Computer Science

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nottingham.ac.uk/computerscience
Undergraduate guide 2019
 Contents Top 10 Gain
computer experience
science in industry
Contents department
Welcome2
Why study with us? 4
in the UK for
Our courses 5 research power*
* Research Excellence Framework, 2014.
Study abroad 12
Industry placement 13
How will I study? 14 Benefit from Dedicated
Careers and employability
How do I apply?
16
18
up-to-date computer
Experience it 19 software labs

Design 2nd in
and create the UK
the systems for research
of the future environment*
* Research Excellence Framework, 2014.

Understand Based on Jubilee Campus,

Opportunities and program beautifully designed
to study today’s with striking buildings,
innovative green
abroad computer technology and
2
technology plenty of open spaces 3
 Why study with us? Our courses

Studying computer science Our courses

at Nottingham Degree title UCAS code Duration A levels IB
Single honours
Computer science is about Investments in the school BSc Computer Science G400 3 years AAA-AAB* 34-32***
representing, transforming, Along with access to university-wide facilities,
MSci Computer Science G404 4 years AAA-AAB* 34-32***
computer science students will have exclusive
analysing and distributing access to the following: BSc Computer Science with Year in Industry G407 4 years AAA-AAB* 34-32***
information. In the modern world 24-hour access to dedicated computer labs
MSci Computer Science including G406 4 years AAA-AAB* 34-32***
this data is everywhere, it comes with regularly updated hardware
International Year
from many different sources and study space for group work in labs and
common areas as well as private study areas BSc Computer Science with Artificial G4G7 3 years AAA-AAB* 34-32***
can be used in a variety of ways. a pool of Linux workstations and remote Intelligence
access to Linux (SuSE/CentOS) servers MSci Computer Science with Artificial G4G1 4 years AAA-AAB* 34-32***
If you want to understand how to program virtual servers for teaching and projects in a Intelligence
today’s computers, and to design and implement high availability cluster
the systems of the future, whether they are a BSc Computer Science with Artificial G4GB 4 years AAA-AAB* 34-32***
MSDN® access for registered students
traditional computer system, a smartphone Intelligence with Year in Industry
external remote full desktop access to the
or something completely new, then computer MSci Computer Science with Artificial G4GA 4 years AAA-AAB* 34-32***
computer science teaching environment from
science at Nottingham is for you. Intelligence including International Year
personal mobile and desktop devices
Research excellence Prior programming experience BSc Data Science I260 3 years AAA** 36****
Computer science is a subject that changes at
What we are looking for when you apply for * Plus 5 GCSE’s at grade 5 (B), AAB if A levels include A in computer science.
such speed. Being taught by staff who carry out ** Including A in maths or A*AB (with A* in maths) or AAB (with A in maths) if this also includes an A level in computer
computer science is an enthusiasm for the
research means your knowledge is up to date science.
subject and evidence of why you would do well. *** Including 5 in Standard or Higher Level mathematics or GCSE maths, 5 (B) or above.
and relevant, and that you learn from people who
Programming experience is not compulsory for **** Including 6 in maths at Higher Level.
are genuinely excited about what they teach.
entry to any of our courses as our first year is
You might find yourself working on world-leading
designed to bring all our students to the same
research for your third or fourth-year project, Foundation courses Academic English preparation
level of knowledge and skill.
or they may inspire you to carry out your own Applicants who are not eligible for direct If you require additional support to take your
research at postgraduate level. entry to undergraduate study may be able to language skills to the required level, you may
apply for a foundation course. Find out more be able to attend a presessional course at the
at nottingham.ac.uk/foundationcourses Centre for English Language Education, which is
accredited by the British Council for the teaching
English language requirements of English in the UK.
IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element).
Our course curriculum has been For details of other English language tests Students who successfully complete the
and qualifications we accept, please see presessional course to the required level can
designed to be compliant with the
nottingham.ac.uk/go/alternativerequirements progress onto their chosen degree course
Association for Computing Machinery
without retaking IELTS or equivalent.
(ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and
Find out more at nottingham.ac.uk/cele
Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

4 nottingham.ac.uk/computerscience nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/computerscience 5
 Our courses

BSc | MSci Computer Science

Our computer science courses Year two Typical modules
provide you with a thorough In year two you will take part in a software
Year one Year two Year three Year four
engineering group project. At the same time
understanding of core topics you will study programming and the underlying (MSci only)
in computer science – both theory of computation in greater depth and meet Core Core Core Core
new topics, such as networks and the design of
theoretical and practical, a wide large scale systems.
Programming and Algorithms and Individual Either:
Algorithms Data Structures Dissertation Single
range of technical and analytical Computer Software Honours
MSci Individual
Research Project
skills. You will also gain hands on Year three Fundamentals Engineering Professional Ethics or:
In year three you will undertake modules in
experience with the numerous Computer Security and Professional Ethics
Systems and Group Project in Computing MSci Group
Architecture Operating Systems
and fascinating applications of in Computing. There will be a wide range of
and Concurrency
Optional Programming
Mathematics for Project
computer science including web specialised optional modules you can select,
Computer Scientists Machines and
Computability
MSci Individual
including an individual research project. Computer Security
and mobile applications, games, Database and their Languages
Mobile Device
Programming
social networks, and artificial Year four (MSci students) Interfaces Software
Programming
Project
Introduction Application
intelligence. If you opt for the four-year MSci course, you
will engage with cutting-edge research and to Software Development Software Quality Optional
Engineering Management Advanced
professional software development allowing you  ptional
O
Year one to participate in the developments in the field. Programming
Graphical User
Knowledge Algorithms and
Data Structures
You will learn the key concepts and tools Paradigms Representation and
Our BSc and MSci Computer Science courses are Interfaces Reasoning Mixed Reality
underpinning modern computer science. Fundamentals
You will learn how to program in C, Java accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) Advanced Machine Learning Technologies
of Artificial
and Haskell, and study the architecture as fully meeting the educational requirement for Functional Collaboration and Games
Intelligence
and applications of computer systems. Chartered IT Professional registration. The BSc Programming Communication Simulation for
courses are also accredited as partially meeting Introduction to Technologies Decision Support
the educational requirement for Chartered Formal Reasoning Computer Graphics Designing
Engineer registration. Introduction to Intelligent Agents
Autonomous
Image Processing Robotic Systems Advanced
Planning and Search Fuzzy Sets and Computer
C++ Programming Fuzzy Logic Communications
Human Computer Systems Mobile Device
Interaction Development Programming
 T
 he teaching style in first year allows for everyone,
Experience Operations
regardless of prior experience, to reach the same level
Industrial Research and
by the second year, where it is more focused towards
Experience Modelling
specialisation. Overall, my first year was an interesting
and amazing experience as it was the first time I had Schools Experience Design Ethnography
ever been exposed to programming at university level. Computer Vision
Stephen Sowole, BSc Computer Science Selected Topics
in Artificial
Intelligence

Modules may change, for example due to curriculum developments. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we
6 nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/computerscience offer, not a definitive list. The most up to date information can be found on our website at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/ 7
computerscience
 Our courses

BSc | MSci Computer Science

with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has truly Year three Typical modules
started having a defining effect You will undertake core modules in computer
Year one Year two Year three Year four
security and professional ethics in computing.
on society, underpinning a You will have a wide range of specialised (MSci only)
number of technologies such optional modules to choose from including Core Core Core Modules include:
an individual research project.
as social networks, games and Programming and Software Professional Ethics Advanced
Algorithms Engineering Group in Computing Computer
self-driving cars. Year four (MSci students) Computer Project Software Networks
The four-year MSci is more advanced and designed Fundamentals Algorithm Specification Advanced
This course takes the standard computer science to produce high-quality graduates who show
degree and focuses on subjects which explore Systems and Correctness and Algorithms and
independent thought, flexibility and maturity, Efficiency Optional Data Structure
these ideas. You will learn about robotics, machine Architecture
and who command a sound technical knowledge Automated
learning, computer vision, neural networks, and the Mathematics for Operating Systems Design Ethnography
of computer science and artificial intelligence. Decision Support
history and future of this exciting subject. Computer Scientists and Concurrency Mathematical
You will also be exposed to research‑level topics, Methodologies
particularly in artificial intelligence, that will Databases and Languages and Foundations of
Year one allow you to appreciate, and participate in, future Interfaces Computation Autonomous
Robotic Systems
Programming
You will be introduced to the key concepts and developments in the field. Software Software Simulation and
Maintenance Collaboration and Optimisation for
tools underpinning modern computer science Engineering
Our BSc and MSci Computer Science with Communication Decision Support
with artificial intelligence. You will learn how Programming
Artificial Intelligence courses are accredited by the  ptional
O Technologies
to program in Java, study the architecture and Paradigms Autonomous
applications of computer systems and will be British Computer Society (BCS) as fully meeting Introduction to Computability Robotic Systems
the educational requirement for Chartered IT Fundamentals Image Processing
introduced to the areas of artificial intelligence Computer Graphics Mixed Reality
Professional registration. The BSc courses are also of Artificial
that you will focus on in later years. Advanced Knowledge Technologies
accredited as partially meeting the educational Intelligence
Functional Representation and Data Modelling
Year two requirement for Chartered Engineer registration. Programming Reasoning and Analysis
In year two, you will take part in the Software C++ Programming Machine Learning Foundations of
Engineering Group Project, as well as being Introduction to Software Quality Programming
introduced to more programming languages, Human Computer Metrics Mini-Project
and Artificial Intelligence Methods. Interaction Individual Games
Software Dissertation Software
Specification Designing Engineering
Artificial Intelligent Agents Management
  his course has granted me the opportunity to develop
T
Intelligence Computer Vision
applications and systems that not only have real world Linear and Discrete
Methods
applications, but that rival the existing technologies in Compilers Optimisation
the field. The ability to specify what I want to build, and Distributed Systems
Mobile Device
how I want to build it has allowed me a vast range of Programming
creative freedom within the work that I do. Fundamentals
Richard Davies, Computer Science of Information
with Artificial Intelligence Visualisation
Modules may change, for example due to curriculum developments. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we
8 nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/computerscience offer, not a definitive list. The most up to date information can be found on our website at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/ 9
computerscience
 Our courses

BSc Data Science

Data science is a rapidly growing Year one
discipline which is already The first year covers the foundations of the
course incorporating both computer science
redefining the world around us. and mathematics. Typical modules
This BSc provides you with a Year one Year two Year three
comprehensive mathematical Year two
The second year expands on these foundations Core Core Core
background and the computer and focuses on methods for gaining insights from Computer Algorithms, Correctness and Efficiency Machine Learning
science skills needed to be at the data. We offer opportunities for specialisation Fundamentals  Introduction to Scientific Computation Optimisation
through optional modules, including topics in Databases and Probability Models and Methods
forefront of this new discipline. human computer interaction. Interfaces Optional
Statistical Models and Methods
Fundamentals of Designing Intelligent
Year three Artificial Intelligence Optional Agents
The final year allows you to specialise through Programming and Introduction to Human Computer Knowledge
a larger set of optional modules. Your final year Algorithms Interaction Representation and
project provides an opportunity to bring these Languages and Computation Reasoning
Calculus and Linear
skills together to address real data analysis Algebra Software Maintenance Stochastic Models
problems in a rich and supportive environment. Probability Operating Systems and Concurrency Game Theory
Statistics Artificial Intelligence Methods Coding and Cryptography
Analytical and Advanced Functional Programming Mathematical Finance
Computational Introduction to Image Processing Multivariate Analysis
Foundations C++ Programming Computer Security
Software Specification Software Quality Metrics
Distributed Systems Computer Vision

Modules may change, for example due to curriculum developments. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we
offer, not a definitive list. The most up to date information can be found on our website at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/
computerscience

10 nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/computerscience 11
 Study abroad Industry placement

Study abroad Industry placement

Our four year MSci programmes Studying abroad offers you a range of personal and Our industry placement The school monitors students’ progress while out
professional benefits. Experiencing new cultures on placement through visits from academic staff,
offer you the opportunity to and learning methods takes you out of your programme is designed to allow and frequent submissions of a reflective log and
spend the third year of your comfort zone, helping you to develop valuable you to expand and refine the progress reports. We offer an open-door policy
skills, such as independence and resilience, which so that students never need to feel distant
course studying at one of our are attractive to future employers.
skills you have learnt throughout from us.
partner universities. These studies so far. Employers involved
You will study a framework of core modules at
currently include Australia, the host school which builds on the foundation of in the programme fully support
Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, years one and two and prepares you for the final students’ development and aim Enhance your employability prospects
year in Nottingham. Optional modules will allow
Mexico or New Zealand. you to benefit from the unique opportunities to provide a constructive learning and make professional contacts.
for study at the host school. Currently, reduced environment for you to share
tuition fees are payable during this year. fresh ideas and further develop
your computational knowledge.
Structure
You can follow either the computer science
or computer science and artificial intelligence
syllabus throughout year one and two, and then
begin a year in industry. On your return, you will
resume your studies in year three.

Ongoing support
With a fully structured programme of events
and help from the Careers and Employability
Service throughout the first two years, you will
have the very best chance of finding a placement
and receive continued support. Dedicated staff
deliver a timetable of tailored workshops and
seminars for year in industry students, such as CV
writing, interview and assessment centre tips, and
professionalism. Drop in sessions are also available
to you.
We also host recruitment fairs and invite
placement providers from a range of companies.
The University’s MyCareer database lists
upcoming placement opportunities and the school
has many industry contacts.

12 nottingham.ac.uk/studyabroad nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/computerscience 13
 How will I study?

Engaging study,
incredible results
You will learn through a wide Teaching Personal tutors Experience credits
variety of activities including Lectures will form the backbone of your studies You will be allocated a personal tutor to help and Experience credits are a new innovative way
in the first year, when you will be taking up to advise you during your time at university. Your for our students to earn credits towards their
formal lectures, small-group six modules at any given time. Each module will tutor is one of your first ports of call in the school degree. This optional module has been designed
tutorials, practical computer typically involve around three hours of study per if you have any problems or questions and will so we can offer students recognition
week, combining a mix of formal lectures and offer you help, encouragement and feedback on of independent development.
labs and, self-directed study. activities such as tutorials or computer labs. your performance on the course.
Credits can be gained from; code written during
Practical teaching Study support an internship, contribution to an open source
project, releasing an app, or involvement in
Practical, self-directed study will play a central As well as receiving support from your personal
teaching and outreach projects.
role in your learning throughout your degree, tutor we also run a Peer Mentoring Scheme
particularly in relation to the group and individual where first years can get advice and support
projects which take place from second year. from students who excelled in their first year.
The computer science building is ideal for this
purpose, offering areas such as the hub, atrium
How will I be assessed?
Lecture-based modules will typically be assessed
and meeting pods. Practical programming
at the end of each semester. A substantial
learning takes place in one of our recently
number of computer science modules have
refurbished labs.
an element of practical coursework.

14 nottingham.ac.uk/computerscience nottingham.ac.uk/computerscience 15
 Careers and employability

Outstanding 90.5%
careers support of undergraduates
in the school had secured
work or further study within
six months of graduation*

Amplify your potential

Whether you already have a plan or need some
inspiration, your Careers and Employability Service Get the Advantage
is here to help. The career-enhancing Nottingham Advantage
Award recognises and rewards your
Academic excellence and employability go hand in
extracurricular activities. With a choice of
hand at Nottingham. Your course, and the diverse
over 200 modules, you can hone the key skills
student experiences we offer, will enable you to
employers are looking for. From developing

£28,172
develop the skills and professional competencies
your leadership skills and learning a language
required to thrive in the job market of the future.
to public speaking and volunteering, you
We will help you explore your options, so you feel will leave university with demonstrable
confident making choices about what you want to was the average starting salary experience that sets you apart from other
achieve. Our team will support you as you build with the highest being £55,000* graduates. For further information, visit
your CV, search for jobs, prepare applications, nottingham.ac.uk/careers/advantage
practise your interview technique, and much more.

