Computer Science Professional Experience BSc drafted
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
| 2024-09-16 | - |
Program Overview
From driving cancer research forward to accurately predicting the weather, Computer Scientists are powering progress. In fact everything from social care to cybersecurity or even space travel, relies on the talents of Computer Science graduates. We would say the sky is the limit, but we’re already well beyond that!
A degree in Computer Science teaches you to approach technical problems creatively. It also gives you the information and understanding to find ground-breaking solutions to the world’s emerging problems. The course will also equip you with the practical skills to approach the specification, design, construction and use of computer systems.
In an ever changing technological climate, the Computer Science degree programme is constantly evolving to anticipate emerging digital breakthroughs. You will cover topics like machine learning, augmented reality and data analytics, but also receive a grounding in skills like hardware architecture, software engineering and simulation & modelling too.
Employer experience is paramount in this this course, from day one you will learn from prospective employers about ‘real world’ challenges. Industry placements, company sponsored hackathons and project based learning form a core part of the curriculum and vastly improve our graduate employability rates.
Computer Science Professional Experience Degree highlights
Ranked in the top 175 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)
Industry Links
Internationally Renowned Experts
Student Experience
part-time work during the academic year, plus the opportunity of a permanent position on graduation.
(For further information on these and other scholarships available, see the School Website.)
http://www.qub.ac.uk/eeecs
Georgia Clarke (BSc Computer Science with Year of Professional Placement)
Attraction to QUB
What attracted me to QUB in the first place was the fact that a Russell Group University was so close to home. Before coming to QUB I attended many of their open days, hearing from computer science students who were happy enough to answer all of the burning questions I had on what it was like doing computer science at QUB, it was very informative and allowed me to confidently decide that QUB was the university I wanted to go to for furthering my education.
Positive Experience during studies
What particularly was a positive experience during my studies so far has been the help received throughout my time at QUB. As someone who had no prior experience in programming, my modules taught from a point of view where it was assumed that there was no prior knowledge of programming, which was perfect for me and everyone else who might’ve had no prior experience.
Placement
As a second-year student I managed to secure my placement in November 2020 as a Technical Specialist Intern at Microsoft, Dublin, to take place from September 2021 to September 2022.
Engaging in extracurricular activities
I have previously been a member of the Queen’s Computing Society, which would hold events such as weekly “Tech-Talks”, hackathons and sometimes even game nights. Since Covid-19 has had an impact on many extracurricular activities, activities such as these have now been made remote. Although I have also been involved in AWS Educate this year to expand on my knowledge of cloud computing, which also allows me to learn at my own pace.
One piece of advice to potential EEECS applicants
One piece of advice I would give to someone looking to study at EEECS would be to just go for it! Not only is there a big job market for the IT sector, but there is a push for more women to occupy more jobs in this sector, with many opportunities, such as scholarships, being offered through QUB exclusively for female students within the school of EEECS.
Going forward
Going forward, I hope to utilize my degree not only in the world of technology but also in the world of business. In pursuing a degree such as computer science, it does not only limit you to jobs in just computers (i.e. software and/or hardware engineering), but also to jobs involving mostly computers.
If you had a time machine, and could go back to your first day at Queen’s, what would you do differently? (If anything!)
If I had a time machine to go back to my first day at QUB, I would’ve tried to have acquainted myself with many more people on my course. Seeing as there are so many EEECS students who share the same modules, particularly in first year, people you meet on the first few days of your course will most likely make continuous appearances in most of your classes! This will help you when it comes to teamworking skills and group assignments – so reach out!
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Course content
Program Outline
Course Structure
| Introduction |
These degrees aim to teach the fundamental principles of Computer Science, together with the necessary skills, tools and techniques to enable our graduates to embark on careers as professional software engineers, or to become suitably qualified to undertake research in Computer Science. As with all of our courses, industrial engagement forms an integral part, balancing academic theory with practical learning.
Single Honours BEng/BSc students spend a year on a paid, full-time placement - the School has links with over 500 local, national and international employers, eg BT, Liberty IT, Asidua, Kainos (Belfast), IBM (England), Microsoft, Sun Microsystems (Dublin), Fujitsu (Japan) and Siemens (Germany), and students are assisted in obtaining placements.
The programme contains the following themes which may change due to the nature of the IT Industry and keeping up with industrial trends: |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 |
Reasoning for Problem Solving
Introduction to Software Engineering Foundations of Computing Systems |
| Stage 2 |
Professional Computing Practice
Architecture and Networks Theory of Computation Software Development Information Modelling Data Structures, Algorithms and Programming Languages |
| Stage 3 | Placement Year |
| Stage 4 | Computer Science Project |
| Stage 4 Optional Courses |
Areas may include:-
Formal Methods Artificial Intelligence Concurrent Programming Intelligent Information System Agile & Component Based Development using NET Information System Security Advanced Computer Architecture |
People teaching you
EEECS
E: eeecs@qub.ac.uk T: +44 (0)28 9097 4669
Contact Teaching Times
| Personal Study |
24 (hours maximum)
22-24 hours where we expect students to spend time on completing assignments, working on projects (individual or group), preparing for practical classes, alongside studying and reviewing taught material. |
|---|---|
| Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial |
6 (hours maximum)
6 hours of practical classes, workshops or tutorials each week |
| Large Group Teaching |
9 (hours maximum)
9 hours of lectures |
Learning and Teaching
The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies, Electronics, Communications and Information Technology and Sonic Arts. A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in the field.
