Computer Science (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  During this one-year Computer Science Top-Up programme, you will further enhance your computing knowledge and skills by doing 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 show case your overall knowledge and skills learnt from the course.

   

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Media Technology (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3058

      Status: Compulsory
      Media Technology is an important aspect to Computer Science. This module will introduce a range of technologies relevant to modern multimedia systems. This includes computer graphics, digital image processing, online video streaming, immersive media, and other advanced applications. Student will develop audio-visual systems in a third generation computer language.
    • Modern Databases (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3059

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to study advanced/latest database topics. The module focuses primarily on NoSQL databases (e.g., graph and document databases), from designing and creating to querying the databases.
    • Advanced AI and Applications (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3060

      Status: Compulsory
      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 detection. The underpinning concepts will be introduced, followed by examples of how responsible and ethical artificial intelligence applications are developed and tested.
    • Cybersecurity and Applied Cryptography (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3062

      Status: Compulsory
      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 environment. Concepts introduced, and skills learnt, provide the necessary technical underpinning to enable the student to address the issues of effective Security.
    • Computing Project Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: CSY4022

      Status: Compulsory
      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 dissertation. An 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 way. Students on the BSc Business Computing may engage on a research centered project resulting in a report of analysis of an appropriate topic.

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• Entry Requirements

  The Admissions Policy for the Computer Science (Top-up) BSc programme is in accordance with the University’s Admissions; and Equality and Diversity policies; and seeks to recruit to the programme students from diverse educational and social backgrounds who could benefit from and motivation to complete the programme.

  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 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.

  English Language Requirements

  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.

   

  This Computing 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.

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 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: £15,500

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,500 per 20 credit module
  • International – Full Time: £14,500

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Student Perks

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your computing 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.

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Careers and Employability

Students on this computing 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 them to get back on track.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

• Computing MSc