MSci Honours Mathematics and Computer Science (4 years) (UCAS Code: GGK1)
For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838
For course information
School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
T: +44 (0)28 9097 4669
E: eeecs@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/eeecs
BEng Honours
Computer Science 4-yr SW (G404)
BSc Honours
Computer Science 4-yr SW (G400)
Mathematics and Computer Science 3 yrs (GG41)
Physics and Computer Science 3 yrs (GF43)
MEng Honours
Computer Science 4 yrs (G402)
Computer Science 5-yr SW (G405)
MSci Honours
Mathematics and Computer Science 4 yrs (GGK1)
See also Computing and Information Technology
Entrance Requirements
BEng/BSc Single Honours (incl. sandwich options)
A-level: BBB including Computing or Mathematics + GCSE Mathematics
OR
ABB including Chemistry, GCE A-level ICT (not Single Award Applied ICT), Physics, Technology or Double Award Applied ICT + GCSE Mathematics.
BTEC Extended Diploma: a relevant computing, engineering or scientific BTEC Extended Diploma with 10 Distinctions and 8 Merits + GCSE Mathematics.
BTEC Higher National Diploma: those with good grades in a relevant Higher National Diploma will be considered individually on their merits for entry to Stage 2.
Irish Leaving Certificate: B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 Mathematics
OR
B2B2B2B2B2B2/AB2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry or Physics + Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics
MEng
A-level: AAB including Computing or Mathematics + GCSE Mathematics OR AAA including Chemistry, GCE A-level ICT (not Single Award Applied ICT), Physics, Technology or Double Award Applied ICT + GCSE Mathematics.
BTEC Extended Diploma: a relevant computing, engineering or scientific BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits + GCSE Mathematics.
Irish Leaving Certificate: AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Mathematics
OR
AAB2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry or Physics + Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics
For MSci and BSc Joint Honours entrance requirements see Mathematics and Physics entries.
For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including: International Foundation in Engineering and Science
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Computer Science is concerned with the specification, design, construction and use of computer systems. It embraces subject areas such as software engineering, hardware architecture and design, information systems, communications, graphics, simulation and modelling, artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. Computer systems are often highly complex in nature and must be reliable in operation, and Computer Science provides many of the concepts and approaches required to design and maintain such systems.
Computer Science, Computer Games Development, Computing Information Technology and Software Engineering share a common core of modules in the first year. Students may therefore transfer between these courses at the end of first year, subject to meeting the normal progression requirements. Students interested in transferring to the Computer Games Development degree will be required to pass an additional Mathematics exam should they not hold an A-level in Mathematics or Physics (or equivalent qualification).
Our Computer Science degrees aim to teach the fundamental principles of Computer Science, together with the necessary skills, tools and techniques to enable our graduates to embark on careers as professional software engineers, or to become suitably qualified to undertake research in Computer Science. These degrees involve extensive practical work in the School's computing laboratories.
Stage 1
Computer Architecture
Fundamentals of Programming
Introduction to the Science of Computing
Introductory Software Engineering and Project Management
Multimedia Design and Authoring
Programming Challenges
Stage 2
Advanced Programming using C# and C++
Computation Theory
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems
Networks and Communications
Professional Computing Practice
Software Engineering and Group Project
Single Honours BEng/BSc students spend a year on a paid, full-time placement. The School has links with over 500 local, national and international employers, eg BT, Liberty, Asidua, Kainos (Belfast), IBM (England), Microsoft, Sun Microsystems (Dublin), Fujitsu (Japan) and Siemens (Germany), and students are assisted in obtaining placements. It is expected that students gain a Licentiateship of the City & Guilds from this period of work.
Stage 3
Agile and Component-Based Programming
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science Project
Concurrent Programming
Design Principles and Patterns
Formal Methods
Operating System Concepts
Research Topics
These modules enable each student to pursue their own interests.
MEng
This is a four-year extended degree, established to provide a supply of particularly well-qualified graduates who will become industry leaders. It contains a blend of Computer Science knowledge and skills and business practice and management, as well as skills in conducting state-of-the-art research. Students have the option of a year's professional experience in industry.
The first two years and much of year 3 are common with the BSc/BEng degree. Transfer to the MEng is possible for selected students at the end of Stage 2, subject to performance.
Modules taken in Stage 4 are:
Algorithms: Analysis and Applications
High Performance Computing
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Plus a research project
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the MSci in Mathematics and Computer Science we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Assessment (general): The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.
Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.
Back to topStudying for a Mathematics and Computer Science degree at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including mathematics.
Although the many of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in teaching, banking and finance, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years:
Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast’s Employability Statementfor further information.
Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.
Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.
Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.
Back to topThe School has links with over 500 IT companies both here and abroad, and benefits from the fact that there are more software companies located in Northern Ireland than any other part of the UK, outside of London. This benefits our students on many levels through providing industrial input into our degree content, summer and year-long placements and competitions organised by the companies.
Due to the high demand for Computer Science graduates, some scholarships are available, including two sponsored by Asidua and Liberty IT, each worth up to £25k. Both provide £1k for each academic year, a guaranteed industrial placement, an opportunity for additional part-time work during the academic year, plus a permanent position on graduation. For further information on these and other scholarships available, see the School website.
Last updated 11.09.13
