Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
We are currently reviewing modules which provide opportunities to work with industry to gain real experience. Modules will be updated in due course.
Are you excited by the impact of technology on our everyday lives and keen to forge a successful career in the field? From day one, you will be immersed in an exciting, innovative environment where you will develop broad knowledge and skills in the main areas of computing and information technology which will be directly relatable to your future career.
You will take core modules covering areas of computing in programming, databases, systems analysis and design, and computer networks and web development. Designed in consultation with partners from industry, you will develop the most up-to-date computing knowledge, desired by employers across the industry.
In the second year, for one semester, you will have the chance to study in another country or join a research group. This valuable experience will enhance your employability and further develop your theoretical and practical skills.
If you take this option, you will be assigned to our Computer Science and Informatics Research Group. There is every possibility that you may contribute to published research and therefore you may be named as part of the research team, which would be a great start to a research career.
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Do you already have an undergraduate degree in a computing-related subject? MSc Advanced Computer Science is the course you’ll need to take your knowledge to the next level.
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
2 years Full Time
Department
Computer and Information Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2025 or January 2026
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
Discover the funding options available to you.
Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Explore our brand new Computer and Information Sciences building.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Click through to discover our current research areas
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject. Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
International qualifications:
If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English language requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Full UK Fee: £14,000
Full International Fee: £23,950
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
We are currently reviewing modules which provide opportunities to work with industry to gain real experience. Modules will be updated in due course.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
KC7013 -
Database Modelling (Core,20 Credits)
You will understand the conceptual basis for current database technology and will be able to apply such knowledge in implementing database applications.
You will be able to understand data modelling through the example of the relational model; be able to design and manipulate relational databases with relational algebra and SQL; normalise relational data structures. You will appreciate limitations of data models and the need for database programming to achieve complete solutions, write transactions and procedures for relational databases, specify security for operations, and apply business rules.
You will gain knowledge of advanced object models, their rationale, advantages and disadvantages, construct object-relational databases with nested capability, write user-defined types as ADTs and subtypes for inheritance, use object features in Oracle database system.
You will be able to learn and employ data warehousing techniques to integrate and consolidate data from different sources, which can then be used for business reporting and exploratory data analysis. In addition, you will realise the responsibilities of database designers with respect to professional, legal, security and ethical issues.
KF7006 -
Object Oriented Programming (Core,20 Credits)
This module is designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in object oriented programming and program design concepts, using an object first approach. Specifically, you will learn how to design, implement, test and document programs and will gain practical programming experience by solving small scale problems. In addition, you will cover the need for standards and the principles of quality. In particular, the syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:
• Programming: simple data types and calculations; classes, objects, inheritance, interfaces, polymorphism; methods, constructors; parameter passing; arrays and strings; simple collection classes; statements for selection and iteration; exception handling; file and stream handling; APIs
• GUI programming : event driven programming, GUI components
• Tools: use of a compiler and associated Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Documentation tools.
• Program testing: purpose of testing, black box and white box testing. Use of tool support.
Since the module is intended for graduates from disciplines other than Computing, no previous programming experience is assumed.
KF7011 -
Systems Analysis & Design with UML (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn about methods of analysing and designing information systems using object-oriented methods. You will gain an understanding of the general IT system development lifecycle and the activities and personnel roles applicable at each lifecycle stage, and of the concepts of professional standards and codes for systems analysis and design projects. This will include learning how to specify system requirements and use systems analysis and design techniques to develop workable solutions to business information system problems. You will be learn and apply an object-oriented approach to develop information systems projects using the techniques of the Unified Modelling Language (UML) - the leading notation used for specifying systems. This will include advanced modelling concepts and techniques that are used to build complex object models. In particular, the syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:
• Information systems: information systems to support organisational types and objectives; strategic, tactical, operational and control systems
• Systems development activities and lifecycles: the systems development lifecycle, rationale for 'staged' system development and the key stages, roles and deliverables; the role of prototyping and iterative development; Unified System Development Process (USDP) or another lifecycle for object-oriented development
• Systems investigation techniques: the key areas of system investigation and applicable fact-finding techniques - interviewing, document examination, observation etc.
• Systems specification techniques using an object-oriented approach: defining the problem statement and structuring it through Use Case Modelling; going from Use Cases to a first-cut behavioural model (communication diagrams) with associated class diagrams; basic modelling syntax.
• Object oriented design: object model-objects, classes, inheritance, generalisation, links and associations; purpose of design; interaction modelling (sequence diagrams) and state machines in design; specifying operations with activity diagrams; design patterns.
• Class and method design: classes, objects, and messages
• Data Management Layer Design: relationship database, object-oriented database design, data access design and manipulation classes
• Human-Computer Interaction Layer Design: including principles for user interface design, content awareness, user experience, etc
• Physical layer design: including elements of the physical architecture layer, architectural components, infrastructure design, etc
• Construction: including programming management, documentation, and testing
• Professional codes of practice: the need for professional standards within analysis and design; British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for IT codes.
KF7013 -
Website Development and Deployment (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will learn the requirements for developing secure web applications to industry standards, including the technical and architectural components of the web, considering accessibility issues. You will learn how to apply the tools and techniques required for secure web development and develop practical skills to build a web application that interacts with a database. Issues associated with the deployment of a web application will be discussed, including how to audit and correct security deficiencies by following leading industrial practice.
The syllabus of the module will include:
• The technical and architectural components of the web
• HTML and CSS and their application to building a web site
• Client and Server programming to deploy a secure web application that interacts with a database
• Security issues in the deployment of a web application that is both usable and accessible
KF7023 -
Computer Networks & Operating Systems (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides you with a critical appreciation of networks and operating systems. You will learn about the organisation and operation of computing systems, relevant concepts and technologies at a technical level, and the demands placed upon computer systems and the computer networks and operating systems technologies required for them to successfully support current and emerging applications. In particular, the syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:
• Systems Software Hierarch
• Operating Systems Architecture
• Operating System Issues, e.g., scheduling
• Data Communications and Networking
• Network Architectures, e.g., OSI model
• Major Internet Protocols and Technologies, e.g., TCP Internet Protocol
• System Security and Protection, e.g., Encryption
• Professional Practice and Related Legal, Ethical and Social issues.
KF7028 -
Research Methods and Project Management (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn about research and the processes involved in carrying out research in the area of computer and information sciences. The module will encompass the full research cycle from development of the initial concept through to final evaluation and reflection on your research. You will learn how to search, find and evaluate the literature and how to use this to construct a critical literature review. You will also be able to gain an understanding of different research methods and techniques and how to apply them in practice. You will be given the opportunity to gain expertise in data and information analysis, from data collection through to the analysis, presentation and interpretation of results. You will be able to critically evaluate and reflect on the research process. You will also learn about ethics and professional conduct whilst undertaking research and consider and manage risk (including health and safety) and legal, societal and sustainability issues with respect to a research project.
Alongside this you will be provided with the skills and techniques to effectively manage a project from start to finish, including the planning and monitoring aspects.
KV7001 -
Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’.
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
KF7029 -
MSc Computer Science & Digital Technologies Project (Core,60 Credits)
The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a substantial academic research project at Masters level, record your progress though this, and present the results from your research in both written and oral forms. Your research project will be a major piece of independent and original research centred at the forefront of your programme discipline within the wider sphere of computer and information sciences.
You will experience the full life cycle of a research project from initial conception and development of a research proposal, through a critical review of the literature, planning, design, implementation and analysis of your main research project, to final evaluation, reflection and dissemination. You will be expected to conduct your research in an ethical and professional manner, and manage risk and consideration of the legal, societal and sustainability issues applicable, to this academic research project. You will also be expected to apply your expertise, project management and practical skills within your particular domain of computer and information sciences and demonstrate critical and innovative thinking and problem solving within a research environment.
KV7007 -
Advanced Practice Semester (Core,60 Credits)
This 60 credit module is designed for all full-time postgraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the opportunity to undertake a Live Project (including the possibility of live research project work with staff). for one semester as part of your programme. This experience gives you the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired during the taught part of your programme and to acquire new skills and knowledge in an alternative learning environment. Specific learning will be defined in a personal learning contract. You will be expected to conduct a risk assessment of the project with a project plan.
You will be expected to do a critical literature review research on existing state-of-the-art techniques and provide an optimal solution to the problem based on the research as well minimise any weaknesses or adverse effects of your solution.
Your Advanced Practice semester will be assessed on a pass/fail basis and as such, it does not contribute to the classification of your degree. However when taken and passed it is recognised both in your transcript as a 60 credit Advanced Practice Module and in your degree title.
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.
We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.
You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.
We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:
Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.
Information about all of our tuition fees, funding and scholarships.
Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.
Back to top
