Computer Science BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Our Computer Science BSc (Hons) degree gives you the opportunity to explore different ideas and develop innovative solutions to current issues in the computing industry. This three-year Computer Science degree will give you an insight into the computing industry, investigating the wide-reaching influences that computers and computing technology have on the world. Studying this course will also contribute towards helping you find your ideal path for a career in Computing.

  Networking Opportunities

  You will have the opportunity to attend seminars, workshops and conferences with guest speakers and presenters from the local, national and international industries. This is a great opportunity for the students to meet and work with colleagues from different year groups but also with professionals with several years experience in the industry.

  Year 1

  During the first year of this computer science degree, you will study common computer science modules such as Computer Systems, Software Engineering Fundamentals, Mathematics for Computer Science, Web Development, Problem Solving & Programming. These will help you build a foundation for more advanced topics in subsequent years.

  Year 2

  In the second year, you will continue your journey with the core computer science modules such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Object-oriented programming, Web development,  Relational Databases, etc. There will also be a group project where you will be a part of a small team to design and implement a solution of decent quality for a given task. This will help you develop not only technical skills but also key soft skills such as teamwork, effective communication, leadership, etc.

  Year 3

  In the final year of this computer science degree, you will further enhance your Computer Science knowledge/skills by doing high-level modules such as Advanced AI and Applications, Modern Databases, Cyber Security and Applied Cryptography, and Media Technology. You are also expected to complete an independent dissertation on a topic of your choice in the field of Computer Science (with some guidance from an assigned supervisor). This benchmarking module will allow you to showcase your overall knowledge/skills learnt from the course.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Problem Solving and Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1020

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to: introduce students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to solve problems in computing; to develop essential skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a computer program; introduce principles underlying the design of a high level programming language (HLPL); gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL to implement algorithms; implement HLPL programs using an appropriate programming language e.g. Java; introduce an object-oriented language initially as a non-object language.
    • Mathematics for Computer Science (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1060

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces a set of mathematical topics, which include binary number system, logic circuits, linear systems, graph theory, probability and statistics, that are widely studied by those learning computing sciences. The module equips students with fundamental mathematical skills which underpin a range of computing disciplines.
    • Computer Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1061

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides knowledge of the hardware and software components that make up a computer system and overview the important concepts in preparation for future study of computer science.
    • Computer Communications (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1062

      Status: Compulsory
      This module develops student?s understanding of the principles of communication networks and how to classify the various network devices in the appropriate layer of the protocol stack. Students will learn how to manage IP addresses in a small network and will develop confidence in using network simulation software.
    • Web Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1063

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of client side web technologies. This module provides students with: the essential knowledge and practical skills to design, develop and implement a Web site to contemporary web standard
    • Software Engineering Fundamentals (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1064

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop student's experience with the multiple stages of software engineering life-cycles from initial need and requirements identification through to the design and implementation of code in order to develop confidence in the use of terminology and techniques for each of the stages.
  • Stage 2
    • Relational Databases (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2080

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to understand and apply the principles of database integrity to implement and utilise efficient databases. RD is a practical module that employs data modelling and SQL techniques to design, define and manipulate data.
    • Data Structures and Algorithms (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2087

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with a conceptual understanding of common data structures and algorithms used in Computer Science and Software Engineering. It enables students to implement and evaluate a selection of algorithms and abstract data types, including linked lists, stacks, queues, graphs and binary trees using an object-oriented language.
    • Group Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2088

      Status: Compulsory
      The module is designed to develop higher-order intellectual skills (problem-solving) and appropriate personal qualities including team working. Each group will develop and document effective, robust and high-quality computing systems to a professional standard in response to a supplied specification of requirements.
    • Web Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2089

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of the concepts and technologies of web based server side technologies; teach students to use up-to-date programming techniques to design and develop coherent server side software for websites with a focus on security, functionality and usability.
    • Operating Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2092

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is designed to give an understanding of the theory, application, structure and design principles of operating systems. This module requires a significant practical element delivered as formal laboratory sessions.
    • Systems Design and Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2094

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to extend and apply system design and development to large scale systems; explore building GUIs so that the idea of specifying general software components and implementing re-usable classes will become familiar; provide tools and skills which the student will require when encountering design projects.
  • Stage 3
    • Media Technology (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3058

      Status: Compulsory
      Media Technology is an important aspect to Computer Science. This module will introduce a range of technologies relevant to modern multimedia systems. This includes computer graphics, digital image processing, online video streaming, immersive media, and other advanced applications. Student will develop audio-visual systems in a third generation computer language.
    • Modern Databases (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3059

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to study advanced/latest database topics. The module focuses primarily on NoSQL databases (e.g., graph and document databases), from designing and creating to querying the databases.
    • Advanced AI and Applications (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3060

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to: teach students the fundamental theories and practical applications of advanced artificial intelligence techniques including artificial neural networks, image classification and object detection. The underpinning concepts will be introduced, followed by examples of how responsible and ethical artificial intelligence applications are developed and tested.
    • Cybersecurity and Applied Cryptography (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3062

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with the necessary practical skills and theoretical understanding of the technologies used to secure communications and protect the privacy of users within an online environment. Concepts introduced, and skills learnt, provide the necessary technical underpinning to enable the student to address the issues of effective Security.
    • Computing Project Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: CSY4022

      Status: Compulsory
      This project module provides the opportunity for the student to undertake independent research, development, and self-management of a Computing related project leading to completing a dissertation. An essential outcome for this module is that the student?s project deliverable includes the design and development of a system, or a software application, or a novel functional approach that relates to the main areas of student study, and that can be used, applied or demonstrated in some way. Students on the BSc Business Computing may engage on a research centered project resulting in a report of analysis of an appropriate topic.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Computer Science degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study, you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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