What is computer science?
Computer science is about understanding how computers and computer systems work and understanding how we can construct and program them to do what we want to them to do. It is about how computers store and process information and how humans and computers interact with each other – from how we build the tools that enable us to create large-scale systems to understanding the very nature of computation itself.
Today, we are surrounded by computer technology whether it be the traditional desktop or notebook computer or the computer embedded inside your digital TV or mobile phone. A computer science degree from The University of Nottingham will leave you perfectly placed not only to understand how to program today’s computer technology but also how to design and implement the systems of the future, whether that be a traditional computer system, a smartphone, tablet or something completely new.
How will I study?
The School is committed to the provision of high-quality teaching and a well-equipped and supportive learning environment. Laboratory sessions, computer-aided learning tools, web-based teaching materials and small-group tutorials support traditional lecture courses.
Project work, both individual and in groups, is a key feature of all our courses. While deepening technical knowledge, the second-year group project develops self- and group-management skills which can be invaluable in the workplace. In your final year you will undertake a significant individual project on a topic relevant to your course and agreed with an academic supervisor.
Professional recognition
The single honours degree in Computer Science (G400) has been accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and exemption is granted from Parts 1 and 2 of the BCS examination.
Inspirational research
The School of Computer Science was ranked in the top 10 per cent of UK institutions in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. All our research activity was considered of international quality, with 80 per cent of it rated as world-class/internationally leading. This means the work at Nottingham is elite in key areas of computer science including scheduling and optimisation, ubiquitous computing, modelling and analysis, computer vision and image processing, and the foundations of programming. This research feeds into teaching, through specialist modules and undergraduate project work, to provide a cutting-edge insight into the subject.
Studying abroad and industry placements
All our courses provide an opportunity for you to study at an associated European institution as an integral part of your degree under the Erasmus scheme, or to take a year out working in industry, normally between years two and three. G400 or GN42 students can spend the second year at The University of Nottingham's Malaysia Campus.
Career prospects
Our graduates have gone on to work at major technology companies, such as Adobe, Google, IBM and Microsoft and are closely involved in creating the latest hardware and software products. Every year, employers from a diverse range of companies contact the School to 'head-hunt' our graduates. Over the years, graduates have begun to start their own companies and now revisit the School in the hope of recruiting new graduates as employees.
Application and interview
Offers are usually made without interview. Students with non-standard entry requirements, including mature students, may be invited to an interview.
Open days
Visit days for students who have been offered a place are normally held between January and March. For University–wide open days, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays