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Studying computing & IT degree guide

Computers and computer programmes help shape the world we live in – their importance simply can’t be underestimated. A computing & IT degree explores different aspects of the technological world, from programming and software development to computer security and artificial intelligence.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

If you understand computers and IT, you’ll never be short of a job and studying this subject will set you up for a well-paid and exciting career path. If you’re interested in computing generally then many universities will offer general degrees in computer science or computing. On the other hand, if you already know you want to go into something like AI, there are many specialist courses that may be of interest to you.

Find computing and IT courses.

What do you need to get on a computing & IT degree?


Average entry requirements for a computing & IT degree are:

  • UCAS points: 136 
  • A-levels: AAB 
  • Scottish Highers: AAABB
  • BTEC Nationals: DDD
  • International Baccalaureate: 34  

Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.

Unis will often ask for an A-level (or equivalent) in maths.

What computing & IT degrees can you study?


Degrees in computing & IT include:

  • BSc Computer Science  
  • BSc Forensic Computing 
  • BSc Information Management and Business 
  • BSc Information Science  


What topics does a computing & IT degree cover?
 

Common modules for computing & IT include:

  • Mathematics
  • Programming
  • Foundations of computer systems
  • History of computing
  • Principles of information theory
  • Software engineering
  • Creating 3D graphics
  • AI

What do you learn studying a computing & IT degree?


Studying a computing & IT degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Programming
  • Software design and building
  • Algorithm design
  • Database management
  • Web security

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Critical analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention-to-detail
  • Organisation
  • Research
  • Presentation skills

What professional accreditations can you get with a computing & IT degree?
 

Several professional organisations, like Selex, offer specialised positions for computing & IT graduates.

What can you do with a computing & IT degree?
 


A computing & IT degree will give you lots of job opportunities, like:

Where to study computing & IT?
 

How long is a computing & IT degree?
 

A computing & IT degree usually takes three years to study. However, many unis will give the option of a sandwich year (a year spent on placement), which will increase your course to four years.

How will you be assessed?
 

Computing & IT courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Exams
  • Coursework
  • Final-year dissertation

What are the postgraduate opportunities?


Your options for further study include:

  • MA Information Technology
  • MA Archive Administration 
  • MA Information Science 
  • MA Artificial Intelligence
  • MA Cyber Security

What alternatives are there to a computing & IT degree?


Not sure if a computing & IT degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: