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The University of Northampton · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Computer Science Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Northampton. The University of Northampton is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this qualification holds national recognition.
BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Our Computer Science BSc (Hons) is carefully designed to strike an all-around balance among key aspects of computer science. Apply today! From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £35,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.1
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong74
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional90
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Problem Solving and ProgrammingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduce students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to solve problems in computing; develop essential skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a computer program; introduce principles underlying the design of a high level programming language; gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL to implement algorithms; implement HLPL programs using an appropriate programming language e.g. Java; introduce an object-oriente
- Mathematics for Computer ScienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduces a set of mathematical topics, which include binary number system, logic circuits, linear systems, graph theory, probability and statistics, that are widely studied by those learning computing sciences. The module equips students with fundamental mathematical skills which underpin a range of computing disciplines.
- Computer SystemsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Provides knowledge of the hardware and software components that make up a computer system and overview the important concepts in preparation for future study of computer science.
- Computer CommunicationsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Develops student's understanding of the principles of communication networks and how to classify the various network devices in the appropriate layer of the protocol stack. Students will learn how to manage IP addresses in a small network and will develop confidence in using network simulation software.
- Web DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Gives students an understanding of client side web technologies. This module provides students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to design, develop and implement a Web site to contemporary web standard.
- Software Engineering FundamentalsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Develops student's experience with the multiple stages of software engineering life-cycles from initial need and requirements identification through to the design and implementation of code in order to develop confidence in the use of terminology and techniques for each of the stages.
Year 2 6 modules
- Relational DatabasesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Understand and apply the principles of database integrity to implement and utilise efficient databases. RD is a practical module that employs data modelling and SQL techniques to design, define and manipulate data.
- Data Structures and AlgorithmsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Provides students with a conceptual understanding of common data structures and algorithms used in Computer Science and Software Engineering. It enables students to implement and evaluate a selection of algorithms and abstract data types, including linked lists, stacks, queues, graphs and binary trees using an object-oriented language.
- Group ProjectCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Designed to develop higher-order intellectual skills (problem-solving) and appropriate personal qualities including team working. Each group will develop and document effective, robust and high-quality computing systems to a professional standard in response to a supplied specification of requirements.
- Web ProgrammingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Gives students an understanding of the concepts and technologies of web based server side technologies; teach students to use up-to-date programming techniques to design and develop coherent server side software for websites with a focus on security, functionality and usability.
- Operating SystemsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Designed to give an understanding of the theory, application, structure and design principles of operating systems. This module requires a significant practical element delivered as formal laboratory sessions.
- Systems Design and DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Extends and applies system design and development to large scale systems; explore building GUIs so that the idea of specifying general software components and implementing re-usable classes will become familiar; provide tools and skills which the student will require when encountering design projects.
Year 3 5 modules
- Media TechnologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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 DatabasesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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.
- Cybersecurity and Applied CryptographyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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.
- AI Concepts and ApplicationsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Teaches students the fundamental theory and practical applications of: knowledge-based systems, artificial neural networks, and deep neural network. The underpinning concepts will be introduced, followed by examples of how intelligent systems are used in engineering, software, or computer science in general. Students will explore core AI techniques including supervised and unsupervised learning, with selected advanced topics introduced to extend their understanding of modern intelligent systems.
- Computing Project DissertationCompulsory40 credits
Module details
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.
Foundation Year 3 modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
- Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Foundations in TechnologyCompulsory40 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree balances core computer science theory with practical application across key areas. You'll usually start with programming fundamentals in languages such as Python and Java, alongside computer systems and discrete mathematics. In Year 2, you'll move to algorithms, databases, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Year 3 offers specialisations such as cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, human-computer interaction, and further AI work. A typical course like this normally progresses from foundational problem-solving to systems thinking, then specialist depth, culminating in an individual software project where you design and evaluate a substantial system. Throughout, you'll develop both theoretical understanding and practical coding ability across real-world domains.
Who it's for
This course suits those with A-level qualifications or equivalent. Most recent entrants held A-levels or equivalent, typically with a UCAS tariff between 64 and 79 points. You should have a genuine interest in computing and problem-solving. The degree is taught in English and delivered full-time, so you'll need to commit to on-campus study. Whether you're aiming for software development, data analysis, security roles, or other technology careers, this programme provides the foundation to progress into the field.
Careers & job market
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Graduate earnings data (national figures) shows starting salaries typically between £25,000 and £35,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years. These are sector-wide benchmarks, not university-specific guarantees. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
This is a 3-year full-time BSc (Hons) in Computer Science at the University of Northampton, taught in English at Waterside Campus. The University of Northampton is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; degrees are nationally recognised and carry Silver for teaching quality under the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryBBC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Open daysOpen Days
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent100% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 64 - 79 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Northampton's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accessible entry
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesDDDA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Northampton whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Home£9,790 / yr
International£17,000 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 3 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All Northampton funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £35,000 | £29,500 – £38,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £26,000 | £20,000 – £33,500 | 75 |
| 5 years after | £33,000 | £26,500 – £42,500 | 80 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
90%
in work or further study 15 months on
80%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
75%
find their work meaningful
65%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£35,000
£25,000 – £35,000After 3 years LEO
£26,000
£23,375 – £33,000After 5 years LEO
£33,000
£29,750 – £42,000national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,000 – £43,500
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
90 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
75% working10% working and studying5% in further study80% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
This course £33,000Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £29,000–£43,000
45th percentile
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 45% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 75%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Computer Science worth it?
It depends. BSc (Hons) Computer Science adds about +£60,630 over the first ten years vs. going straight to a job, but on these earnings the payoff is slower than average.
Mixed payoff: a longer-than-average break-even for this course
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 16.2. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
+£60,630
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
3.1×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£29,370
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 3 yrs (published course home fee)
£33,000
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£9,000 above a non-graduate (£24,000)
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Computer Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £35,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 73.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
All students13,505
International16.4%
Aged 25+34.8%
Computing across the UK
Students205,990
Aged 25+31.2%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 679Anti Social Behaviour 509Shoplifting 183Public Order 163Other Theft 143
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Northampton’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 64 - 79 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Northampton. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £35,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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