Our comprehensive Computer Science MSci degree programme enables you to gain a systematic grounding in the theoretical underpinning of the discipline whilst also allowing you to delve into specialist areas of your interest.
At the University of Newcastle we recognise that today’s computer scientists are in high demand and have a range of expertise. We also know that at this point in time it is essential that the course you choose meets your future career aspirations. That’s why our MSci Computer Science degree offers a balance of general computer science with practical software engineering and the opportunity to tailor your degree to suit your interests so that you leave us prepared for a career in industry or research.
The transition to University level learning can be difficult and that is why in your first year we ensure you study the key components of computer science to ensure you have a solid understanding of the subject.
We are committed to ensuring you develop key skills needed to boost your future prospects. That’s why in your second year you will be taught professional software engineering techniques and work in a team on a large project to produce software. You will also learn new styles of programming in Java, a language widely used in business and industry, and the C programming language.
Your third year enables you to tailor your degree to suit your interests and strengths with a wide range of modules to choose from. A proportion of your time will be dedicated to a project which will allow you to demonstrate your computing skills. In your fourth you will be able to choose modules which allow you to specialise in your chosen area of interest. You will also undertake a much more in-depth project which will develop your ability to work independently on an advanced problem-solving task.
Why study Computer Science Msci at Newcastle?
- State-of-the-art facilities which include: research labs for Medical Imaging, Intelligent Robotics, HCI and security; Computer Science reference library; Robotics teaching labs and exclusive computing labs just computer science students
- We are a leading centre for Computer Science teaching and research in Europe and we are home to many acclaimed research groups which filter into teaching on the course
- Year in Industry and Year Abroad opportunities are available for you to gain skills and experience which will help to prepare you for a career after university
- Fantastic careers and industry links and relationships – employers want to come to our School specifically to meet and recruit our students
- Friendly and sociable department, where staff and students harness great relationships
- Flexible module choices throughout your degree allow you to tailor your education to suit your interests and strengths
Institutional Accreditation
University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
Computer Science MSci
Course Level:
Undergraduate, Single Honours
Credits
120
Course
CODE U448
How long it takes:
Undergraduate (4 years)
Study Mode:
Distance learning/ Campus
Course cost
Price: US$20,220
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Department:
Newcastle Law School
Year 1
Through compulsory and optional modules you will gain a firm foundation in the principles of algorithms, artificial intelligence, software engineering and relevant mathematics. You also learn in-depth computer programming in Java – a language widely used in business.
Core modules:
- Artificial Intelligence 1 (20 credits)
- Data Structures and Algorithms (20 credits)
- Logic and Computation (20 credits)
- Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science (20 credits)
- Object Oriented Programming (20 credits)
- Full Stack Application Development (20 credits)
Year 2
You progress to studying enabling technologies such as databases, graphics and the formal basis of programming languages. These are taught in conjunction with programming which gives you a much deeper understanding through the implementation of techniques. As part of a team you produce software, and learn new styles of programming in Java and a second language from a different programming language paradigm. You also select modules from a range of options which cover core computer science, programming languages and artificial intelligence.
Core modules:
- Functional Programming (20 credits)
- Security and Networks (20 credits)
- Software Engineering and Professional Practice (20 credits)
- Systems Programming in C/C++ (20 credits)
- Team Project (Artificial Intelligence) (20 credits)
- Artificial Intelligence 2 (20 credits)
Year 3
You are able to pick eight modules from a wide selection. You may choose to study subjects relevant to industry, for example computer networks, distributed systems or commercial programming. Alternatively you may prefer to focus on current research in areas such as evolutionary computation, neural computation, intelligent robotics and natural language technologies.
One third of your time will be devoted to a project which will give you the opportunity to write a large piece of software and to apply the computing skills you have acquired so far.
Optional modules
Choose 120 credits of optional modules, examples listed below:
- Advanced Networking (20 credits)
- Complex Adaptive Systems (20 credits)
- Computer Graphics (20 credits)
- Computer Vision and Imaging (20 credits)
- Computer-Aided Verification (20 credits)
- Human-Computer Interaction (20 credits)
- Individual Study (20 credits)
- Intelligent Robotics (20 credits)
- Language and Cognition (20 credits)
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Data Analysis (20 credits)
- Programming Language Principles, Design and Implementation (20 credits)
- Security of Real-World Systems (20 credits)
- Teaching Computing in Schools (20 credits)
- Theoretical Foundations for Security (20 credits)
Year 4
In the final year modules from our range of Masters programmes will be open to you. You will also undertake a much more in-depth software project. Your choice of modules alongside your choice of project will allow you to specialise in a field such as Computer Security, Human Computer Interaction, Robotics or Natural Computation.
Core module
- Computer Science Masters Project (60 credits)
Optional modules
Choose 60 credits of optional modules, examples listed below:
- Advanced Networking (Extended) (20 credits)
- Complex Adaptive Systems (Extended) (20 credits)
- Computer-Aided Verification (Extended) (20 credits)
- Computer Graphics (Extended) (20 credits)
- Computer Vision and Imaging (Extended) (20 credits)
- Human-Computer Interaction (Extended) (20 credits)
- Individual Study (Extended) (20 credits)
- Intelligent Robotics (Extended) (20 credits)
- Language and Cognition (Extended) (20 credits)
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Data Analysis (Extended) (20 credits)
- Programming Language Principles, Design and Implementation (Extended) (20 credits)
- Security of Real-World Systems (Extended) (20 credits)
- Teaching Computer Science in Schools (Extended) (20 credits)
- Theoretical Foundations for Security (Extended) (20 credits)
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have one of the following:
- A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
- A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
- An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level
If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.
If you intend to become a Solicitor
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.
See further details of our English Language requirement
USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)
£8,500
International students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£13,100
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.
All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.
Our courses are especially designed, at every stage, to equip you with the knowledge, academic skill and transferable skills you need for a successful career in industry or research.
Graduates who have studied our courses:
Example employers:
- Accenture
- Goldman Sachs
- Honda
- HP
- IBM
- Logics
- Rolls Royce
- UBS
- QinetiQ
Example careers:
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Cloud Computing Engineer
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Systems Designer
- Lecturer/Teacher
- Applications Developer
Careers Network
We provide a wealth of opportunities to develop your career. From your first day at Newcastle to after you graduate, the Careers Network is here to help you identify and achieve your individual career aspirations through its wide range of services.
Our dedicated careers team brings you information, advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Careers advisers offer one-to-one advice appointments where you can discuss your career plans and explore your options. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.