BSc Computer Science and Mathematics / Course details

Year of entry: 2023

Course description

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1st Year Team Projects - Computer Science UoM

Choosing the Computer Science and Mathematics programme allows you to combine the study of these two disciplines, each occupying half of your studies, and explores the reliance of each on the other.

This joint honours degree programme enables you to acquire a useful combination of mathematical and computer science knowledge and skills. It covers the knowledge needed to implement mathematical models in simulations that evaluate real world situations such as stress analysis in bridges and buildings, airflow over aircraft wings, or financial modelling.

The topics studied include a number of important ideas of mathematics, including the concepts of rigorous argument, formal proof and the power of abstract formulation of problems. This is combined with the core computer science topics of programming and software engineering, together with the study of mathematical principals underpinning the foundations of computing.

You will gain not only knowledge and practical experience of the latest technologies, but also a grounding in the underlying principles of the subject. It is this combination of skills that enable our graduates to keep pace with this fast moving subject, and secure top jobs in industry and research..

Detailed programme and course unit information is available here

Special features

Dr Andrea Schalk, Computer Science & Maths programme director

The CS & Maths course has a real sense of community around it, which helps create a culture of students supporting each other.

The course covers exciting areas such as machine learning and data science which are maths heavy, so this enables students to go in careers or further studies in Maths or Computer Science.

Dr Andrea Schalk / Computer Science & Maths Programme Director
  • By drawing staff from two 'excellent' rated departments students are taught by experts in each field.
  • Traditional careers to which both computer science and mathematics graduates progress are open to you.
  • Many of our projects and taught modules are supported by Industry

Teaching and learning

At Manchester we aim to provide a unique experience. Studying Computer Science with us will give you the chance to follow your academic curiosity and explore a fascinating subject.

A significant amount of your work will be project-based team work, tackling real problems. You will see how computer science is directly applicable to solving problems, across a broad range of areas.

The emphasis throughout is on independent learning, supported by regular meetings in small groups with personal tutors. You receive practical help and support from experienced staff and postgraduates, with leading experts guiding your learning and stimulating your interest. This approach is supported by conventional lectures and comprehensive on-line learning resources. We also provide excellent facilities, including specialist laboratories to support areas such as engineering and robotics.

Coursework and assessment

Unseen examinations account for about 60% of the assessment. These assess your abilities in the selection and application of knowledge, problem solving, and the design and evaluation of software or electronics. Other assessment is mainly through laboratory-based coursework that provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of computer science of electronic principles by tackling specific problems on a more realistic scale, both individually and in groups.

The remaining assessment is through presentations and essays where, in particular, you demonstrate the transferable skills you have acquired. In the third and final year, the non-examination assessment is mainly made up of the practical project.

Course content for year 2

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
COMP - Careers Yr 2 COMP2CARS 0 Mandatory
Real Analysis B MATH20111 10 Mandatory
Algebraic Structures 1 MATH20201 10 Mandatory
Software Engineering 1 COMP23311 10 Optional
Software Engineering 2 COMP23412 10 Optional
Introduction to AI COMP24011 10 Optional
Machine Learning COMP24112 10 Optional
Knowledge Based AI COMP24412 10 Optional
Programming Languages & Paradigms COMP26020 20 Optional
Distributed Systems COMP28112 10 Optional
Metric Spaces MATH20122 10 Optional
Calculus of Several Variables MATH20132 10 Optional
Algebraic Structures 2 MATH20212 10 Optional
Introduction to Geometry MATH20222 10 Optional
Introduction to Logic MATH20302 10 Optional
Partial Differential Equations and Vector Calculus B MATH20411 10 Optional
Fluid Mechanics MATH20502 10 Optional
Numerical Analysis 1 MATH20602 10 Optional
Discrete Mathematics MATH20902 10 Optional
Introduction to Financial Mathematics MATH20912 10 Optional
2P2: Complex Analysis MATH29142 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 21 course units for year 2

Course content for year 3

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Third Year Project Laboratory COMP30030 30 Mandatory

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages .

What our students say

Student ambassadors
Student ambassadors working at an Open Day
Todd Davies, BSc Computer Science

I always has the mind-set in my degree that I was learning how to learn. I feel like the BSc in Computer Science gives you a very holistic view of the subject, all the way from logic gates to high-level modules like Computer Vision.

Seb Masaru, BSc Computer Science

The community, the Department, the University, and the city itself are so vibrant in Manchester. You get the sensation that the people here are all extremely approachable.

Facilities

Students working in the Collabs, Kilburn Building
Students working in the Collabs, Kilburn Building

As you would expect from leaders in the field, we offer some of the most up to date facilities in the world. Amongst the wide range of facilities available to you are:

  • Newly refurbished computing labs furnished with modern desktop computers, available with Linux and Windows
  • Access to world leading academic staff
  • Collaborative working labs complete with specialist computing and audio visual equipment to support group working.
  • Over 300 Computers in the Department dedicated exclusively for the use of our students.
  • Access to a hardware library, with top of the range equipment, including drones, robots and oculus rifts.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk