NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
1.
Programme or Pathway Title, and Award
B.Sc. (Hons) Mathematics and Computer Science
2.
UCAS or Other Admissions Code
G3N5
3.
Northumbria Programme Code
Family = 21SMAT-N , Route = MAT2CTS
4.
Mode of Delivery
On Site
Yes
Distance Learning
5.
Mode of Attendance
Full Time
3 years
Sandwich
6.
Location of Delivery
Northumbria
Yes
Distance Delivery
4 years
Part Time
Other UK please specify
Overseas please specify
Collaborative Provision if applicable
7.
Franchised
Validated
Joint
Dual
Partner Institution
8.
Date(s) of Approval/ Review
5 December 2014
9.
QAA Subject Benchmark Group
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research ; Computing
10.
PSRB accreditation if applicable
11.
Educational Aims of the Programme Specified in terms of the general intentions of the programme and its distinctive characteristics; these should be consistent
with any relevant benchmark and with the Mission of the University.
This joint honours degree enables students to take advantage of studying modules from two flagship programmes - Mathematics and Computer
Science. This course will allow students to study both mathematics and computer science subjects at undergraduate level. As such, this joint honours
degree contains two types of modules: mathematics modules and computer science modules. These modules work together to cover a range of
theoretical concepts and ideas, as well as their practical applications. As such, there is a natural synergy between the mathematics and computer
science modules. The relationship between theory and practice will be delivered through lateral module connections, as well as vertical implementation
across all years of delivery.
The mathematics modules that the student will study may be characterised as practice-based (as referred to in the QAA Mathematics, Statistics and
O.R. benchmarking statement), in that they concentrate on the subject’s applicability to the real world and employment therein, in addition to equipping
them to continue on to further study. The main aims of the mathematics modules are:
 to provide sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge in mathematics so as to give the student an appreciation of its applicability and importance to
the outside world.
 to develop the essential depth of knowledge and skills to enable the graduate to practise as a mathematician, or proceed to postgraduate study in
an appropriate area.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
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to stimulate the student’s intellectual development and enthusiasm, and enhance their ability to apply their skills to a wide variety of problems in
applicable mathematics.
to ally the programme of study to the development of the key and transferable skills required of a graduate.
to make students aware of on-going developments in mathematics.
The computer science modules aim to produce graduates who are highly skilled and professional in developing and managing computing solutions,
knowledgeable of current and emergent technologies, and with a broad business/industry awareness. Typically graduates from the programme would
be expected to work in organisations developing solutions to computing problems using their software engineering skills gained on the programme, but
would also be suited to employment in related areas such as embedded computing, network services and database development and management. It
is intended that the programme will also sufficiently enthuse and excite students in the domain of Computer Science that some graduates will proceed
to further study or research.
The computer science modules aim to enable students to:
• Identify the need for, elicit the requirements for, specify, design, implement and test computing systems in a range of environments and for a range
of problems and thereby adopt a software engineering approach.
• Successfully exploit a range of methods and tools in developing workable solutions to complex computing system problems involving current
technologies.
• Critically appraise the suitability of current and emerging computing technologies to support a variety of domains.
• Act in a professional and ethical manner in the development and use of computing systems.
• Work with users in the development and operation of computing systems.
• Plan and manage the development and use of computing systems.
• Use and evaluate a variety of commercial software, tools and techniques relevant to computing systems.
• Specify network and security requirements to support business systems.
• Communicate effectively (in writing and orally) at the appropriate business and technical level with users, management, customers and technical
specialists.
Level 6 content stems from research strengths within both the Department of Mathematics & Information Sciences and Department of Computer
Science in the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and includes dynamical systems, statistical methods, mathematical cryptology, financial
mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision. Additionally, the students will plan, manage and undertake a substantial
piece of individual project work. This creates the opportunity for in-depth study of advanced mathematical and computer science topics, where the
students are able to appreciate the natural symbiosis between these two branches of research.
Further, students will have the opportunity to, and will be encouraged to, undertake a placement between their Level 5 and Level 6 studies. The
placement provides the student the opportunity to apply their learning in practice and return to university with a practical grounding. The value and
benefit of placement experience will be emphasised.
The programme will aim to develop students' critical abilities and general problem solving skills and lay a foundation for continuing education and selfimprovement.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
12.
