Computer Science with Industrial Placement (Bio-Computing), MComp (Hons), at Newcastle University

Course Overview

This degree in bio-computing includes an industrial placement to give you practical work experience and boost your CV, as well as a year of study at Master's level.

At a Glance

UCAS Code
I524

UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21

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Degree Awarded
MComp Honours

Course Duration
5 Years

Entry Requirements Icon

Entry Requirements
A Level: AAB
IB: 35 points

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Opportunities
Professionally accredited
Work placement

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You will learn about the design and development of databases to collect, store, integrate and interpret biological information.

In the first two years you will explore different aspects of computing science, such as games design, bioinformatics, and security.

You'll spend a year on an accredited, paid industrial placement between Stages 2 and 3.

At Stage 3 you study specialist modules such as bio-computing and bio-algorithms.

You can take modules from our MSc degrees in Stage 4 to develop a deep understanding of bio-computing. Choose from modules in:

Bioinformatics
Computational Systems Biology
Neuroinformatics
Synthetic Biology

Highlights of this degree

About Bio-computing

Bio-computing is a new, exciting area of science, blending technologies from computing, mathematics and statistics to manage and manipulate large sets of biological data.

Drug development, medicine, cancer research, neuroscience and robotics are just some of the many areas in which bioinformatics is poised to make a massive impact.

You will graduate able to design and develop databases and algorithms to collect and interpret biological information, ready to meet the growing demand for skilled bioinformaticians.

Quality and ranking

We rank in the top 20 UK universities for Computer Science in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2016.

We are ranked 9th overall in the UK for research (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Professional accreditation

We have a policy of seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for all of our degrees. BCS is the chartered institute for IT.

Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.

Our existing degrees are already accredited and we apply for accreditation for all new degrees.

Students who choose to undertake a study abroad exchange as part of their degree do not meet the requirements for BCS accreditation.

Flexible degree structure

You might not be sure which area of computing science you want to specialise in yet. Don't worry. At Newcastle, all Computing Science students study the same modules for the first two years, before specialising in the later years.

This gives you time to explore the subject and decide which area you want to specialise in. It also means you can transfer between our degrees up to the end of second year (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.

Work placements and industry links

Most of our Computer Science degrees are available with a paid work placement. This extends the length of your degree by a year.

Your placement provides you with the experience of seeking and securing a job, as well as practical experience and industry contacts that will benefit your academic study and longer-term career.

We assess your placement by a short report and presentation, though the assessment will not count towards your final mark.

Previous students have found placements with organisations including:

NHS Business Services Authority
Waterstons
Metropolitan Police
Accenture
IBM
Network Rail
Nissan
GSK
Scott Logic

Placement decisions ultimately rest with the employer, but the School of Computing Science and our Careers Service will provide support to help you find employers and guide you through the application process.

We have strong links with a number of organisations within the industry. Various parts of our degrees attract prizes awarded by major companies.

Local businesses approach the School to advertise small, part-time or voluntary work opportunities, giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience.

Facilities and support

You will be part of the School of Computing Science, based in Claremont Tower in the heart of Newcastle's city-centre campus.

Facilities

All of our students enjoy access to specialist IT facilities to support their studies including: