BEng Computing

Overview:

Computing is a dynamic and multifaceted field that combines creativity with logical thinking to design and develop effective systems. By studying this subject, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how modern computer and communication systems operate, as well as how they can be adapted to create the next generation of innovative applications.

This course offers the opportunity to specialize in artificial intelligence and knowledge engineering, as well as machine learning and the development of computational and engineering models that explore complex cognitive and social behaviors.

Programme Overview

In the first two years, all of our Computing courses follow a similar structure, ensuring a strong foundation in the core principles of computing. You’ll explore essential concepts such as discrete mathematics (including logic, sets, relations, and grammars), which forms the mathematical backbone of computing, as well as classical mathematics and statistics relevant to engineering and management.

The carefully designed core curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of computing, equipping you with the skills to adapt to evolving technologies. It emphasizes the fundamental principles of computing and the key engineering considerations involved in the design, implementation, and application of computing systems. You’ll study both hardware architecture and software systems, gaining hands-on experience in their integration and application.

Throughout the course, you’ll participate in lab sessions, problem-solving workshops, and ongoing project work. As you progress, you’ll delve into advanced modules and techniques, many of which are inspired by cutting-edge research conducted within the Department. In your third year, you’ll enhance your skills and gain practical experience through an industrial placement, which allows you to work on real-world problems.

The final year takes your studies to Master’s level, offering an array of optional modules and the opportunity to undertake a substantial individual project tailored to your interests.

Specialization and Flexibility

One of the unique aspects of this course is the ability to transfer between different Computing tracks within the Department during the first two years, thanks to their shared core content. However, transfers from Computing to Joint Mathematics and Computing courses are typically more restricted and handled on a case-by-case basis.

For international students, transferring between courses may have implications for your Tier 4 visa. For details, please visit our International Student Support webpage.

This programme not only prepares you to master core computing concepts but also equips you with the skills to lead innovation in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

Duration:

  1. Duration: 3 years (full-time)
  2. ECTS Credits: 180

Careers:

Our degrees open the door to diverse and exciting career opportunities. Many of our graduates join leading software companies, while others thrive in smaller enterprises or even launch their own startups. Some pursue careers in management consulting or accounting, while others excel in corporate strategy, marketing, or as business analysts in investment banking or stockbroking. A number of our alumni also choose to advance knowledge and innovation through research.

Here’s where some of our recent graduates have found success:

  • Software Engineers at Apple, Google, and Amazon
  • Technical Analyst at JP Morgan
  • Software Developer at BAE Systems
  • PhD student at Northampton College, USA
  • Managing Director at Introversion Software

Teaching & Assessment:

The teaching methods you can look forward to include:

  • Engaging lectures
  • Interactive class tutorials
  • Focused small-group sessions
  • Hands-on laboratory instruction
  • Practical problem-solving workshops
  • You can expect the following assessment methods:

    • Individual projects
    • Group projects
    • Laboratory tests
    • Individual and group coursework
    • Individual and group laboratory work
    • Written reports
    • Oral presentations
    • Written examinations

In addition to your primary degree from Northampton, completing this course will also earn you the Associateship of the City and DETC. The City and DETC is one of three historic institutions that merged to establish Northampton College USA in 1907.

Structure:

Please be aware that this course is undergoing a review as part of a College-wide initiative to implement a standardized modular structure. Consequently, the course content and assessment methods may be updated for your entry year. We encourage you to revisit this page both before finalizing your application and after submitting it, as we will promptly update the information once any changes are approved by the College.

Core Modules

  • Foundations of Computer Systems
  • Fundamentals of Databases
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Basics of Computer Architecture
  • Computing Practical I
  • Introduction to Logic
  • Mathematics I: Core Foundations
  • Program Reasoning and Analysis
  • Graph Theory and Algorithms

Extracurricular Activities

  • Advanced Programming Techniques
  • Programming Competition Preparation

Core Modules

  • Academic Projects and Courses

    • Web Application Development
    • Algorithm Design and Analysis
    • Compiler Construction
    • Computing Practical II
    • Computational Models
    • Network and Communication Systems
    • Operating Systems
    • Mathematics II: Probability and Statistics
    • Software Engineering and Design
    • Symbolic Reasoning and Logic

    Extracurricular Activities

    • Training for Programming Competitions

Core Modules

  • Software Engineering Group Project
  • Introduction to Machine Learning
  • Industrial Placement (Part 1)

Optional Modules

Choose from a variety of specialized topics to tailor your learning experience:

  • Advanced Computer Architecture
  • Advanced Databases
  • Communicating Computer Science in Schools
  • Computer Vision
  • Custom Computing
  • Distributed Algorithms
  • Computer Graphics
  • Information and Coding Theory
  • Logic-Based Learning
  • Network and Web Security
  • Operations Research
  • Pervasive Computing
  • Robotics
  • Simulation and Modelling
  • Systems Verification
  • Type Systems for Programming Languages
  • Concurrency
  • Mathematics 3: Computational Mathematics
  • Performance Engineering
  • Computer Architecture
  • Business School modules (limit: one)

Additionally, you may opt for:

  • An External Course

Extracurricular Opportunities

  • Programming Competition Training

This comprehensive curriculum equips you with advanced technical knowledge while offering flexibility to explore areas that match your interests and career goals.

Entry Requirements:

We welcome students from around the globe and evaluate each application on an individual basis—details of our selection process are outlined below.