How Students are Supported in their Learning/Employability/Career Development eg curriculum design, personal development plans, placements,
fieldwork, practical projects.
Students are supported in each year of study by:

Induction Programme
o Year 1: details of course structure, assessment, University support (Student Services), the Academic/Guidance Tutor System, Personal
Development Plans, information services (library, internet, e-mail, MyNorthumbria, eLP); assigned Academic Tutor; advice with regards to
study and time management.
o Year 2: details of course/assessment, available support in seeking and preparing for industrial placement, advice from the Careers Officer.
o Final Year: details of course/assessment, advice on projects and option choice, advice from the Careers Officer.

Personal Development Plans managed by the Programme Leader. These allow the student to monitor their academic and personal development
and the skills and experience acquired throughout the programme.
Student Handbook detailing Programme Learning Outcomes, assessment schedule, regulations, advice with regards to study skills and time
management, available support, the Academic/Guidance Tutor System, Web-based resources, link to module descriptors, mark/grade definitions.
Year Tutor, responsible for managing of the year group and provides a point of contact for individual students who need specific information.
Direct access to all staff by e-mail.
Direct academic support in seminars/computer laboratory sessions.
Academic/Guidance Tutor System – this provides access to their Academic/Guidance Tutor who monitors academic progress, through a series of
mandatory tutorials, and by liaison with the Year Tutor.
Student Representatives who represent their views and concerns at Mathematics and Information Sciences Programme Committee meetings.
Use of eLP (Blackboard) by module tutors, for learning materials, assignments, past exam papers, notice board, etc.
Encourage students to participate in Institute of Mathematics and its Applications as well as BCS, the Chartered Institute of IT, activities,
particularly those held in the local region.
An ‘open door’ policy that means students have access to support from academic staff.
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The design of this degree expressly supports the employability of its graduates. The programme provides experience in computing (e.g. use of industrystandard software) and I.T. (e.g. advanced word processing and spreadsheet manipulation) so as to produce a graduate who is computer-literate and
numerate, with highly-valued analytical skills. The choice of skill and knowledge areas, tools, techniques and methods has been made to ensure
students are immediately useful to employers, both at the placement and at the graduate stage. Transferable skills are embedded within all modules
and developed throughout the course. In addition, a suitable range of relevant assessment techniques are employed which require the student to
demonstrate a range of graduate skills.
At Induction to Year 2, all students are encouraged to consider undertaking Placement in Year 3, to gain work experience and enhance their
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
employability. Subsequently, the Faculty Placements Team is available to give advice on CVs, seeking employment, researching companies and
interview technique. The Careers Officer is invited to speak to Year 2 students at Induction to offer expert advice. Sandwich students, on placement in
Year 3, obtain invaluable work experience in mathematics related or computing environment based employment, gaining in self-confidence and
maturity, and greatly enhancing their prospects. The year is managed by the Faculty Placement Team and a Placement Tutor who maintains regular
contact with students and arrange staff visits (at least two per year) to monitor progress and well-being. The Faculty Placements Team has developed a
Placements Organisation on eLP to provide students with information on careers, events (through the Careers Service, for example), companies and
advertisements, to help with career choices. Guest speakers from industry, commerce or education, who are themselves mathematics or computer
science graduates, are invited to talk to students about their careers.
Students undertake a supervised final-year Project at Level 6, working to set deadlines over a six-month period. They are effectively involved in ‘job
simulation’, subject to demands similar to those in employment.
13.
Learning Outcomes of Programme Specified in terms of performance capabilities to be shown on completion of the programme/pathway.
Please identify numerically to correspond to the map of learning outcomes in section 18.
a) Knowledge and Understanding
The students will be able to:
A1) Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles and a range of fundamental areas of applicable mathematics.
A2) Know and understand core software engineering technologies, development tools and languages, as well as hardware platforms, network
architectures, technologies and standards, used in and to support computing systems.
A3) Apply their skills to the solution of relevant problems, mathematical and statistical models, simulations, case studies and loosely-defined scenarios,
using standard analytical, numerical and computational techniques.
A4) Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a range of advanced topics in applicable mathematics and computer science, the advanced
nature being characterised by relevance to graduate employment or direct underpinning to postgraduate study.
A5) Specify, design or construct computer based systems and deploy these tools effectively.
