Program Overview

Computing (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

The Computing (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) course is designed for students who already hold a Foundation Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in computing or a related field. This one-year course builds directly on existing knowledge, allowing students to gain a full UK honours degree while developing future-facing technical and project skills that employers value most.

Overview

The course combines team-based software projects with a personal, research-focused computing project, ensuring students graduate with both technical fluency and applied experience. Students can also choose one specialist module in topics such as Cloud Computing, Big Data, Machine Learning, or UX, allowing them to tailor their learning to their career interests.

Entry Requirements

• BTEC HND or Foundation degree or equivalent Diploma level qualifications with overall pass in a computing, business computing, IT or related subject area.
• International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component.

Fees and Funding

• UK Fee in Year 1: TBC
• International Fee in Year 1: £21,500
• Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study.

Modules

The following modules are indicative and may be subject to change:

• Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only)
• Big Data (Optional)
• Cloud Computing (Optional)
• Computing Group Project (Core)
• Data Security and Governance (Core)
• Experimental Design for Interactive Applications (Optional)
• Machine Learning (Optional)
• Contemporary Methods of Software Development (Core)
• Computing Project: Proposal (Core)
• Computing Project: Practical (Core)

Careers and Employability

Graduating from Northumbria with a BSc (Hons) in Computing prepares students for a wide range of technical and analytical roles across the tech sector. Typical roles for graduates include:

• Software Developer / Engineer
• Web and App Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Machine Learning Specialist
• IT Project Coordinator

Staff

Students will be taught by experienced academics and practitioner-educators with backgrounds in both computing research and industry application.

Facilities

The purpose-built £7m Computer and Information Sciences building provides modern facilities that support flexible, collaborative, and hands-on learning. The building includes dedicated computing spaces, teaching labs, and collaboration zones. Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course, with digital tools such as Claude for Education and Blackboard eLearning Portal. The University Library and Digital Commons offer quiet study spaces and areas for social and collaborative working.