On our Mathematics and Computer Science MSci programme you will be able to shape your degree to suit your career aspirations in exciting and rapidly developing areas. You could choose to specialise in areas such as statistics, algebra, robotics and machine learning and take on a significant project.

Our world-leading experts will help you build your knowledge and skills in subjects that have a huge impact on our lives. In small group tutorials we will encourage you to think critically and independently, helping you become a successful mathematician or computer scientist. The analytical and problem-solving skills you will learn will help you stand out in a highly competitive job market.

Whether you decide to delve into the world of statistics, or explore the exciting developments in robotics and AI, this MSci Mathematics and Computer Science programme will help you learn to apply analytical, statistical, computational and programming skills to formulate and tackle problems. We will support you to think logically, independently and imaginatively, equipping you to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Mathematicians use computers to solve complex equations, analyse large data sets and even to prove theorems. Computer scientists use mathematics to design efficient compression algorithms, to understand the semantics of programming languages and for the theory behind internet security systems.

In this Joint Honours programme you will work at exactly the same level as students taking the Single Honours programme. In your first year, we will help you to make the step up to university level study. We will give you a sound mathematical basis in a range of subjects and you will study the foundations of computer science together with programme design and programming techniques. The second year will introduce you to more advanced areas, allowing you to develop particular interests. The choice of modules in the third year is very broad and then, in the fourth year, you will specialise and undertake a significant project so you can explore your interests in greater depth. Normally students choose whether to remain on the MSci, or switch to the three year BSc, at the end of their second year.

    

Why study Mathematics and Computer Science MSci at Newcastle?

  • Expand your knowledge and understanding of two subjects and enhance your choice of careers
  • Choice of modules allows you to specialise in areas that interest you
  • You will take a fourth year MSci dissertation which is a research project contributing to a third of your final year mark. Here you will carry out independent research on an area of mathematics of your choosing. You will have an academic member of staff assigned to you as a project supervisor who you will meet with on a weekly basis to support your work. This project is a fantastic opportunity to explore an area in more detail and is excellent preparation for further study and research
  • A rich diversity of research interests among staff provides exciting opportunities for project work and fourth year modules
  • Weekly small group tutorials mean you can work closely with academic staff and other students
  • You will be supported in your study with with opportunities to discuss problems with lecturers, drop-in study sessions and peer-led support classes
  • Use of the Mathematics Learning Resource Centre provides you with a learning environment where you can work independently, in groups, or with help from postgraduate students

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Mathematics and Computer Science MSci

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U503

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (4 years)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

Year 1 

The first two years are carefully designed to allow you as much choice as possible in your final year. In Computer Science you study the foundations of computer science together with program design and programming techniques.

  • Real Analysis – 20 credits
  • Data Structures and Algorithms – 20 credits
  • Object Oriented Programming – 20 credits
  • Vectors, Geometry & Linear Algebra – 20 credits
  • Mechanics – 10 credits
  • Probability and Statistics – 10 credits
  • Logic and Computation – 20 credits

Year 2 

Core modules

  • Algebra & Combinatorics 1 – 20 credits
  • Functional Programming – 20 credits
  • Systems Programming in C/C++ – 20 credits
  • Real and Complex Analysis – 20 credits
  • Security and Networks – 20 credits

Optional modules

Choose 20 credits of options. Example optional modules:

  • Differential Equations – 20 credits
  • Statistics – 20 credits

Year 3 

This year offers you a choice of modules with the possibility of specialising in either Mathematics or Computer Science. 

Core module

  • Either Project in Computer Science (40 credits) or Research Skills in Mathematics (20 credits)

Optional modules

Choose 80-100 credits (dependent on core module choice), with a minimum of 40 credits in total from each of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Mathematics modules:
  • Graph Theory
  • Combinatorics and Communication Theory
  • Mathematical Finance
  • Number Theory
  • Algebra and Combinatorics 2
  • Differential Equations
  • Real and Complex Analysis
  • Statistics
Computer Science modules:
  • Advanced Networking
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Vision and Imaging
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Security of Real-World Systems
  • Theoretical Foundations for Security

Year 4

The final year allows you to choose either a Project in Mathematics or a Software Project in Computer Science,

Core module

  • Project in Mathematics OR Software Project in Computer Science – 40 credits

Optional modules

Choose 80 credits with a minimum of 20 credits from each of Mathematics and Computer Science. Example modules:

   

Mathematics modules:
  • Perturbation Theory and Asymptotics – 10 credits
  • Number Theory – 20 credits
  • Graph Theory – 20 credits
  • Combinatorics and Communication Theory – 20 credits
  • Nonlinear Programming I – 10 credits
  • Heuristic Optimisation – 10 credits
  • Multicriteria Decision Making – 10 credits
  • Nonlinear Programming II – 10 credits
  • Combinatorical Optimisation – 10 credits
  • Further Mathematical Finance – 10 credits
  • Integer Programming – 10 credits
  • Group Theory and Galois Theory A & B – 20 credits
  • Applied Statistics – 20 credits
  • Medical Statistics – 20 credits
  • Linear Analysis – 20 credits
  • Conic Optimisation – 10 credits
  • Game Theory – 10 credits
  • Statistical Methods in Finance and Economics – 20 credits
  • Numerical Methods II – 10 credits
  • Numerical Linear Algebra with Applications – 10 credits
  • Mathematical Biology II – 10 credits
  • Advanced Topics in Combinatorics – 10 credits
  • Mathematical Biology – 10 credits
  • Modelling with Partial Differential Equations – 10 credits
  • Continuum Mechanics – 20 credits
  • Applied Nonlinear Dynamical Systems – 10 credits
  • Methods in Partial Differential Equation – 20 credits
Computer Science modules:
  • Compilers and Languages (Extended) – 10 credits
  • Individual Study 2 – 10 credits
  • Cryptography – 10 credits
  • Networks (Extended) – 20 credits
  • Operating Systems (Extended) – 20 credits
  • Principles of Programming Languages (Extended) – 10 credits
  • Computer-Aided Verification (Extended) – 10 credits
  • Nature-Inspired Search and Optimisation – 10 credits
  • Teaching Computer Science in Schools (Extended) – 20 credits
  • Neural Computation (Extended) – 20 credits
  • Distributed and Parallel Computing (Extended) – 20 credits

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.

See further details of our English Language requirement

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Our degrees in Mathematics will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need for a huge range of careers or further academic study. Where logical thinking, problem solving and statistical or strategic knowledge are required, being one of our graduates will put you ahead.

91% of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation (DHLE 2016/17)

Whatever you plan to do when you graduate, we have a comprehensive support package to help you prepare including specialist careers guidance, exclusive work experience opportunities and global internships. Our  Careers Network offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities:

  • Frequent careers advice drop-in sessions in the School, so you can always get help and advice when you need it.
  • An annual Maths Careers Fair, where you can meet employers specifically interested in mathematics graduates.
  • Regular Careers Skills Workshops run by employers or the College employability team to guide you through your career planning and give you an advantage in the application process for graduate positions and internships.
  • A fortnightly careers e-newsletter, including vacancies suited to maths students, with application deadlines and a calendar of careers events likely to be of interest to you as a maths student.

We have a range of industrial partners who work with our students including E.ON, Caterpillar, Jaguar Land Rover, the Office for National Statistics, R&A, FDM Group, Barnett Waddingham and Malvern Instruments.