Computer Science with Industrial Placement (Cyber Security) MComp Honours
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
You will learn about the design and development of dependable software systems.
Explore different aspects of computing science – such as games design, bioinformatics, and security – in your first two years.
Spend a year on an accredited, paid industrial placement between Stages 2 and 3.
Study specialist modules in Stage 3, such as cryptographies and software verification technology.
Take modules from our MSc degree in Cyber Security, developing a deep understanding of cyber security.
About Cyber Security
Graduates of our degrees in Cyber Security will have particular knowledge and skills related to the development of dependable software systems.
Armed with knowledge of issues such as security mechanisms for computing, software verification techniques and tools, cryptography, and cryptographic protocols, you will be well placed for employment in technical positions in software houses and with companies designing and deploying dependable software in safety-critical industry sectors.
BSc or MComp?
Some of our degrees are offered at two levels:
You can transfer between our degrees up to the end of Stage 2 (although transfer from a BSc to an MComp is dependent on your academic performance).
Our MComp degrees involve an additional year of advanced study during which you follow master's-level modules from one of our MSc programmes. This provides you with a deeper level of knowledge that some employers will look for when recruiting.
If you are unsure whether to apply for a BSc or an MComp, please contact us for more information.
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Program Outline
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
You'll learn the fundamentals of computer science, with an emphasis on developing your skills in program design and implementation. You'll gain experience in Java programming and develop a broad view of hardware and software architectures.
You'll develop an appreciation of what it is to be a professional working in the IT industry and develop your problem-solving skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Computing | 20 |
| Computer Systems Design and Architectures | 20 |
| Foundations of Data Science | 20 |
| Programming Portfolio 1 | 30 |
| Programming Portfolio 2 | 30 |
You'll study modules in software engineering, algorithm design and the fundamental principles that govern the operation of the internet.
We'll introduce you to requirements analysis and databases, and the formal specification of software systems.
You'll also work in a team to engineer a substantial software product, developing practical teamworking skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Security and Programming Paradigms | 20 |
| Algorithm Design and Analysis | 10 |
| Software Engineering Team Project | 30 |
| Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing | 30 |
| Software Systems Design and Implementation | 30 |
You'll spend a year on an approved work placement. You'll also complete a compulsory module.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Intercalating Module for Computing Science Programmes | 120 |
You'll study specialist topics in system and network security, software verification technology, cryptographies, and reliability and fault tolerance.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Project and Dissertation in Computer Science | 60 |
| Cryptography | 10 |
| System and Network Security | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Distributed Systems | 10 |
| Introduction to Quantum Computing | 10 |
| Graphics for Games | 10 |
| Gaming Technologies and Simulations | 20 |
| Abstract models of systems & Languages | 20 |
| Understanding Concurrency | 10 |
| Introduction to BioDesign and Natural Computing | 20 |
| Biomedical Data Analytics and AI | 20 |
| Fault Tolerant and Cyber-Physical Systems | 20 |
| Human Computer Interaction: Interaction Design | 20 |
| Predictive Analytics, Computer Vision & AI | 20 |
| Data Visualization and Visual Analytics | 10 |
| Career Development for final year students | 20 |
You'll study topics from our Cyber Security MSc. A challenging project also accounts for a quarter of your time, giving you the chance to develop your individual research skills under the guidance of our leading researchers.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Distributed Algorithms | 10 |
| System Evaluation | 10 |
| The Challenge of Dependable Systems | 10 |
| Information Security and Trust | 10 |
| High Integrity Software Development | 10 |
| Research Methods and Group Project in Security and Resilience | 20 |
| Project and Dissertation for MCOMP | 30 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Engineering for AI | 10 |
| Cloud Computing | 10 |
| Machine Learning | 10 |
| Security Analysis of Complex Systems | 10 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Teaching methods include:
Project work includes a team project in Stage 2 to develop a substantial software product and a major individual project in Stage 4, combined with a dissertation.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
Coursework
Dissertation or research project
Examinations – practical or online
Group work
Practical sessions
Presentations
Projects
Skills and experience
Business skills
In addition to your academic work, employers look for evidence of skills and experience. Our degrees have been created with industry need in mind. In Stage 2, you will gain a realistic preview into industry life, being taught in a team environment with real-life industry briefs. You will pick a problem – identified by industry – and develop a project to find a solution. The projects are marked by industry representatives, lecturers and the project sponsor.
Research skills
In your final year, you'll complete a challenging project. This will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills under the guidance of our leading researchers.
Chat to a student
The lecturers are passionate about their specialist areas, making the whole university experience thought-provoking and interesting.
Alex, Computer Science student
