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BSc|Undergraduate

Computer Science Professional Experience

Entry year
Academic Year 2024/25
Entry requirements
BBB/ABB
Duration
4 years (Full Time)
UCAS code
G400
Placement Year
Yes
Apply via UCAS
Register Interest

From driving cancer research forward to accurately predicting the weather, Computer Scientists are powering progress. In fact everything from social care to cybersecurity or even space travel, relies on the talents of Computer Science graduates. We would say the sky is the limit, but we’re already well beyond that!

A degree in Computer Science teaches you to approach technical problems creatively. It also gives you the information and understanding to find ground-breaking solutions to the world’s emerging problems. The course will also equip you with the practical skills to approach the specification, design, construction and use of computer systems.

In an ever changing technological climate, the Computer Science degree programme is constantly evolving to anticipate emerging digital breakthroughs. You will cover topics like machine learning, augmented reality and data analytics, but also receive a grounding in skills like hardware architecture, software engineering and simulation & modelling too.

Employer experience is paramount in this this course, from day one you will learn from prospective employers about ‘real world’ challenges. Industry placements, company sponsored hackathons and project based learning form a core part of the curriculum and vastly improve our graduate employability rates.

Computer Science Professional Experience Degree highlights

Ranked in the top 175 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)

Industry Links

  • Our students are constantly given the opportunity to put theory into practice. Engagement with future employers is encouraged, from day one. For example, The School has links with over 500 IT companies both here and abroad, This benefits our students on many levels through providing industrial input into our degree content, summer and year-long placements and competitions organised by future employers.

Internationally Renowned Experts

  • The School has a number of very strong research groups engaged in leading edge technology. Major new research centres have been established in Secure Information Technologies (the UK Centre of Excellence), Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology (ECIT), e-Science and in Sonic Arts

Student Experience

  • Due to the high demand for Computer Science graduates, some 15–20 scholarships are available, including some sponsored by Civica, Citi and Liberty IT, worth up to £25k. All provide for a cash stipend each academic year, a guaranteed industrial placement, an opportunity for additional
    part-time work during the academic year, plus the opportunity of a permanent position on graduation.
    (For further information on these and other scholarships available, see the School Website.)

Student Testimonials

Georgia Clarke (BSc Computer Science with Year of Professional Placement)

Attraction to QUB
What attracted me to QUB in the first place was the fact that a Russell Group University was so close to home. Before coming to QUB I attended many of their open days, hearing from computer science students who were happy enough to answer all of the burning questions I had on what it was like doing computer science at QUB, it was very informative and allowed me to confidently decide that QUB was the university I wanted to go to for furthering my education.

Positive Experience during studies
What particularly was a positive experience during my studies so far has been the help received throughout my time at QUB. As someone who had no prior experience in programming, my modules taught from a point of view where it was assumed that there was no prior knowledge of programming, which was perfect for me and everyone else who might’ve had no prior experience.

Placement
As a second-year student I managed to secure my placement in November 2020 as a Technical Specialist Intern at Microsoft, Dublin, to take place from September 2021 to September 2022.

Engaging in extracurricular activities
I have previously been a member of the Queen’s Computing Society, which would hold events such as weekly “Tech-Talks”, hackathons and sometimes even game nights. Since Covid-19 has had an impact on many extracurricular activities, activities such as these have now been made remote. Although I have also been involved in AWS Educate this year to expand on my knowledge of cloud computing, which also allows me to learn at my own pace.

One piece of advice to potential EEECS applicants
One piece of advice I would give to someone looking to study at EEECS would be to just go for it! Not only is there a big job market for the IT sector, but there is a push for more women to occupy more jobs in this sector, with many opportunities, such as scholarships, being offered through QUB exclusively for female students within the school of EEECS.

Going forward
Going forward, I hope to utilize my degree not only in the world of technology but also in the world of business. In pursuing a degree such as computer science, it does not only limit you to jobs in just computers (i.e. software and/or hardware engineering), but also to jobs involving mostly computers.

If you had a time machine, and could go back to your first day at Queen’s, what would you do differently? (If anything!)
If I had a time machine to go back to my first day at QUB, I would’ve tried to have acquainted myself with many more people on my course. Seeing as there are so many EEECS students who share the same modules, particularly in first year, people you meet on the first few days of your course will most likely make continuous appearances in most of your classes! This will help you when it comes to teamworking skills and group assignments – so reach out!

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Course content

Course Structure

IntroductionThese 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. As with all of our courses, industrial engagement forms an integral part, balancing academic theory with practical learning.

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 IT, Asidua, Kainos (Belfast), IBM (England), Microsoft, Sun Microsystems (Dublin), Fujitsu (Japan) and Siemens (Germany), and students are assisted in obtaining placements.

People teaching you


T: +44 (0)28 9097 4669 E: eeecs@qub.ac.uk

Learning and Teaching

The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies, Electronics, Communications and Information Technology and Sonic Arts. A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in the field.

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 BEng in 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:

  • Additional Information
    Students have access to a wide range of computers in world class laboratories (equipped with several hundred PCs) and specialised software packages. Networks link the School and university computers to powerful machines in Great Britain.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The way in which you 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

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 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:

  • Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.

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Overview

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Databases (20 credits)
    Introduction to Computer Architecture (20 credits)
    Fundamentals of Maths for Computing (20 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Introduction to Cyber Security (20 credits)
    Procedural Programming (20 credits)
    Object Oriented Programming (20 credits)
    Web Technologies (20 credits)
    Computer Science Challenges (20 credits)
    Programming (20 credits)
    Software Design Principles (20 credits)
  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Data Structures and Algorithms (20 credits)
    Theory of Computation (20 credits)
    Software Engineering and Systems Development (40 credits)
    Professional and Transferrable Skills (20 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 credits)
    Systems Security and Cryptography (20 credits)
    Networks and Protocols (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

    Year of Professional Experience (120 credits)
  • Year 4

    Core Modules

    Computer Science Project (40 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Video Analytics and Machine Learning (20 credits)
    Software Testing (20 credits)
    Malware Analysis (20 credits)
    Advanced Computer Architecture (20 credits)
    Concurrent Programming (20 credits)
    Deep Learning (20 credits)
    Formal Methods (20 credits)
    Network Security (20 credits)
    Cloud Computing (20 credits)

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Entry Requirements

Entrance requirements

A-level
BBB including at least one preferred A-level (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
ABB including at least one relevant A-level (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including at least one preferred Leaving Certificate subject at grade H3 (see list below) + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics if not offered at Higher Level
OR
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including at least one relevant Leaving Certificate subject at grade H3 (see list below) + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics
Access Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65% in a computing or mathematical Access Course + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course
OR
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70% in a scientific Access Course + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course
International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include at least one preferred Higher Level subject (see list below)
OR
33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include at least one relevant Higher Level subject (see list below)

If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in English and Mathematics would be accepted.
BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma
A relevant computing QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with DDD + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
OR
A relevant computing RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with DDD + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
OR
A relevant engineering or scientific QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with D*DD + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
OR
A relevant engineering or scientific RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with D*DD + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
BTEC Higher National Certificate
For applicants offering a relevant HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits.

Applicants are also required have GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Note
All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Computer Science, Computing Information Technology and Software Engineering share a common core of modules in the first year, so students may therefore transfer between these degrees at the end of first year, subject to meeting the normal progression requirements.

Preferred subjects: Mathematics, Computing or Software Systems Development

Relevant subjects: Chemistry, Digital Technology, ICT, Physics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied ICT
BTEC Higher National Diploma
For those offering a relevant Higher National Diploma, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the HND. Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve 4 Distinctions, 8 Merits and 4 Passes. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1 on an individual basis.

For those offering a relevant Foundation Degree, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the Foundation Degree and first year results (an average of 60% with no less than 55% in any module). Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve an average of 65% in final year modules and no less than 60% in any final year module. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1 on individual basis.

Applicants are also required have GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided that subject specific requirements are met.

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your application.

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS. These decisions can only be made on the basis of the information given and applicants must show due care and diligence when completing their applications. In particular, full details must be included about qualifications completed or still to be completed.

For entry last year, applicants must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered.

The offer for repeat candidates is normally the same as the offer for first time applicants. For repeat applicants acceptable grades may be held from the previous year.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not normally considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC National and Higher National Certificates/Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or an Access course, will also be considered. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates offering other qualifications.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account.  For last year’s entry applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied

The information provided in the personal statement and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to an Open Day, which is usually held during the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice; the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

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 need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction
Studying for a Computer Science degree at Queen’s will assist you 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 employers (local, national and international).

Consultations

We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Liberty IT and Asidua who provide sponsorship for our Computer Science degree as well as Citi  and Kainos  who are members of the employer liaison panel for the course.

Employer Links
The School has links with over 500 IT companies both here and abroad.  We benefit from the fact that there are more software companies located in N Ireland than any other part of the UK, outside of London.  This offers benefits on many levels for our students, from industrial input to the content of our courses, through to year long and summer placements as well as activities such as competitions organised by the companies etc.

You should also take a look at www.prospects.ac.uk for further information concerning the types of jobs that attract Computer Science Graduates.

Further study is also an option open to Computer Science graduates. Students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics, see the School website www.qub.ac.uk/eeecs for more information.

Northern Ireland has an excellent international reputation for the quality and supply of its software engineers. Indeed many companies, both national and international, have opted for Northern Ireland as a base for their computing divisions in recognition of the high quality of graduates produced by the local universities.

Given this situation, it is not surprising that our graduates have had unparalleled job opportunities over the years, both locally and internationally. Because of the achievements of Queen's graduates already in the software engineering profession, a Computer Science degree from Queen's is a highly respected qualification. A good Honours degree in Computer Science from Queen's is of great benefit in seeking the best jobs.

Employers, from large multinational firms to small local organisations, actively target our students, recognising that Queen's Computer Science graduates are equipped with the skills they need. On graduating the majority of graduates take up posts associated with software design and implementation. Opportunities exist in fields as diverse as finance, games, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, research, consumer products, and public services - virtually all areas of business. Some of the employers include BT, Liberty IT, Kainos, Accenture, Citi, Wombat Financial Software.

The types of career open to Computer Science graduates include: Software Engineer; Systems Analyst; Web Designer; Games Developer; Systems Developer; IT Consultant; Project Manager.

What employers say

“Every year, Liberty IT employs about 20 placement students, many of whom come from Queen’s. The standard of these students is very high, which is evidenced by the conversion rate to Graduate Software Engineers within the company once they graduate – this year it was 100%.”
Liberty IT

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

NO FEE BAND ENTERED IN QSIS

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Note that the tuition fees quoted above are for the 2023-24 academic year and are for indicative purposes only as the fees for 2024-25 have not yet been finalised. These fees will be subject to an inflationary increase. All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase for each year of the course, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.

If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.  

Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.  

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships/.

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Apply

How and when to Apply

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2024 from 1 September 2023.

Advisory closing date: 31 January 2024 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2024) subject to the availability of places.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen’s for entry to this course until 30 June 2024. If you apply for 2024 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

  1. Applying through UCAS
    Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2024.
  2. Applying direct
    The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
  3. Applying through agents and partners
    The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus

Keywords(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

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Course Vacancy Status

Below is the current vacancy status for this course. For further information please contact us.

Student Type
Places available?
NI and RoI Students
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International and EU (not RoI) Students
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