A6) Appraise the multi-disciplinary contexts in which knowledge base can be applied and identify appropriate fundamental principles.
b) Intellectual Skills
The students will be able to:
B1) Construct logical and justified multi-step mathematical arguments.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
B2)
B3)
B4)
B5)
B6)
Analyse a simple problem domain and develop or select an effective software solution to given problems in that domain.
Select the most appropriate mathematical methods and techniques of solution to a given problem.
Recognise the limitations of available techniques in terms of their applicability and accuracy.
Discuss and critically evaluate the solutions and results of set and student-formulated problems, and derive appropriate conclusions.
Demonstrate the ability to learn independently, with relatively little guidance and support.
c) Practical Skills
The students will be able to:
C1)
C2)
C3)
C4)
C5)
Analyse, design, build and test software solutions, adopting a software engineering approach to increasingly complex and varied computing.
Use modern mathematical and statistical software, including developing and implementing computing algorithms.
Present their work, and results of such, in an attractive and explanatory fashion, including the use of appropriate I.T. and graphical software.
Design and build high quality, secure computing applications with appropriate interactive components, networking and database support.
Program in a MATLAB environment.
d) Transferable/Key Skills
The students will be able to:
D1)
D2)
D3)
D4)
D5)
D6)
14.
Communicate information, ideas, problems and their solution, in both written and oral form.
Manage their time and resources efficiently.
Work effectively both individually and as a member of a team.
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility.
Learn independently using a diverse range of resources.
Make use of general I.T. facilities relating to information retrieval, analysis of data and presentation skills.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy Specified to enable learners to achieve and demonstrate the above learning outcomes.
Learning and Teaching
At all Levels, LEARNING and TEACHING take place via lectures supported by small-group seminars (problem-solving classes) or computer laboratory
sessions, in which students obtain direct help, from academic staff, with problems associated with a particular module.
Lecturers are free to adopt teaching styles to suit the material delivered, and their own personalities and abilities, and may choose to use distributed
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
materials (including via eLP), specified texts, OHP slides, projected material via a PC, lab-based teaching with appropriate software, traditional ‘chalk
and talk’, or combinations thereof.
To support lecture materials, lecturers regularly supply students with problem sheets (especially at Levels 4 and 5). Students are expected to consider
these prior to seminars or laboratory sessions, referring to lecture notes and/or recommended texts. In this way the problem sheets encourage both
directed and independent learning. During seminars students attempt problems and obtain help with any difficulties encountered. Seminars also
provide a point of contact where both students and staff can reflect on the learning experience. At a more advanced stage (Level 5 and especially Level
6) seminars involve more open-ended or complex problems, arising from case studies or loosely-defined scenarios. These not only help develop higher
level skills but also necessitate more interaction between students themselves, and with staff.
Students participate in a mixture of learning experiences, including lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, individual and group work, independent
learning, and where appropriate field study visits. Delivery is also supported by the use of a range of academic and case study-based learning
materials. Where appropriate, teaching takes place in a computer laboratory, especially when students are being taught how to use or develop
software. Many modules, at all Levels, utilise such sessions to support lectures. In this way students have laboratory time dedicated to the development
of computational and numerical techniques, I.T. skills, high-level programming and advanced software.
At Levels 4 and 5, most modules are supported by 3 hours of staff-student contact per week. At Level 4, this is necessary to enable entrants of varying
academics background to settle in to H.E. and cope with degree-level work. At Level 5, it aids progress to more advanced areas of work. However,
Level 6 modules are supported by only 2 hours contact per week. Students are expected to have matured by this stage and to be more adept at
learning independently, using any resources at their disposal. Lecturers therefore use more directed learning in the delivery of material.
At levels 5 and 6 students are increasingly expected to incorporate critical analysis and critical evaluation into their learning. Students will be supported
in developing these skills throughout the programme. The development of transferable skills permeates the whole of the programme, particularly with
regard to communication and presentation of the results of study. The subjects of Mathematics and Computer Science are continuously developing,
evolving and changing and as a result students will be expected to keep up to date with developments through independent research.
Also, at Level 6, a core Project module is undertaken by students in which a topic of an open-ended nature is studied. Supervision consists of 0.5 hours
per week, a great deal of independent study and learning being demanded of the student. The ensuing report necessitates a significant depth of
understanding of the work, and its conclusions, and the ability to critically appraise what has been achieved. The Project includes a critical review of
relevant literature, implementation of demanding analytical work or computational/experimental investigation, data analysis, drawing suitable
conclusions and critical appraisal. Students are supported in the development of these skills throughout the programme.
The opportunity to undertake a professional placement between the second and final taught years of the programme provides the student the
opportunity to apply their learning in practice, and offers highly valuable preparation for both level 6 study and graduate employment.
Assessment
At all Levels ASSESSMENT takes place via a combination of formal examinations and In-Course Assessments (ICA), such as individual or group
assignments as well as tests. The form of assessment, and weightings, is specified by the Module Tutor, appropriate to the particular module. Some,
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
particularly those involving laboratory-based work or I.T., lend themselves to greater use of ICAs involving computational work.
The aim of the assessment for any module is to assess the learning outcomes for that module as well as the programme learning outcomes, and the
assessment methods used reflect the diversity of subject matter within Mathematics and Computer Science. They test the learning outcomes of each
module in the most appropriate way, while ensuring a range of assessment methods across the programme. Examinations clearly test knowledge,
understanding and intellectual skills and, implicitly, transferable skills. The inclusion of ICAs allows the full range of learning outcomes of the
Programme to be tested.
Formative assessment and feedback is incorporated into modules wherever appropriate and students are encouraged to participate in formative
activities by using these activities to develop the skills, techniques and expectations of summative assessment. Summative assessment methods
include exams, technical reports, case study analyses, presentations, portfolio and project work. The schedule of assessment for each year can be
found in the programme handbook.
For example, at Level 5 most modules use a combination of formal examination and ICAs, with the latter reflecting this more advanced level by often
involving computational work or the use or development of software. At Level 6, the optional modules adopt a 70%:30% weighting between
examination and coursework. Assessment is necessarily more demanding in terms of complexity and intellectual requirements. A core Project module
is assessed via a written report combined with a poster presentation and interview (for mathematical projects) or a product with a viva (for computer
science projects). The Project centres around an open-ended problem on a topic of interest to the student and can itself test most of the learning
outcomes of the Programme.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
15.
Programme Structure Diagrams can also be used to demonstrate the structure. Please refer to the PROGRAMME STRUCTURE DIAGRAM following.
Programme Structure Refer if necessary to appended diagrams
Progression for Honours Programme
Levels 4
All modules are core.
4 Year-Long modules (20 credits each), of which 3 are Mathematics modules
(MS0262, MS0410, MS0402) and 1 is a Computer Science module (CM0429).
2 semester modules (20 credits each), both of which are Computer Science modules
(CG0047, CG0048).
Progression point at level 4: 120 credits.
Certificate of Higher Education awarded for 120
credits.
Level 5
All modules are core.
4 Year-Long modules (20 credits each), of which 3 are Mathematics modules
(EE0504, CG0029, CG0026) and 1 is a Computer Science module (CM0506).
2 semester modules (20 credits each), both of which are Computer Science modules
(EN0572, EN0574).
Level 6
16.
Students undertake 1 core project module (40 credits): either MS0607 or CM0645.
2 core semester modules (20 credits each), both of which are Computer Science
modules (CM0671, CM0669).
Remaining 40 credits are chosen from four optional Year-Long taught modules (20
credits each), i.e. choose two modules. All of these are Mathematics modules
(MS0602, MS0603, EE0604, CG0010).
Overall, students must have 120 points in their portfolio.
Progression point at level 5: 120 credits at level
5.
Diploma of Higher Education awarded for 240
credits.
Honours Degree awarded for total of 360
credits: 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5, 120 at
Level 6.
Pass Degree awarded for at least 60 credits at
Level 6.
Interim Awards Credit Structure and Programme Learning Outcomes for Interim Awards. Please delete or add rows as appropriate, with reference to section 8 of the
Assessment Regulations for Northumbria Awards and specify learning outcomes for each of the interim awards.
Award
Credit Structure
Programme Learning Outcomes May be completed with reference to
section 13.
Certificate of Higher
Education
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120 credits at Level 4.
Learning outcomes. See Section 18.
As for Level 4.
Partial fulfilment of outcomes A2- A6; B1,B2,B4-B6; C1-C5; D1-D5.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
See Section 13.
Diploma of Higher
Education
240 credits:
 120 at Level 4
 120 at Level 5
Pass Degree
300 credits:
 120 at Level 4
 120 at Level 5
 60 at Level 6
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Learning outcomes. See Section 18.
As for Levels 4 and 5.
Partial fulfilment of all outcomes, except A2,A4,A5,B1,B2,B6,C1-C5.
See Section 13.
Learning outcomes. See Section 18.
Partial fulfilment of learning outcomes A2,A4,B2,C1,C2,C4,C5.
See Section 13.
9
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
B.Sc. (Hons) Mathematics and Computer Science
YEAR 1
SIX CORE TAUGHT MODULES (total of 120 credits) LEVEL 4
Year-long modules except CG0047 (semester 1) and CG0048 (semester 2).
MS0262
Calculus
(Core, 20 Credits)
MS0410
Statistics
(Core, 20 Credits)
MS0402
Computational
Mathematics
(Core, 20 Credits)
CG0047
Programming 1 (JAVA)
(Core, 20 Credits)
CG0048
Programming 2 (JAVA)
(Core, 20 Credits)
CM0429
Relational Databases
(Core, 20 Credits)
YEAR 2
SIX CORE TAUGHT MODULES (total of 120 credits) LEVEL 5
Year-long modules except EN0572 (semester 1) and EN0574 (semester 2).
EE0504
Ordinary & Partial
Differential Equations
(Core, 20 Credits)
CG0029
Applied Statistical
Methods
(Core, 20 Credits)
YEAR 3
YEAR 4
CG0026
Further Computational
Mathematics
(Core, 20 Credits)
CM0506
Small Embedded Systems
(Core, 20 Credits)
EN0572
Operating Systems & Concurrency
(Core, 20 Credits)
EN0574
Computer Networks
(Core, 20 Credits)
OPTIONAL PLACEMENT / Professional Placement (EE0500)
FINAL YEAR CORE AND OPTIONS (total of 120 credits)
LEVEL 6
Core Project (MS0607 or CM0645, 40 credits) – year-long.
Core modules CM0671 (semester 1) and CM0669 (semester 2), 40 credits.
Choose 40 credits of options from year-long modules.
MS0607
Project
(Core, 40 Credits)
CM0671
Artificial Intelligence &
Affective Computing
(Core, 20 Credits)
or
CM0645
Individual Projects
(Core, 40 Credits)
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CM0669
Machine Learning &
Computer Vision
(Core, 20 Credits)
MS0602
Dynamical
Systems
(Optional, 20 Credits)
MS0603
Advanced Statistical
Methods
(Optional, 20 Credits)
EE0604
Mathematical Cryptology
(Optional, 20 Credits)
CG0010
Financial Mathematics
(Optional, 20 Credits)
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
17.
Variation From Assessment Regulations Provide details of any approved variations from the standard University
regulations.
None.
18. Mapping of Learning Outcomes
This section shows how the individual modules (with module learning outcomes as written in the module descriptor) together
contribute to programme learning outcomes. It is presented as a matrix of programme learning outcomes (as identified
numerically in section 13), against modules. Where a module contributes to a programme learning outcome it is flagged by a
shaded box.
The matrix below is for a programme structure with learning outcomes in each of the categories of section 13, with Core
modules ( C ) in Levels 4, 5 and 6, and Optional modules ( O ) in Level 6. The matrix shows how some learning outcomes are
developed at particular stages in the programme, while others may be developed through the three levels.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
PROGRAMME TITLE - MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
MAPPING OF PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES (SEE SECTION 13))
MODULES
a. KNOWLEDGE
core (C) or
UNDERSTANDING
optional (O)
LEVEL 4
MS0262 Calculus
MS0410 Statistics
MS0402 Comput. Mathematics
CMO429 Relational Databases
CG0047 Programming 1 (JAVA)
CG0048 Programming 2 (JAVA)
C
C
C
C
C
C
LEVEL 5
EE0504 ODEs & PDEs
CG0029 Applied Statistical Methods
CG0026 Further Comput. Math.
CM0506 Small Embedded Systems
EN0572 Operating Systems & Conc.
EN0574 Computer Networks
C
C
C
C
C
C
LEVEL 6
MS0607 Project
CM0645 Individual Projects
CM0671 A. I. & Affective Computing
CM0669 Mach. Learn. & Comp. Vision
MS0602 Dynamical Systems
CG0010 Financial Mathematics
EE0604 Mathematical Cryptology
MS0603 Advanced Stat. Methods
C
C
C
C
O
O
O
O
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b. INTELLECTUAL
SKILLS
c. PRACTICAL
SKILLS
d. TRANSFERABLE
KEY SKILLS
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
19.
Admission Requirements
The ability to benefit from Northumbria University programmes is assessed on a combination of academic and personal qualities which can be
demonstrated in a number of ways. Successful completion of a GCE or VCE Advanced level course of study (or some other equivalent qualification) is
just one way. Students who can in other ways demonstrate their ability to benefit from a Northumbria University programme, in particular mature
students without formal qualifications will always be considered and are invited to contact the Programme Leader to discuss their application.
Applicants should use the personal statement on their application to illustrate their abilities, aptitudes, skills, qualifications and experiences which might
be taken into account as well as or instead of any of the formal qualifications listed below. It is University policy to recognise a wide variety of evidence,
and potential applicants may wish to discuss this aspect of their application with the admission tutor or Programme Leader.
The following standard entry requirements are shown for guidance. A student’s particular combination of qualifications (including key skills) will
always be taken into account in making an offer:
GCSE grade C or above in English Language , plus one of the following:
GCE and VCE Advanced Level
320 UCAS tariff points, with Mathematics at A-level minimum grade B.
Scottish Highers
BBBBB at Higher level including Mathematics
BBB at Advanced Higher including Mathematics
Irish Highers
AABBB including Mathematics
HEFC Access
Three Distinctions and three Merits including
Distinction in Mathematical Studies plus Toolbox.
Progression Diploma
Only acceptable in conjunction with GCE A-level Mathematics.
Other
IB 27 points, including Mathematics (at least 5 points).
It should be noted that all applications will be considered on an individual basis. The above 320 points norm refers to a candidate normally taking at
least 3 A-levels. An offer of a place is given on the basis of an applicant’s potential to succeed on the programme.
There is an English language requirement.
Interviews
Interviews will be held where:
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
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the suitability of a candidate is in doubt and further evidence is sought
candidates present an unusual set of qualifications taken or pending, and an appropriate conditional offer needs to be determined
candidates may need advice on the appropriateness of a course, or on the appropriateness of a proposed preparatory course of study
Applicants invited for an interview will always be told its purpose.
20.
Application Procedure Amend as appropriate
Applications are processed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
The HEAR Supplement should be completed for all new and existing undergraduate honours degrees. Information in sections 7, 8
and 9 should apply to students gaining awards in the current academic year (with the possibility that this could differ from related
information in the main programme specification). Once approved, it will be entered by Faculty support staff onto SITS and will be
reviewed annually.
1.
Academic Year
2014/15
2.
Northumbria Programme Title and Route Code
3.
Mode/s of Attendance
B.Sc. (Hons) Mathematics and Computer Science
 Sandwich


Full Time
MAT2CTS
Part
Time
Other please specify
4.
Partner Institution/s
5.
Date of Approval
6.
Programme Entry Requirements (150 words maximum)
Validation event on 5 December 2014
This section should indicate any subject specific requirements, a statement regarding
advanced entry to the programme and English language entry requirements (in line with the English language policy, IELTS component requirements should be
specified in the Supplement and in section 19 of the programme specification). UCAS entry tariffs should not be specified.
The following standard entry requirements are shown for guidance. A student’s particular combination of qualifications
(including key skills) will always be taken into account in making an offer.
GCSE grade C or above in English Language, plus one of the following:
GCE and VCE Advanced Level 320 UCAS tariff points, with Mathematics at A-level minimum grade B.
Scottish Highers
Irish Highers
BBBBB at Higher level including Mathematics
BBB at Advanced Higher including Mathematics
AAABB including Mathematics
HEFC Access
Three Distinctions and three Merits including
Distinction in Mathematical Studies plus Toolbox.
Other
IB 27 points, including Mathematics (at least 5 points).
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
There is an English language requirement.
It should be noted that all applications will be considered on an individual basis. The above 320 points norm refers to a
candidate normally taking at least 3 A-levels. An offer of a place is given on the basis of an applicant’s potential to succeed on
the programme.
More detailed information is available in the programme specification and the on-line prospectus.
7.
Programme Statement (250 words maximum) This should be written primarily for an external audience (eg employers) clarifying the aims of the
programme, pathways, professional body implications (including where an alternative award title indicates that professional requirements have not been met) and
opportunities for work experience/placements or study abroad. Please note that further information on professional status is required in section 10 below.
This joint honours degree enables students to take advantage of studying modules from two flagship programmes - Mathematics and Computer
Science. Graduates will possess the depth of knowledge and skills to practise as mathematicians or computer scientists within the professional
working environment or to proceed to postgraduate study in an appropriate area.
This degree programme gives students the ability to apply mathematical and statistical tools in the context of computer science. It also develops the
theoretical and practical experience needed to understand important applications in automation. In the computer science modules students will
cover important topics such as object-orientated programming, relational databases and embedded systems. They will also have the opportunity to
apply their knowledge in practical applications.
In the third year they have the option to go out into industry for a full 48-week placement.
The University's strong research culture feeds into the programme, together with direct feedback from employers about the
skills they want our graduates to develop. These ensure a degree programme that contains the most relevant up-to-date
knowledge and skills on which to build a career. In the final year, students can specialise in areas such as mathematical
cryptology, dynamical systems, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and have studied a challenging topic in more depth via
an individual project lasting the full year.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
8.
Learning Outcomes
applicable to students gaining awards in the current academic year. If these are the same as the main programme specification, please
indicate ‘see section 13 of the main specification’ below.
The learning outcomes for an Honours degree are as follows:
a)
Knowledge and Understanding
The students will be able to:
A1) Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles and a range of theories.
A2) Know and understand core software engineering technologies, development tools and languages, as well as hardware
platforms, network architectures, technologies and standards, used in and to support computing systems.
A3) Apply their skills to the solution of familiar types of problems, mathematical and statistical models, simulations, case
studies and loosely-defined scenarios, using standard analytical, numerical and computational techniques.
A4) Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a range of advanced topics, the advanced nature being characterised
by relevance to graduate employment or direct underpinning to postgraduate study.
A5) Specify, design or construct computer based systems and deploy these tools effectively.
A6) Appraise the multi-disciplinary contexts in which knowledge base can be applied and identify appropriate fundamental
principles.
b)
Intellectual Skills
The students will be able to:
B1) Construct logical and justified multi-step mathematical arguments.
B2) Analyse a simple problem domain and develop or select an effective software solution to given problems in that domain.
B3) Select the most appropriate method and tools of solution to a given problem.
B4) Recognise the limitations of available techniques in terms of their applicability and accuracy.
B5) Discuss and critically evaluate their solutions and results, and derive appropriate conclusions.
B6) Demonstrate the ability to learn independently, with relatively little guidance and support.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
c)
Practical Skills
The students will be able to:
C1) Analyse, design, build and test software solutions, adopting a software engineering approach to increasingly complex and
varied computing.
C2) Use modern mathematical and statistical software, including developing and implementing computing algorithms.
C3) Present their work, and results of such, in an attractive and explanatory fashion, including the use of appropriate I.T. and
graphical software.
C4) Design and build high quality, secure computing applications with appropriate interactive components, networking and
database support.
C5) Program in a MATLAB environment.
d)
Transferable/Key Skills
The students will be able to:
D1) Communicate information, ideas, problems and their solution, in both written and oral form.
D2) Manage their time and resources efficiently.
D3) Work effectively both individually and as a member of a team.
D4) Exercise initiative and personal responsibility.
D5) Learn independently using a diverse range of resources.
D6) Make use of general I.T. facilities relating to information retrieval, analysis of data and presentation skills.
9.
An unclassified degree or lower level qualification may also be awarded where students have not met all learning outcomes.
Professional status (100 words maximum) Please provide a statement on the professional status of the programme for students graduating in the
current academic year, noting the following extract from guidance from the Higher Education Better Regulation Group (HEBRG)1 for the collection of data for the
KIS:
Not applicable.
1 http://www.hesa.ac.uk/component/option,com_studrec/task,show_file/Itemid,233/mnl,12061/href,accreditation_guidance.html/
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion)
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