Expand+How and when to Apply
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained...

Hide-How and when to Apply
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in Autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00).

Late applications are, in practice, accepted by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application cycle, but you should understand that they are considered by institutions at their discretion, and there can be no guarantee that they will be given the same full level of consideration as applications received by the advisory closing date.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Expand+Entrance requirements
A level requirements
BBB including Computing, Mathematics or Software Systems Development + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

OR
ABB including Chemistry, Digital Techgnology, GCE A-level ICT (not Single Award Applied ICT), Physic...

Hide-Entrance requirements
A level requirements
BBB including Computing, Mathematics or Software Systems Development + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

OR
ABB including Chemistry, Digital Techgnology, GCE A-level ICT (not Single Award Applied ICT), Physics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied ICT + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics

OR
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Chemistry or Physics + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

Access Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65-70%. Must be relevant Access Course (eg: Mathematics and Computing) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.

International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include Higher Level Mathematics.

OR
33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include Higher Level Chemistry or Physics.

If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in English and Standard Level grade 5 in Mathematics would be accepted.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma
A relevant computing QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with 100 credits at Distinction grade and 80 credits at Merit grade+ GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
A relevant computing RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with at least 540 GLH at Distinction grade (minimum 240 GLH to be externally assessed) and 540 GLH at Merit grade + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

OR
A relevant engineering or scientific QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with 120 credits at Distinction grade and 60 credits at Merit grade + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
A relevant engineering or scientific RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with at least 660 GLH at Distinction grade (minimum 240 GLH to be externally assessed) and 420 GLH at Merit grade + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

BTEC Higher Diploma
Those with good grades in a relevant Higher National Diploma/Foundation Degree will be considered individually on their merits for entry to Stage 2 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided that subject specific requirements are met

All applicants
Computer Science, Computing Information Technology and Software Engineering share a common core of modules in the first year, so students may therefore transfer between these degrees at the end of first year, subject to meeting the normal progression requirements.

Selection Criteria
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For entry last year, applicants must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat candidates is normally the same as the offer for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as Edexcel National and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or an Access course, will also be considered. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates offering other qualifications.

For applicants offering a relevant HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits.

For those offering a relevant Foundation Degree, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the Foundation Degree and first year results (an average of 60% with no less than 50% in any module). Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve an average of 65% in final year modules and no less than 55% in any final year module. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1 provided they had an average of 50% in first year modules with all modules passed. Students would be required to achieve an average of 55% in final year modules and no less than 50% in any final year module.

For those offering a relevant Higher National Diploma, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the HND and first year results (at least half of the first year units must be at Merit grade). Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve 4 Distinctions and remainder Merits in all units assessed in final year. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1 provided at least one first year unit is at Merit grade. Students would be required to achieve Merits in all units assessed in final year.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to an Open Day, which is usually held during the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice; the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
• Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
• Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Expand+Overview
Computer Science is a subject that touches every facet of modern life. From cancer research, to predicting the weather, Computer Science is fundamental. A degree in Computer Science teaches you practical skills about how to approach the spe...

Hide-Overview
Computer Science is a subject that touches every facet of modern life. From cancer research, to predicting the weather, Computer Science is fundamental. A degree in Computer Science teaches you practical skills about how to approach the specification, design, construction and use of computer systems, but it also equips you with the information and understanding to tackle emerging problems and opportunities in the world.

Computer Science traditionally covers areas such as software engineering, hardware architecture, information systems, communications and simulation & modelling but it is ever expanding subject. Recent areas of development include machine learning, human-computer interactions and data analytics.

A good Computer Science degree will teach you how to design, maintain and understand complex computer systems. A great Computer Science degree will also provide the skills and expertise to use it to tackle real world problems.

Fields like social care, cybersecurity, bioinformatics and even space travel require experienced and talented Computer Scientists to creatively solve their challenges and reinterpret what Computer Science is. We would say the sky is the limit, but we’re already well beyond that!

Employer experience is embedded into this course and allows students to engage and learn from prospective employers from day one. Industry placements, company sponsored hackathons and challenges are a core part of the curriculum and vastly improve our graduate’s employability rates.

Computer Science Professional Experience Degree highlights
Industry Links
• The School has links with over 500 IT companies both here and abroad, and benefits from the fact that there are more software companies located in Northern Ireland than any other part of the UK, outside of London. This benefits our students on many levels through providing industrial input into our degree content, summer and year-long placements and competitions organised by the companies.

Internationally Renowned Experts
• The School has a number of very strong research groups engaged in leading edge technology. Major new research centres have been established in Secure Information Technologies (the UK Centre of Excellence), Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology (ECIT), e-Science and in Sonic Arts. A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in computing. The Single Honours courses are accredited by the British Computer Society.

Student Experience
• Due to the high demand for Computer Science graduates, some 15–20 scholarships are available, including some sponsored by Civica, Citi and Liberty IT, worth up to £25k. All provide for a cash stipend each academic year, a guaranteed industrial placement, an opportunity for additional part-time work during the academic year, plus the opportunity of a permanent position on graduation. For further information on these and other scholarships available, see the School website.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/eeecs

Course Structure
Introduction
These degrees aim to teach the fundamental principles of Computer Science, together with the necessary skills, tools and techniques to enable our graduates to embark on careers as professional software engineers, or to become suitably qualified to undertake research in Computer Science. As with all of our courses, industrial engagement forms an integral part, balancing academic theory with practical learning.

Single Honours BEng/BSc students spend a year on a paid, full-time placement - the School has links with over 500 local, national and international employers, eg BT, Liberty IT, Asidua, Kainos (Belfast), IBM (England), Microsoft, Sun Microsystems (Dublin), Fujitsu (Japan) and Siemens (Germany), and students are assisted in obtaining placements.

Expand+Stage 1
• Reasoning for Problem Solving
• Introduction to Software Engineering
• Foundations of Computing Systems

Stage 2
• Professional Computing Practice
• Architecture and Networks
• Theory of Computation
• Software Devel...

Hide-Stage 1
• Reasoning for Problem Solving
• Introduction to Software Engineering
• Foundations of Computing Systems

Stage 2
• Professional Computing Practice
• Architecture and Networks
• Theory of Computation
• Software Development
• Information Modelling
• Data Structures, Algorithms and Programming Languages

Stage 3
• Placement Year

Stage 4
• Computer Science Project

Stage 4 Optional Courses
• Formal Methods
• Artificial Intelligence
• Concurrent Programming
• Intelligent Information System
• Agile & Component Based Development using NET
• Information System Security
• Advanced Computer Architecture

Expand+Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
• The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments....

Hide-Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
• The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction

Feedback
As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work.

Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references
• Online or emailed comment
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
• Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Expand+Career Prospects
Introduction
Studying for a Computer Science degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. G...

Hide-Career Prospects
Introduction
Studying for a Computer Science degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by employers (local, national and international).

Consultations
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Liberty IT and Asidua who provide sponsorship for our Computer Science degree as well as Citi and Kainos who are members of the employer liaison panel for the course.

Employer Links
The School has links with over 500 IT companies both here and abroad. We benefit from the fact that there are more software companies located in N Ireland than any other part of the UK, outside of London. This offers benefits on many levels for our students, from industrial input to the content of our courses, through to year long and summer placements as well as activities such as competitions organised by the companies etc.

You should also take a look at www.prospects.ac.uk for further information concerning the types of jobs that attract Computer Science Graduates.

Further study is also an option open to Computer Science graduates. Students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics, see the School website www.qub.ac.uk/eeecs for more information.

Northern Ireland has an excellent international reputation for the quality and supply of its software engineers. Indeed many companies, both national and international, have opted for Northern Ireland as a base for their computing divisions in recognition of the high quality of graduates produced by the local universities.

Given this situation, it is not surprising that our graduates have had unparalleled job opportunities over the years, both locally and internationally. Because of the achievements of Queen's graduates already in the software engineering profession, a Computer Science degree from Queen's is a highly respected qualification. A good Honours degree in Computer Science from Queen's is of great benefit in seeking the best jobs.

Employers, from large multinational firms to small local organisations, actively target our students, recognising that Queen's Computer Science graduates are equipped with the skills they need. On graduating the majority of graduates take up posts associated with software design and implementation. Opportunities exist in fields as diverse as finance, games, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, research, consumer products, and public services - virtually all areas of business. Some of the employers include BT, Liberty IT, Kainos, Accenture, Citi, Wombat Financial Software.

The types of career open to Computer Science graduates include: Software Engineer; Systems Analyst; Web Designer; Games Developer; Systems Developer; IT Consultant; Project Manager.
www.prospects.ac.uk

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.