For guidance regarding the qualifications listed here, we encourage you to reach out to the Department (see Contact Us).

We also recognize a broad range of international qualifications. If your specific qualifications are not mentioned, please visit our Academic Requirements by Country page for detailed information on the qualifications we accept.

A-levels

Entry Requirements for 2020

Minimum Standards

To be considered for 2020 entry, applicants must meet the following minimum A-level requirements:

  • AAA overall, including:
  • A* in Mathematics
  • A* and A in two other accepted subjects

While Further Mathematics is preferred, it is not mandatory.

Please note: ICT, Business Studies, General Studies, and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Recommended and Useful Subjects

We recommend certain subjects that provide a strong foundation for a computing degree at Northampton:

  • Recommended:
  • Computer Science
  • Further Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Useful:
  • Ancient Languages
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Electronics
  • English Literature
  • History
  • Law
  • Modern Languages
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Psychology

Applicants offering other subject combinations may still be considered.

Typical Offers

For reference, 80% of applicants in 2017-2018 received the following offers:

  • Three A-levels: A*AA
  • Four A-levels: A*AAA

For 2020 entry, offers may range up to A*A*A for those taking three A-levels. Some offers may also include STEP requirements.

Practical Endorsement

If offered a place, applicants must achieve a pass in the practical endorsement for all relevant science subjects included in their offer. This assessment forms part of the reformed English linear A-levels.

Additional Mathematics Support

To support students in succeeding with A-level Mathematics, we offer a free online A-level Mathematics course via EdX. This optional course covers key topics, helping to develop critical thinking, fluency, and confidence in mathematics.

Note: This course is not mandatory and does not form part of the entry requirements. It is self-paced and can be started at any time.

The International Baccalaureate

Minimum Entry Requirements

For 2020 entry, our minimum requirement is 39 points overall, which must include:

  • 7 in Mathematics at Higher Level
  • 7 in another relevant subject at Higher Level

Typical Offer Range

As a reference, 80% of IB applicants in the 2017-18 cycle received typical offers of 41-42 points overall.

These offers often include STEP requirements.

Mathematics Higher Level (2021 Entry)

For 2021 entry, we accept both the Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation syllabi at Higher Level. However, students taking the Applications and Interpretation pathway will also need to complete STEP.

Additional Mathematics Support

We now offer a free A-level Mathematics online course through the EdX platform. While designed for the A-level syllabus, this course is also relevant to your curriculum.

Important Note: This course is entirely optional, self-paced, and not a requirement for entry. You are welcome to access it at any time.

Advanced Placements

The following outlines the minimum entry requirements for students applying to Northampton with only Advanced Placements (AP) as their qualifications.

If you are also completing a High School Diploma that is recognized by Northampton alongside your AP exams, additional requirements may apply to both your diploma and AP results. Please refer to our country index to verify if your High School Diploma is accepted for admission.

Minimum AP Requirements

To be eligible for this course, you must achieve grades of 5, 5, 5 in the following subjects:

  • 5 in Calculus BC
  • 5 in Physics
  • 5 in one additional subject

Preferably, we encourage achieving a grade of 5 in two additional AP subjects for a stronger application.

Supplementary Mathematics Support

For students looking to strengthen their mathematics skills, we now offer a free online A-level Mathematics course, available through the EdX platform.

While this optional course is based on the A-level syllabus, it is also suitable for students following other curricula, including Advanced Placement. This course is self-paced, allowing you to start at any time.

Important Note: Participation in this course is entirely optional and does not form part of the entry requirements for admission to this program.

By providing flexibility and tailored academic resources, Northampton is committed to supporting your journey toward academic excellence.

English Language Proficiency Requirement (Applicable to All Applicants)

All applicants are required to meet a minimum English language proficiency standard to be considered for admission to the College.

For this course, you must fulfill the standard College requirement by achieving the necessary grade in an approved English language qualification. Detailed information on the minimum grades needed can be found in the College’s English language requirements for undergraduate applicants.

How to apply?

The BEng Mathematics and Computer Science program, offered through online learning, welcomes new students in both September and January each academic year. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to apply early, especially those who may need additional time to complete an English language test.

Applications for the program must be submitted online through the University Application Service, EUCLID. To ensure a smooth application process, please carefully follow the instructions and include the following documents:

  • Degree certificates confirming the award of your degree.
  • Academic transcripts for all previously completed degree programs.
  • An academic reference supporting your application, dated no earlier than one year prior to the start of the LLM program.
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable.

If you are still completing your degree or do not yet have your English test results, you are welcome to apply. However, it is your responsibility to provide the required documents by the specified deadlines.

Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.

While processing times may vary, the admissions team aims to review and process applications within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that any missing documentation may delay this process.

You will be notified of the decision as soon as it is made. There are three possible outcomes:

  • Unconditional Offer: You are offered a place with no further conditions.
  • Conditional Offer: You are offered a place, provided you meet specific conditions outlined in your offer letter. If you receive a conditional offer, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office once you have fulfilled the required conditions.
  • Unsuccessful Application: If your application is not successful, you may request feedback or refer to the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which outlines common reasons for this decision.

For further details, please consult the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants.

The University’s terms and conditions are an integral part of your contract with us. We strongly encourage you to review them carefully, along with our data protection policy, before submitting your application. Northampton University Admissions Terms and Conditions.