- UCAS course code
- GG14
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course description
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
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 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year Team Project | COMP10120 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Introduction to Programming 1 | COMP16321 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Introduction to Programming 2 | COMP16412 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Careers workshop, Year 1 Computer Science | COMP1ASP | 0 | Mandatory |
| Linear Algebra | MATH11022 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Mathematical Foundations & Analysis | MATH11121 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Probability I | MATH11711 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Fundamentals of Computation | COMP11212 | 10 | Optional |
| Data Science | COMP13212 | 10 | Optional |
| Operating Systems | COMP15212 | 10 | Optional |
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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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing My Future – Y2 Computer Science | COMP2ASP | 0 | Mandatory |
| COMP - Careers Yr 2 | COMP2CARS | 0 | Mandatory |
| Groups and Geometry | MATH21120 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Logic and Modelling | COMP21111 | 10 | Optional |
| Database Systems | COMP23111 | 10 | Optional |
| 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 |
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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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Year Project Laboratory | COMP30030 | 30 | Mandatory |
| Giving Meaning to Programs | COMP31311 | 10 | Optional |
| Agile Software Pipelines | COMP33312 | 10 | Optional |
| User Experience | COMP33511 | 10 | Optional |
| AI and Games | COMP34111 | 10 | Optional |
| Cognitive Robotics | COMP34212 | 10 | Optional |
| Mathematical Topics in Machine Learning | COMP34312 | 10 | Optional |
| Computational Game Theory | COMP34612 | 10 | Optional |
| Natural Language Processing | COMP34711 | 10 | Optional |
| Natural Language Understanding | COMP34812 | 10 | Optional |
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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
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
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.