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level: UG top_up: true international: true clearing: false full_time: true part_time: true start_month: September location: Waterside

Computer Science (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

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Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    BSc (Top-Up): I102

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG BSc (Hons)

  • Duration

    Full Time: 1 year
    Part Time: 2 years

  • Starting

    September

Updated 11/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 11/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The University of Northampton’s Computer Science Top-up degree enables students with a Level 5 (or equivalent) computing related qualification (e.g. HND, Foundation degree) to acquire further knowledge and skills in the field of computer science through engaging with key principles and theories. You will develop extra practical computing skills across a broad range of topics within computer science, applying these in the creation of tools and systems to solve real world problems.

Highlights

  • Coverage of fundamental principles of computer science with plenty of practical applications.
  • A state-of-the-art computer lab for teaching and learning for the Computer Science top up course
  • Student support initiative
  • We support you to achieve your career in Computer Science with the Northampton Employment Promise.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must have successfully completed either:

  • A BTEC HND Level 5 Diploma in Computer Science or computing related subject,

OR

  • A Foundation Degree in Computer Science or computing related subject

OR

  • Other UK level 5 equivalent qualification in Computer Science or computing related subject

In addition to the University’s General Requirements for Entry applicants should have a merit or higher for their level 5 qualifications in computing related subjects.

Receiving an offer for the Computer Science BSc top up degree may also be subject to qualifications and standard entry requirements.

  • This Computer Science Top-Up degree is highly technical, therefore there is a general expectation that applicants have good computing knowledge and skills (e.g., high level programming) from previous studies to be able to successfully complete this programme.

    The Admissions Policy for the Computer Science Top up BSc programme is in accordance with the University of Northampton’s Admissions; and Equality and Diversity policies; and seeks to recruit to the Top-Up Computer Science degree students from diverse educational and social backgrounds who could benefit from and motivation to complete the programme.

    Receiving an offer for the Computer Science BSc top up degree may also be subject to qualifications and standard entry requirements.

    For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

    If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  • All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
      for study at undergraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • During this one-year Top-Up Computer Science degree programme, you will further enhance your Computer Science knowledge and skills by undertaking 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 and skills learnt from the course.

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

     

    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.

  • Whatever your ambitions, the University of Northampton are here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your Computer Science Top-Up degree, 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.

  • How will I be taught?

    The teaching methods differ according to the modules and topics. Generally, each module consists of four hours contact time per week, with 1-2 hours dedicated to lectures on the topics and the remaining time allocated for supported practical lab sessions. Additionally, some modules include pre-recorded videos to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

    How will I be assessed?

    This course utilises various assessment formats, such as assignments, time-constrained assessments (TCAs), presentations, group work, technical report/essay writing, and dissertation.

    How often will I attend university?

    Students typically attend teaching sessions 2-3 days per week, depending on their academic timetable, which may vary slightly each year.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted for the Computer Science top up course relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,535*
  • UK – Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
  • International – Full Time: £17,000

* The 2025/26 annual tuition fee for undergraduate courses has not yet been confirmed by the Department for Education but is expected to be £9,535 for year one. UON will adjust fees annually in line with government policy.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted for the Computer Science top up course relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • International – Full Time: £16,500

Staff

James Xue, Senior Lecturer - Computing

Senior Lecturer - Computing
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

James Xue

Careers and Employability

Students on this Computer Science Top-Up degree will benefit from our excellent links to the computing industry (e.g., Barclaycard, GE) and other organisations such as BCS, IEEE, CISCO Network Academy, etc. We are confident that our students, upon successful completion of this programme, will be able to find a graduate level job; otherwise our Northampton Employment Promise will secure a three–six month paid internship for you to get back on track.

Master’s Opportunities

Our master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on master’s fees to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

Is this course for you?

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