White human-style robot, Robin, with blue eyes wearing a Robin Hood hat in Robot lab

Computer Science MSci

Jubilee Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Computer science is more than just programming. It is about problem-solving and creativity. Our range of optional modules allows you to explore the areas of computer science that excite you. These include user experience design, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

You'll take part in a group project in year two which prepares you for designing and creating the computer systems of the future. Many projects are in collaboration with industry. Previous students have worked with Capital One, Experian, IBM and UniDays. This project is great for your CV and can help you make contacts ready for when you start your career.

The fourth year includes masters-level modules. You have full choice on what you'll study. You could work on your programming skills or try something new like being a STEM ambassador. You can conduct a substantial research project as a fourth year dissertation.

You may recognise some of our tutors from the Computerphile YouTube series. It is this inspiring teaching that you can expect at Nottingham. 

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Assembly Language Programming

Mandatory

Year 1

Computer Architecture

Mandatory

Year 1

Networks

Mandatory

Year 1

Database and Interfaces

Mandatory

Year 1

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Software Engineering

Mandatory

Year 1

Mathematics for Computer Scientists

Mandatory

Year 1

Mathematics for Computer Scientists 2

Mandatory

Year 1

Programming and Algorithms

Mandatory

Year 1

Programming Paradigms

Mandatory

Year 2

Algorithms, data structures and efficiency

Mandatory

Year 2

Introduction to Formal Reasoning

Mandatory

Year 2

Developing Maintainable Software

Mandatory

Year 2

Languages and Computation

Mandatory

Year 2

Operating Systems and Concurrency

Mandatory

Year 2

Software Engineering Group Project

Optional

Year 2

Advanced Functional Programming

Optional

Year 2

Artificial Intelligence Methods

Optional

Year 2

C++ Programming

Optional

Year 2

Distributed Systems

Optional

Year 2

Introduction to Human Computer Interaction

Optional

Year 2

Introduction to Image Processing

Optional

Year 2

Software Specification

Mandatory

Year 3

Computer Security

Mandatory

Year 3

Professional Ethics in Computing

Optional

Year 3

Computer Graphics

Optional

Year 3

Information Visualisation Project

Optional

Year 3

Fundamentals of Information Visualisation

Optional

Year 3

Symbolic artificial intelligence

Optional

Year 3

Cryptography

Optional

Year 3

Software in Society

Optional

Year 3

Collaboration and Communication Technologies

Optional

Year 3

Collaboration and Communication Technologies Development Project

Optional

Year 3

Compilers

Optional

Year 3

Computability

Optional

Year 3

Computer Vision

Optional

Year 3

Designing Intelligent Agents

Optional

Year 3

Human-AI Interaction

Optional

Year 3

Individual Dissertation in Computer Science

Optional

Year 3

Machine Learning

Optional

Year 3

Mobile Device Programming

Optional

Year 4

Computer Vision

Optional

Year 4

Data science with machine learning

Optional

Year 4

Designing Intelligent Agents

Optional

Year 4

Machine Learning and Inference for Differential Equations

Optional

Year 4

Group Programming Project

Optional

Year 4

Individual Research Project

Optional

Year 4

Individual Programming Project

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Computer Networks

Optional

Year 4

Handling Uncertainty with Fuzzy Sets and Fuzzy Systems

Optional

Year 4

Autonomous Robotic Systems

Optional

Year 4

Linear and Discrete Optimisation

Optional

Year 4

Games

Optional

Year 4

Mixed Reality

Optional

Year 4

Simulation and Optimisation for Decision Support

Optional

Year 4

Project in Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures

Optional

Year 4

Malware Analysis

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Friday 28 June 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

  • Computer labs
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials

Teaching is delivered through a mix of in-person and online methods. The majority of your teaching will be in-person.

You will be given a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how your work is assessed. Your work will be marked in a timely manner and you will receive regular feedback.

To progress to year three, you must achieve at least 55% in the second year. The pass mark for each module is 40%.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 20% with year three and four worth 40% each.

As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, tutorials, mentoring sessions and computer labs. The remaining time is spent in independent study. Tutorial groups are usually made up of eight students. They meet every other week during term-time. Core modules are taught by a mixture of professors, assistant/associate professors and teaching associates together with PhD students and research staff.

Our graduates are developing the future of computer science. From start-ups to international companies, they are working in roles such as:

  • App Developer
  • Game Developer
  • Data Analyst 
  • Software Developer
  • Financial Consultant

If research is something that interests you then you could continue studying for a PhD.  

Our graduates have gone on to work in companies such as:

  • BT
  • Capital One
  • Coca-Cola Enterprises
  • Experian
  • Games Workshop
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Sky

Other opportunities to help your employability

The Nottingham Internship Scheme provides a range of work experience opportunities and internships throughout the year. 

The Nottingham Advantage Award is our free scheme to boost your employability. There are over 200 extracurricular activities to choose from.

Average starting salary and career progression

92.70% of undergraduates from the School of Computer Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £33,082.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers.* 

*Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research.

Undergradute student Hewan Zewdu studying in the George Green library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Course data

Open Day June 2022