Recent graduate destinations @UoNCareers

include:
CareersUoN
software and hardware
development
financial sector
business sector
set up your own business
teaching
industrial research
academic research
We have staff members with
experience of all these options who
can advise you further.

16 nottingham.ac.uk/careers * Known destinations of full-time home undergraduates who were available for work 2015/16. 17
Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
 How do I apply? Experience it
Around one-third of our UK students
receive our means-tested core
bursary, worth up to £2,000 a year
(2018 entry figure; subject to change).

How to apply Live and study

For details, see
nottingham.ac.uk/financialsupport
abroad as part
of many courses
All applications for Flexible admissions policy nottingham.ac.uk/
studywithus/studyabroad
undergraduate study at In recognition of our applicants’ varied
experience and educational pathways, we
Nottingham, including employ a flexible admissions policy. If we judge

200+
applications by international that your situation has adversely affected your
students, must be made achievement, then we will consider this when
assessing your academic potential. Some
Accommodation 10 minutes
through UCAS. courses may make a slightly lower offer. For to suit every from the city for
more information about this policy, see budget and music, food and student-led groups,
You can apply online at ucas.com and will be
notified of decisions through UCAS Track.
nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying personal choice shopping clubs and societies at
Mature applicants nottingham.ac.uk/
nottingham.ac.uk/
your Students’ Union
Your personal statement We encourage applications from mature accommodation
nottinghamlife su.nottingham.ac.uk
This is the section of your UCAS form that tells applicants who have a significant gap in
us most about you, and you should make the education. You should apply through UCAS.
best use of it. Be as specific and detailed as you Find out more at nottingham.ac.uk/mature
can – we would like to see that you are a student
who can work hard, be self-motivated and make International applicants
the best possible use of the opportunities that The University provides a range of information
our courses offer you. We would also like to and advice for international applicants. If you
hear about any skills you have gained through
extracurricular activities.
are unable to attend an open day, we can meet Student Service
you in your country at one of our overseas events
or arrange an individual visit to the University. Centres on all
Minimum entry requirements For further information please visit UK campuses
Unless otherwise stated in individual course
profiles, all UK applicants should have GCSE
nottingham.ac.uk/go/international-applicants for support
English grade 4 (C) as a minimum. Deferred entry and advice
Applicants who wish to defer their entry by a
Alternative qualifications year will not be at a disadvantage. Please tell us
nottingham.ac.uk/
In this brochure you will find our A level and studentservices
something about your plans for your gap year in
International Baccalaureate entry requirements your UCAS personal statement.
but we accept a much broader range of
qualifications. For more details, visit Equal opportunities policy
nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying The University aims to create the conditions One of the UK’s Join in with the Choose from
9 modern
whereby students and staff are treated solely on
GCSE reform the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, leading universities vibrant musical
Following the reform of GCSE grading in England for sport* with over
languages
regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality,
from A*–G to 9–1, we have adopted Ofqual’s life on campus
recommended equivalence. This means that
ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic
background, disability, religious or political 70 student and in the city
GCSE grade A*=9, A=7, B=5/6 and C=4. GCSE beliefs, trade union membership, family sports clubs to study alongside
qualifications taken outside of the UK will still be circumstances, sexual orientation or other nottingham.ac.uk/music/ your course
graded A* to G. irrelevant distinction. nottingham.ac.uk/sport performance
nottingham.ac.uk/
* British Universities and Colleges
Sports Standings, 2016-17. language-centre
18 nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying 19
For undergraduate enquiries contact:
Student Recruitment Enquiries Centre This publication
+44 (0)115 951 5559
is available in
nottingham.ac.uk/contact
alternative formats:
+44 (0)115 951 5559
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nottingham.ac.uk/computerscience
© University of Nottingham 2018.
All rights reserved. Printed June 2018.

This brochure has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been
made to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes
(for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publication and commencement
of the course. It is therefore very important to check our website for any updates before you apply for the course
by following nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy. Where there is a difference between the contents of this brochure and
our website, the contents of the website take precedence.