James Xue
Senior Lecturer - Computing
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Computer Science (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)
Key Facts
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UCAS Code
BSc (Top-Up): I102
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Duration
Full Time: 1 year
Part Time: 2 years
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Full Time: £9,535
Part Time: £1,585 (per 20 credits) -
Full Time: £17,000
Updated 20/11/2025
Updated 20/11/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
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.
What You'll Learn
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.
Compulsory Modules
Media Technology is an important aspect to Computer ScienceThis module will introduce a range of technologies relevant to modern multimedia systemsThis includes computer graphics, digital image processing, online video streaming, immersive media, and other advanced applicationsStudent will develop audio-visual systems in a third generation computer language.
The purpose of this module is to study advanced/latest database topicsThe module focuses primarily on NoSQL databases (e.g., graph and document databases), from designing and creating to querying the databases.
The purpose of this module is to: teach students the fundamental theories and practical applications of advanced artificial intelligence techniques including artificial neural networks, image classification and object detectionThe underpinning concepts will be introduced, followed by examples of how responsible and ethical artificial intelligence applications are developed and tested.
This module provides students with the necessary practical skills and theoretical understanding of the technologies used to secure communications and protect the privacy of users within an online environmentConcepts introduced, and skills learnt, provide the necessary technical underpinning to enable the student to address the issues of effective Security.
This project module provides the opportunity for the student to undertake independent research, development, and self-management of a Computing related project leading to completing a dissertationAn essential outcome for this module is that the student s project deliverable includes the design and development of a system, or a software application, or a novel functional approach that relates to the main areas of student study, and that can be used, applied or demonstrated in some wayStudents on the BSc Business Computing may engage on a research centered project resulting in a report of analysis of an appropriate topic.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
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
- UK – Full Time: £9,535
- UK – Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
- International – Full Time: £17,000
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK 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.
There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2025. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.
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
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.
