Computer Science(Mobile andDistributed Systems)BSc Honours

UCAS code G4203 Years

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Computer Science(Mobile andDistributed Systems)BSc HonoursUCAS code G4203 Years

This degree provides a firm foundation in theimportant field of mobile and distributedsystems.

You study a broad curriculum in your first two years,developing knowledge in different aspects of computingscience, and gaining skills in problem solving, programdesign and implementation.

In your third year, you move onto specialist topics in mobileand distributed systems, developing skills and knowledgefor your future career.

Your modules focus on the design and development ofadvanced systems that allow multiple computers tocommunicate, for example, in online banking or gaming.These include internet technology and system and networksecurity.

Highlights of this degreeMobile and Distributed SystemsMobile and distributed systems involves multiple computersprocessing data and communicating the results to eachother, such as in electronic banking or online gaming, wherethe users are geographically separated.

Students on these degrees use their computing knowledgeto solve the challenges posed by such systems, for examplehow to move money between accounts online withoutlosing it.

Our degrees draw on three main areas of expertise of ourresearch groups:

• design of the algorithms that drive networked systems• fault tolerance theory to make sure that if a process fails,

the system survives• formal methods to make sure that the process doesn’t

fail in the first place

Graduates will be able to design, build and integrateadvanced networked computing systems in a range ofapplication areas, such as mobile and wirelesscommunications, computationally intensive financial andhealth applications, and applications involving multiplebusiness and outsourcing.

Quality and ranking• 9th overall in the UK for research – Research Excellence

Framework 2014

• 98th – Computer Science category – Times HigherEducation World University Rankings by Subject 2018

Professional accreditation*We seek British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation forour degrees so you can be assured that you will graduatewith a degree that meets the standard set by the IT industry.

BCS is the Chartered Institute for IT. Studying aBCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for achartered IT professional, engineer or scientist.

*All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly bytheir professional body.

Flexible degree structureYou might not be sure which area of computing science youwant to specialise in yet. Don't worry. At Newcastle, allComputing Science students study the same modules forthe first two years, before specialising in the later years.

This gives you time to explore the subject and decide whicharea you want to specialise in. It also means you cantransfer between our degrees up to the end of second year(although transfer from a BSc to an MComp is dependenton your academic performance).

Our MComp degrees involve an additional year of advancedstudy during which you follow Master's-level modules fromone of our MSc programmes. This provides you with adeeper level of knowledge that some employers will look forwhen recruiting.

If you are unsure whether to apply for a BSc or an MComp,please contact us for more information.

Industry linksWe have strong links with a number of organisations withinthe industry. Various parts of our degrees attract prizesawarded by major companies.

Local businesses approach the School to advertise small,part-time or voluntary work opportunities, giving you thechance to gain valuable work experience.

Facilities and supportYou will be part of the School of Computing, based in theUrban Sciences Building on our Science Central area ofcampus.

FacilitiesOur brand new £58m building offers great facilities for ourstudents, including:

• cyber physical systems laboratory• decision theatre for data visualisation• flat floor teaching facilities• 315 PCs with a Raspberry Pi3 on every desk

The building and its surrounding area will become a livinglaboratory, underpinning research to make urban centresmore sustainable for future generations. Research atScience Central will focus on:

• cyber physical systems• infrastructure

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• smart grids• future of our city

SupportYou'll be supported by a personal tutor throughout yourdegree – an academic member of staff who can help withacademic and personal issues.

You'll also have access to a peer mentor in your first year –a fellow student who can help you settle in and answer anyquestions you have.

Social activitiesOur student-led Computing Society offers a range ofactivities throughout the year to help you meet people onyour course. Activities range from coding and gaming nightsto events with key speakers from industry.

Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme(DTUS)Do you want to become a technical officer in the RoyalNavy, British Army, RAF or Defence Engineering andScience Group when you graduate?

This degree is approved by the Defence TechnicalUndergraduate Scheme (DTUS).

DTUS is a sponsorship programme for students interestedin a scientific, engineering or technical career in the armedforces or the Ministry of Defence.

Find out more on our Armed Forces page.

There are over 1,400 networked computers on campus.

Course Details

Modules for 2018 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2018 entry. Our teaching is informed by research andmodules change periodically to reflect developments inthe discipline, the requirements of external bodies andpartners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers ofstudents interested (in an optional module). To find outmore read our terms and conditions.Module/programme information for 2019 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2019).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Furtherinformation, including the credit value of the module, isavailable in each of the module descriptions below.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesCSC1021 Programming ICSC1022 Programming IICSC1023 The Software Engineering ProfessionalCSC1024 Computer ArchitectureCSC1025 Mathematics for Computer ScienceCSC1026 Website Design and Construction

Stage 2

Compulsory modulesCSC2021 Software EngineeringCSC2022 Software Engineering Team ProjectCSC2023 Algorithm Design and AnalysisCSC2024 Database TechnologyCSC2025 Operating SystemsCSC2026 Computer Networks

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Stage 3

Compulsory modulesCSC3095 Project and Dissertation in Computing ScienceCSC3121 Distributed SystemsCSC3122 Mobile Computer Systems DevelopmentCSC3123 Web TechnologiesCSC3124 System and Network SecurityOptional modulesYou choose modules from the following list to bring yourtotal credits to 120:CSC3221 Programming for GamesCSC3222 Gaming SimulationsCSC3223 Graphics for GamesCSC3224 Computer Games DevelopmentCSC3321 Understanding Programming LanguagesCSC3322 Real-Time and Cyber-Physical SystemsCSC3323 Software Verification TechnologiesCSC3324 Understanding ConcurrencyCSC3422 Website Construction and Management(Server-side)CSC3423 Biologically-inspired ComputingCSC3424 BioinformaticsCSC3621 CryptographyCSC3622 Reliability and Fault ToleranceCSC3721 Introduction to Human-Computer InteractionCSC3722 Advanced Interaction DesignCSC3723 Ubiquitous ComputingNCL3007 Career Development for Final Year StudentsSUG3500 Creativity and Market Research in Science andEngineering

Teaching and assessmentTeaching at Newcastle is research-informed teaching,meaning the School's research expertise feeds into ourdegrees. You learn at the cutting edge of the discipline, withbrand new techniques and knowledge incorporated intoyour learning.

We have an active research community, comprising severalresearch groups and four research centres.

Teaching methodsTeaching methods include:

• lectures – including guest lectures by visiting ITprofessionals

• tutorials – from our expert staff• supervised practical work – which accounts for a

significant amount of your time• project work – to help you develop real-world business

skills such as teamworking and project management

Project work includes a team project in second year todevelop a substantial software product and a majorindividual project in Stage 3, combined with a dissertation.

Assessment methodsYou'll be assessed by a range of methods including:

• course work, such as team and individual project reports,to assess your practical skills

• written and oral presentations, to assess your coretransferable skills

• examinations are also used for some modules

Find out moreVisit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about theoutstanding learning experience available to all students atNewcastle University.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

If your qualifications are not listed here, please see ouradditional entry requirements web pages to find out whichother qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

A LevelsAAB (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6 required.

Scottish QualificationsAAABB-AABBB at Higher Grade. Mathematics required atNational 5, minimum grade B (or grade 2 Standard Grade orIntermediate 2 equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade.Combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers accepted.Where a candidate bypasses the assessment for National 5qualifications, a minimum of grade C in the Higher inMathematics is required.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International Baccalaureate34-35 points. Standard Level Mathematics or MathematicalStudies required at grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving CertificateH1H1H1H2H3-H1H1H2H2H3

Access QualificationsA level 3 unit in mathematical studies essential. At least 30level 3 credits with Distinction in a science subject, and 15level 3 credits at a minimum of Merit.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National ExtendedDiploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3Extended DiplomaD*DD.  Minimum grade B or 6 in at least five GCSEsrequired, including Mathematics.

Cambridge Pre-UD3,D3,M2-D3,M2,M2/D3,D3,M3 in Principal Subjects.GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6 required.

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Extended Project QualificationIf you offer the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification in atopic relevant to the degree programme, we will vary ouroffer to recognise this.

PARTNERS - A LevelsBBC (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6 required.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find outmore about the PARTNERS Programme.

PARTNERS - Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalExtended Diploma/OCR Cambridge TechnicalLevel 3 Extended DiplomaDDD.  Minimum grade B or 6 in at least five GCSEsrequired, including Mathematics.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find outmore about the PARTNERS Programme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English require aminimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

We will also consider your application if you have lower ornon-standard qualifications.

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a preparation courseat INTO Newcastle University, which will help to prepare youfor study on this degree course.

INTO Newcastle University is based on the Universitycampus and offers a range of courses including theInternational Foundation in Physical Sciences andEngineering.

Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our 2018 Admissions Policy (PDF: 185 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

Computer Science careersIn the present job market, computing science graduates arebetter placed than many others to obtain employment in achallenging and fulfilling career, and the employability ofNewcastle graduates is particularly high.

Computing manufacturers and software houses, forexample, recruit specialists to develop software solutions.Organisations that use computers on a large scale – suchas banks, insurance companies, the electronics industry,central and local government, and management in all areasof business – also offer employment opportunities tograduates with computing skills.

Find out more about the career options for ComputerScience from Prospects: The UK's Official Careers Website.

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and viewgraduate destinations statistics. These statistics are basedon what graduates were doing on a specific date,approximately six months after graduation. Take a look atthe most recent data available for our graduates.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

96% of our 2017 UK-domiciled UG/PG graduatesprogressed to employment or further study within sixmonths of graduating.

85.5% of our graduates are in graduate level employment orfurther study within six months of graduating.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

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Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2019 entry:£9,250For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured by RPIX*.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.*RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2019 entry:£9,250 You will pay the same tuition fees as UK studentsfor the duration of your course.For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.Please note:As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured by RPIX*.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.*RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2019 entry*:£22,110*Please note:You will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightlyyear on year as a result of inflation, as measured byRPIX**.

Tuition Fees (International students)

If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

We offer a range of scholarships to eligible internationalstudents:Vice-Chancellor's International ScholarshipsVice-Chancellor’s Excellence ScholarshipsVice-Chancellor’s Global ScholarshipsWe also offer International Family Discounts which areavailable for all international students with a close familymember who has graduated from or is now studying atNewcastle University.Some of our subject scholarships and sportsscholarships are also available for international students.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCAS

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To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.

The Robinson Library has 1.5 million books and lots ofstudy space.