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the BEng in Computer Science we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Additional Information
Students have access to a wide range of computers in world class laboratories (equipped with several hundred PCs) and specialised software packages. Networks link the School and university computers to powerful machines in Great Britain.
E-Learning technologies
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is called CANVAS and may be associated with communication relating to lectures and assignments. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.
Lectures
Introduce information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
Peer Mentoring
Queen’s runs a peer mentoring scheme for Computing students – a group of students from all year groups (except first year) are trained to provide support for the 1st year students, in terms of offering advice and guidance, organising social events etc. The School has an active body of EEECS Student Mental Health Ambassadors. The School also has a Computing Society (QCS – Queen’s Computing Society) who organise a range of activities, including social events and more formal activities such as industry lectures, for all Computing students. Charity games evenings are open to all computing students in the School.
Personal Tutor
Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.
Practicals
Where you will have significant opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. Comprehensive demonstrator support is provided.
Projects and teamwork
A number of modules throughout the degree will use supervised projects as a means of enabling you to put your technical understanding into practice. The extensive use of team based projects will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills widely used by employers. In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you.
Self-directed study
This is a vital part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Work placements
A student taking this programme is required to spend a year gaining professional experience in industry in a paid full-time post. Students are helped to obtain suitable places and the School has excellent links with over 500 local, national and international employers such as Microsoft, Liberty IT, Kainos, IBM,Deloitte, BT, Citi Group, SAP and Dell.
Assessment
Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
Feedback
As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
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Overview
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Modules
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Core Modules
Introduction to Computer Architecture
(20 credits)Databases
(20 credits)Fundamentals of Maths for Computing
(20 credits)Optional Modules
Introduction to Cyber Security
(20 credits)Programming
(20 credits)Software Design Principles
(20 credits)Web Technologies
(20 credits)Object Oriented Programming
(20 credits)Computer Science Challenges
(20 credits)Procedural Programming
(20 credits)Core Modules
Professional and Transferrable Skills
(20 credits)Data Structures and Algorithms
(20 credits)Theory of Computation
(20 credits)Software Engineering and Systems Development
(40 credits)Optional Modules
Networks and Protocols
(20 credits)Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
(20 credits)Systems Security and Cryptography
(20 credits)Core Modules
Year of Professional Experience
(120 credits)Core Modules
Computer Science Project
(40 credits)Optional Modules
Network Security
(20 credits)Deep Learning
(20 credits)Malware Analysis
(20 credits)Video Analytics and Machine Learning
(20 credits)Advanced Computer Architecture
(20 credits)Formal Methods
(20 credits)Software Testing
(20 credits)Concurrent Programming
(20 credits)PREV
Course content
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Entry Requirements
Career Prospects
Introduction
Studying for a Computer Science degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by employers (local, national and international).
Consultations
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Liberty IT and Asidua who provide sponsorship for our Computer Science degree as well as Citi and Kainos who are members of the employer liaison panel for the course.
Employer Links
The School has links with over 500 IT companies both here and abroad. We benefit from the fact that there are more software companies located in N Ireland than any other part of the UK, outside of London. This offers benefits on many levels for our students, from industrial input to the content of our courses, through to year long and summer placements as well as activities such as competitions organised by the companies etc.
You should also take a look at www.prospects.ac.uk for further information concerning the types of jobs that attract Computer Science Graduates.
Further study is also an option open to Computer Science graduates. Students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics, see the School website www.qub.ac.uk/eeecs for more information.
Northern Ireland has an excellent international reputation for the quality and supply of its software engineers. Indeed many companies, both national and international, have opted for Northern Ireland as a base for their computing divisions in recognition of the high quality of graduates produced by the local universities.
Given this situation, it is not surprising that our graduates have had unparalleled job opportunities over the years, both locally and internationally. Because of the achievements of Queen's graduates already in the software engineering profession, a Computer Science degree from Queen's is a highly respected qualification. A good Honours degree in Computer Science from Queen's is of great benefit in seeking the best jobs.
Employers, from large multinational firms to small local organisations, actively target our students, recognising that Queen's Computer Science graduates are equipped with the skills they need. On graduating the majority of graduates take up posts associated with software design and implementation. Opportunities exist in fields as diverse as finance, games, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, research, consumer products, and public services - virtually all areas of business. Some of the employers include BT, Liberty IT, Kainos, Accenture, Citi, Wombat Financial Software.
The types of career open to Computer Science graduates include: Software Engineer; Systems Analyst; Web Designer; Games Developer; Systems Developer; IT Consultant; Project Manager.
www.prospects.ac.uk
What employers say
“Every year, Liberty IT employs about 20 placement students, many of whom come from Queen’s. The standard of these students is very high, which is evidenced by the conversion rate to Graduate Software Engineers within the company once they graduate – this year it was 100%.”
Liberty IT
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Entry requirements
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Fees and Funding
