Computing Science BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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Computing Science - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Computing@Ulster - empowering the graduates of tomorrow through excellence in teaching, research and technology transfer.

Summary

The overall aim of the course is to offer a broadly-based education in computing science, attractive to those seeking to understand the fundamentals of computing and its application to novel application areas. A graduate would be equipped with skills to problem solve and be employed in a software development team in the software industry or a commercial IT department.

You will study the theory and principles of programming and software development and put them into practice using a variety of contemporary programming languages and tools.

You will develop programming expertise in a variety of languages, for example, Python and Java. You will examine areas such as Information Infrastructures, Professional Skills, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Physical Computing and Web Development. You will also be able to select modules which align with state-of-the-art research or showcase current advances in computing such as Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise Networks, Edge and Embedded Intelligence and Computer Vision.

Given the variety of applications of computing, as a graduate of this course, you will have access to a variety of jobs, for example, programmer, software developer, test engineer or IT analyst.

Award

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

School

School of Computing

Campus

Belfast campus

UCAS code

G400

Start date

September 2026

Duration

4 years

Attendance

This course lasts four years and includes a Professional Practice year or study abroad option.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course is delivered using several teaching and learning methods including Lectures, Tutorials and Practical Laboratory Sessions.

Lectures are used to present and illustrate basic theory and fundamental principles and are normally supplemented by tutorials which elaborate on lecture content and provide opportunities for the student to use their problem-solving skill and to examine problem solutions in greater detail.

Practical Laboratory Classes enable the practical application of theoretical concepts, facilitating a deeper understanding of key topics. In programming laboratories, there is an emphasis on small group tutoring and support.

Modules are assessed through a wide variety of methods including class tests, individual and collaborative coursework assignments, project dissertations, oral presentations, vodcasts and video demonstrations. A common assessment pattern in modules is a first piece of assessment which seeks to ensure the acquisition of core knowledge as preparation for a more substantive practical skills assessment.

Academic profile

The teaching and support of the programme is provided by the academic staff in the School of Computing.

Academic staff in the School are qualified to teach in higher education with most of them holding at least a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice. The majority of academic staff in the School (80%) are accredited fellows or senior fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) – the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Within the School of Computing courses are taught by staff who are Professors (20%), Readers/Senior Lecturers (29%) and Lecturers (51%). Graduate Demonstrators and contract research staff support the academic staff who teach on the course in laboratory classes and programming clinics across all the years in the course including final year project support.

Modules

Year one

• Introduction to Databases
• Client Side Development
• Mathematics for Computer Scientists
• Introduction to Physical Computing
• Problem Solving for Computing
• Innovation and Society

Year two

• Computer Networking
• Data Analytics
• Systems Security
• Programming in Practice
• Server Side Development
• Software Product and Process Management

Year three

• International Academic Studies (optional)
• Professional Practice - Computing (optional)

Year four

• Full-Stack Strategies and Development
• Computing Project
• Cloud Native Development
• Enterprise Networks (optional)
• Computer Vision & AI (optional)
• Edge and Embedded Intelligence (optional)
• Social, Sustainable and Ethical Computing (optional)

Standard entry conditions

• A level: BBB or BBC requiring an A Level Grade B in one of Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Software Systems Development, Computing or Computer Science (not IT/ICT).
• Applied General Qualifications: Award profile of DDM
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
• Scottish Highers: Grades BBBCC. All subject areas considered.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades CCC. All subject areas considered.
• International Baccalaureate: Overall profile is minimum 26 points to include 13 at Higher Level to include Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language.
• Access to Higher Education (HE): Overall profile of 65% to include a Pass in NICATS Maths (level 2) or a Pass in Introductory Maths for Computing (level 2) or GCSE Mathematics grade C (or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University) for entry to year 1 (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course).
• GCSE: For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).

English Language Requirements

• Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Additional Entry Requirements

• HNC Year 1 Entry: Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 90 Level 4 credits at Distinction for year 1 entry. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
• HND Year 1 Entry: Pass HND in an subject area. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
• HND Year 2 Entry: HND applicants may be considered for year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches the Ulster University full-time year 1 course. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
• Foundation Degree Year 2 Entry: Pass in Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 55%, and minimum 55% in all taught level 5 modules. To include GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.

Careers & opportunities

• Graduate employers: British Telecom, Citi Group, Cybersource, Deloitte, First Derivative, Kainos, Liberty IT
• Job roles: Programmer, Automated Test Engineer, Software Developer, Technology Consultant, Web Developer, Computer analyst, Data Analyst
• Career options: As a graduate with skills in Computing Science, you will have many careers opportunities available to you in a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations developing new software, as data scientist/analyst, project managers, systems analysts in planning and technical management, or information management and database environments.

Professional Recognition

• Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
• Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

Fees and funding

• Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.
• Scholarships, awards and prizes are available each year to reflect individual academic excellence in specific areas of study or across year groups.