- Approximately 97% of mathematics students from this program are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.
- NTU graduates more broadly have a strong employment record: around 94% are in work or further study within six months.
- The combined skills in computing and mathematics equip you for both technical development roles and analytical modeling roles, making you attractive to a wide range of employers.
University–Industry Engagement
- There are excellent placement opportunities: students can take a year-long work placement between years 2 and 3, with companies including major industry players.
- The dual focus in computing and mathematics provides in-demand skills for business, finance, tech, telecommunications, and research sectors.
- The sandwich placement year is formally supported, with a visiting tutor maintaining the link between you and the university while you work.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value
- You gain a broad mathematical toolkit (algebra, calculus, statistics) plus strong programming and systems knowledge, making you versatile for future roles.
- Assessment involves a mix of coursework, exams, projects, and a final-year project, so you apply what you learn in practical ways.
- The program is designed to support both technical professional careers and further academic study.
Outcomes After Graduation
- Graduates are well-suited for roles in software development, systems design, data analytics, and quantitative modeling.
- Many students pursue postgraduate study (Master’s or PhD), and NTU encourages this pathway.
- The placement year provides real-world experience, boosting employability and giving a competitive edge.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this BSc, you have several strong next steps:

Master’s Degrees: MSc in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Mathematics, or Software Engineering.
PhD / Research Pathway: Pursue a PhD in computer science, applied mathematics, or computational modeling.
Professional Qualifications / Certifications: Gain certifications in data science, AI/ML, cloud computing, or professional software engineering.
Entrepreneurship: With skills in both mathematics and computing, you can launch a start-up or build technology products, leveraging NTU’s enterprise support.