We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.
That is why on each of our courses within the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in Computing or Engineering.
Read the course details below to find out more.
Empowering problem-solvers with cutting-edge computing skills and advanced mathematical capabilities a unique pathway to excel in data science.
Computing and mathematics are at the heart of modern innovation, driving advancements across industries and reshaping how we solve complex problems. This BSc (Hons) in Computing with Applied Mathematics offers a unique interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with a robust foundation in computing technologies alongside advanced mathematical techniques. This combination empowers graduates to tackle real-world challenges in data science, artificial intelligence, software development, and beyond.
By integrating applied mathematics into the computing curriculum, this degree develops analytical and problem-solving skills that are in high demand across diverse fields, from finance and healthcare to engineering and the creative industries. Graduates will gain expertise in programming, data structures, and algorithms, while also mastering mathematical modelling, optimisation, and statistical inference—skills essential for addressing the complexities of our data-driven world.
The program is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that students not only understand the underlying principles but can also apply them to cutting-edge technologies. In addition to emerging areas like scientific machine learning, cryptography, and operational research, this degree uniquely positions graduates to contribute to transformative advancements in areas spanning large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, computational physics, robotics, medical imaging, bioinformatics, neuroscience, and the development of intelligent healthcare systems.
By harnessing computing and mathematics, students will be equipped to pioneer solutions across a range of machine learning-driven innovations, from enhancing decision-making systems to advancing predictive analytics and uncovering new insights from complex data.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This innovative four-year degree in Computing with Applied Mathematics is designed for highly motivated students seeking to master the art of computing while developing a strong mathematical foundation. By blending these complementary disciplines, the programme equips graduates with the skills to excel in advanced computing, data science, and machine learning, with applications across diverse and emerging fields.
While rooted in computing, the course emphasises linear algebra (the mathematics of structure and space), calculus (the mathematics of change and motion), and probability theory (the mathematics of uncertainty and prediction). These foundational pillars form the bedrock of all mathematical modelling, supporting advancements in engineering, science, finance, and healthcare. Together, they represent the core of modern mathematical practice, providing students with the essential tools to tackle complex real-world challenges and drive innovation across diverse fields.
Modules are carefully curated to provide a balanced education in both disciplines, introducing key concepts such as software development, artificial intelligence, computational methods, and the mathematical foundations of neural networks. Throughout, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, preparing them to lead in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Ulster University's commitment to excellence ensures students benefit from cutting-edge research and industry-aligned teaching. Graduates will not only be equipped with the technical proficiency and analytical expertise to excel in today’s data-driven world but will possess the theoretical depth and innovative mindset to help shape the world of tomorrow.
Four years, including placement.
Each student must complete 120 credits (usually six modules) in each academic year, with the exception of placement year (60 credits). Years 1, 2 and 4 are spent in the University. Modules are taught on campus and are web-supplemented. In Year 3, students undertake a year's work experience.
Members of the teaching team are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy and Members of the industry professional body - the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. Through their research, knowledge transfer and placement activities, teaching staff are also actively engaged with the local software and IT industry, and many modules on the course are directly informed by staff research activities.
Lectures are used to present theory and concepts and are supported through a combination of tutorial discussion and practical, laboratory exercises. Students will be directed to read sections of recommended texts and will be expected to undertake directed reading in preparation for all scheduled classes, and to consolidate the material covered in class by private study.
Modules are either assessed by coursework only or by a combination of coursework and formal examinations (January and May). Coursework assessment is carried out using any combination of written assignments, class tests, practical tests, presentations, and group assignments as appropriate to meet the learning outcomes of each module.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
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Grades BBB to include one subject from Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics.
Reduced Offer: Grades BCC to include Mathematics or Further Mathematics and Physics.
We will accept any BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Extended Diploma, Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications. It should be noted that all applicants will need to have A Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics and this subject must be included along with any applied general qualification.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include either Mathematics or Physics at grade H2 and English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level. If Mathematics is not completed at H2, it needs to be passed at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level, and Physics is then required to be passed at H2 or above.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, additionally GCSE Mathematics Grade C/4.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
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Graduates will be well-prepared for diverse roles in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering. The combination of computing expertise and mathematical proficiency equips them to address complex problems and innovate across various industries.
All students normally spend one year on industrial placement (Year 3) working in some aspect of the computing/engineering industry for a minimum period of 25 weeks. On satisfactory completion of the placement period, you are eligible for the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP). Students who complete their industrial placement abroad receive the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (International).
Alternatively, students may apply to study abroad in another academic institution for a year. Satisfactory completion leads to the Award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
